PEP RALLY 2024: Igniting a Limitless Flame
By: Lai Opeña
As the sound of cheers and the cadence of the drumline permeated the entire building, the anticipation rose for KAIROS: Breaking Free From Limits, which took place last September 19, 2024 at the St. Paul Activity Center for Excellence.
Officially kick-starting the event was the walk of athletes, featuring the SPCP Varsity Teams. Then ensued the electrifying performance of the Pep Rally Jingle Committee that sparked the entire SPACE with excitement as they sang, “Say it loud, say it proud, St. Paul!”
Shortly after the opening rites of the ceremony, SPCP alumna Doreen Astorga delivered her heartfelt opening remarks, recalling her personal experience as a gymnastics varsity member. The crowd listened intently as she emphasized the values that build a Paulinian student-athlete: Discipline, Respect, and Pride. Following her speech, the program’s emcees, Mrs. Ragas and Ms. Esmaya, took the stage, stirring up the crowd as they called out, “SPCP, Are you ready?”
After the emcees put the school spirit at an all time high, the performances from all 19 varsity teams began:
- Arnis Varsity led by team captain Stacey Joson
- Taekwondo Varsity led by team captain Alexis Mactal
- Karatedo Varsity led by team captain Dominique Duran
- Terpsichore Jazz Varsity led by team captain Francesca Bertulfo
- Gymnastics Varsity led by team captain Julianna Ignacio
- Terpsichore Street Varsity led by team captain Keira De Guzman
- SPCP Chorale Varsity led by team captain Chantel Guinid
- PEP Varsity led by team captain Samyra Roa Yu
- Fencing Varsity led by team captain Matilda Atienza
- Swimming Varsity led by team captain Charlize Bustos
- Chess Varsity led by team captain Adreinna Quitoriano
- Lawn Tennis Varsity led by team captain Hanna Sta. Cruz
- Football Varsity led by team captain Narra Carsi Cruz
- Table Tennis Varsity led by team captain Mikaela Mendoza
- Softball Varsity led by team captain Shayne Bravante
- Track and Field Varsity led by team captain Hannah Gaddi
- Badminton Varsity led by team captain Matthea Corpuz
- Debate Varsity led by team captain Regina Villanueva
- Basketball Varsity led by team captain Maria Acuzar
- Volleyball Varsity led by team captain Andrea Caro
One after the other, these performances captivated the audience. This flow of exhibits ranged from flashy dance sequences to daring displays of athleticism. But looking further, it is evident that beneath these seemingly whimsical displays was the agenda of showcasing the fun and honorable nature of the varsity teams. “Our performance can serve as a way to introduce or reintroduce our fellow Paulinians to the art of our sport, as well as its complexities, and let them enjoy its beauty.” expressed Luntian Santillan, a varsity member of Terpsichore Jazz.
The closing rites began after the initial cheers of the audience rang out following the final performance of the Volleyball Varsity. After a brief introduction from the emcees, Ms. Martin, the Sports Coordinator, stepped up front to deliver her closing remarks. She stressed the importance of the event’s tagline: “Breaking Free From Limits.”
“This season presents a perfect opportunity for us to seize the moment and strive for greatness. Let this be the season where we motivate ourselves to become barriers, challenge ourselves and push beyond our perceived limits.”
Shortly thereafter, the varsity students took the Oath of Sportsmanship, led by the Center for Sports (CFS) President, Miel Santiago. This was followed by the “Mark of Synergy,” a new tradition introduced last year, where athletes smeared their cheeks with gold and green paint. “A symbolic mark that encapsulates every heart of our collective endeavors.” Ishee Barbasa, the CFS Vice President, reads out. Mrs. Ragas added, “The Mark of Synergy will serve as a reminder to all you athletes that you symbolize St. Paul College Pasig’s valor and virtues.”
As the program concluded, the athletes and students settled down as they watched the official same-day edit of the Pep rally, produced by the Spirit Week Documentation Committee. Closing the event was the closing prayer led by the CFS PRO-External Hillary Ronquillo.
Ultimately, this year’s Pep Rally was a successful and exciting exhibition of all the SPCP Varsity teams, as the student body became witness to a ceremony that showcased both the fun and integrity of sports. Additionally, this event may also have sparked the interest of aspiring student athletes, thus perpetuating the cycle of SPCP sports. Although admittedly, Santiago expressed that this event was not an easy one to plan, she felt as if the effort exerted by the team was worth it, knowing it was her last.
The dedication poured into this year’s Pep Rally is truly commendable and will undoubtedly be an inspiration for the future Pep Rallies. With this strong foundation, the long anticipation begins as we look forward to the next Pep Rally, where we will push beyond our limits once again!
