USC Intramurals 2017 Opening Ceremony

Photo by Dorothy Lee

Cheers of pride, passion and excitement filled the entire Anselmo Bustos Sports Complex of Downtown Campus earlier today as Carolinians gathered to take part in the opening ceremony of USC Days 2017.

Bearing the theme, “Exodus in Education: Deconstruction, Reconstruction, Re-launching”, the event opened with back-to-back performances from the USC Performing Arts and the USC North Campus Drum and Bugle Corps, followed by the presentation of school colors and the intramurals banner.

With the crowd all hyped up, the entrance of athletes from the School of Engineering (SOE), the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), the School of Education (SED), the School of Business and Economics (SBE), the School of Health Care Professions (SHCP), the School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design (SAFAD) the School of Law and Governance (SLG) and the Senior High School (SHS) followed.  The representatives for Mr. and Ms. Intramurals 2017 led their respective schools into the gymnasium while bearing their school flags.

Once the athletes were all settled, university chaplain, Fr. Eugene Docoy, SVD led the invocation. The singing of the national anthem and USC hymn followed right after.

Then, the university president, Fr. Dionisio M. Miranda, SVD gave his opening remarks. He highlighted three main points in his speech. First, he stated that this event was celebrated not only for the intellectual formation of students but also to give importance to their physical formation through the various events. Next, he prompted the athletes to think outside the box stating that true champions go beyond their capabilities. Lastly, he called upon the youth to support one another in the spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity.

Three-time karatedo gold medalist, Tracy Lynne Basalo then led the Oath of Sportsmanship after the school flags were raised by the Mr. and Ms. Intramurals candidates. Following this, Fr. Miranda declared the USC Intramurals officially open and then the USC Dance Troupe performed a dance number.

Afterward, the candidates for Mr. and Ms. Intramurals took the stage for their production number, and each took his and her turn to give welcoming remarks and to showcase physique and poise. Last year’s Himig Pinoy winners, Mr. Leomar Hermosilla and Ms. Nech Michelle Tuazon presented a song number before the crowning of the winners. For Ms. Intramurals, Monica Tawide of SAS was declared second runner up, Christine Vangelyn Pamonag of SHCP was declared first runner-up, and SHS bet DJ Mae Dente was crowned Ms. Intramurals 2017. For Mr. Intramurals, John Remus Lagbo of SHS was declared second runner up, Aldee Chris Samson of SAS was declared first runner up and SOE candidate  Adrian Jose was hailed as Mr. Intramurals 2017.

Shouts from the crowd intensified as the main event of the program, the Cheer Dance Competition, was announced. The teams from the different competing schools showcased their prowess on the dance floor through a series of stunts and dance routines. Once all the teams were able to present, the USC Dance Club performed their intermission number. The SHS cheer dance team was awarded third place while the SOE team bagged second place. Tension was high as everyone anticipated the declaration of this year’s champion of the Cheer Dance Competition. The SAS cheer dance team was hailed the official champion of the competition with their carnival-themed presentation.

This year’s opening sets the stage for the week-long – long events and competitions that would follow. Moreover, in line with the USC Days celebration, the National Service Training Program of the university recently implemented a seating capacity policy for this event and for the closing program on Aug. 25 to ensure that everyone attending the events is safe.