The UAAP’s so-called “Big Three”—Ateneo, La Salle, and UP—put aside colors and rivalries to stand united in a fight bigger than the game of UAAP basketball.
Used to facing each other as rivals, UP, La Salle, and Ateneo found themselves on the same side of the fight.
In a show of unity, their respective pep squads transformed halftime performances in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament into a bold call against corruption and a demand for accountability.
Just last Sunday, the UP Pep Squad and the DLSU Animo Squad stood shoulder to shoulder, performing a collaborative routine that sent a powerful message.
The UP Pep Squad and DLSU Animo Squad performed together in a rare show of unity, calling for accountability and a fight against corruption. | Photo: The UAAP
“'Yung pagbibigay ng ganitong klase ng mensahe, hindi lang para sa perfect run o amazing routine, kundi para iparating ang aming mga cause na patuloy na sinisigaw para sa bayan,” UP Pep Squad team captain David Paulo told One Sports.
Co-captain Cheenie Oplas echoed his sentiment.
“Bilang iskolar ng bayan at mag-aaral sa unibersidad, importante po sa amin na marinig ang mga gusto naming iparating. Ginawa po namin itong collab routine upang mas marinig ng lahat ang pinaparating ng taumbayan,” she added.
@onesportsphl TAKING A STAND IN SOLIDARITY 🏹x?🏼 After an impactful halftime performance where the UP Pep Squad and the DLSU Animo Squad took a stand against corruption, members of both groups shared the importance of their cause and getting the community to rally together for a stronger voice. | via Bettina Dabu/One Sports #UAAPSeason88 #LegendsStartHere #StrengthInMotionHopeInAction #OSOnTheSpot
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“Since we are the future generation, we want to use our voice to be able to stand up for what is right. Even as students, we want to use platforms to make a change — even if it’s not a big change — on what’s happening in the world. Just change what is negative right now.”
Meanwhile, DLSU Animo Squad team captain Levna Lorraine Conti emphasized the importance of using their platform to stand up for what is right, hoping to inspire meaningful change.
It was a moment that transcended rivalry, as two schools that had faced each other in the last two UAAP Finals were now sharing the same stage for a cause bigger than basketball.
Earlier this season, the Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion made a similar statement during the “Battle of Katipunan,” concluding their halftime performance with the dramatic reveal of jackets bearing the words “KURAKOT IKULONG.”
The Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion performed with a strong statement during the first "Battle of Katipunan" of the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball | Photo: The UAAP
And while basketball demands fierce competition on the court, this larger fight off the court brought the UAAP’s so-called “Big Three” schools together as allies in a shared call for accountability.
Even Ateneo women’s basketball head coach LA Mumar stood in solidarity with his half-brother, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, who has been outspoken about corruption allegations—especially those linked to recent flood control projects—that have dominated national headlines.
[ALSO READ: Band of brothers: Ateneo coach LA Mumar stands with sibling Vico Sotto amid corruption exposé]
While basketball demands fierce competition on the court, this larger fight off the court brought the UAAP’s so-called “Big Three” schools together as allies in a shared call for integrity and accountability.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.