Historic win for UP brings out historic wit and will

In a clip posted by “Kuya Kim” Atienza on his social media accounts, he jokingly captioned that the main evening news of the Kapamilya network is “postponed.” (Screenshot from video by Kuya Kim Atienza/Facebook)

If you happen to be reading this article, wondering about why the win of University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons versus the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is historic, perhaps you need to do more scrolling! Because, this epic fight that gave birth to the “Battle of Katipunan” has already spread like wildfire online.

While we at Philippine Canadian Inquirer (PCI) are pretty sure that your newsfeeds are already filled with congratulatory statuses and appreciative posts about UP’s upcoming battle with the Ateneo Blue Eagles for the UAAP Finals, we have compiled some of the best posts and development online that definitely brought out the wit that Filipinos are known for.

1. Rival in the shadows

A page named UAAP – NCAA Memes in Facebook posted a photo by the La Sallian student publication – the façade of the De La Salle University (DLSU) – except that it is lit in red. While the red lighting is for DLSU’s Red Wednesday, the resemblance of the color to maroon, and the coincidence of the win happening also on a Wednesday sparked wit.

“DLSU lowkey cheering against ADMU,” the page’s administrator captioned, poking fun on the known rivalry between the archers and the eagles.

2. Battle for UP Town Center?

While having two contenders from the Katipunan area of the country sparked the “Battle of Katipunan,” students are quick to bring another trophy to the game.

Several are making bets on who gets to “own” the UP Town Center, with some from the blue side even joking to rename it to “Ateneo Town Center” if the Blue Eagles win the fight.

For the record, the so-called ‘trophy’ has said its word.

“UPTC is home to every Katipunero. May the best team win! #TheBattleofKatipunan #UPTCLovesYou.” UP Town Center in its official account tweeted.

Famous Twitter handler @iskolarspeaks retweeted the said tweet, adding “Uhm siz you’re literally called “UP” Town Center WHAT ARE YOU DOING.”

3. Postponed TV Patrol?

While Filipinos expect the really familiar news tune every 6:30 p.m. at ABS-CBN, the famous UP-AdU overtime might have delayed other things. A bit.

In a clip posted by “Kuya Kim” Atienza on his social media accounts, he jokingly captioned that the main evening news of the Kapamilya network is “postponed.”

The 56-second video features lead anchors Noli “Kabayan” De Castro, Bernadette Sembrano, Gretchen Fullido, Kuya Kim, and other staff leaning up, focused on the game in its last seconds.

Jaws dropped in anticipation of the happenings in the court, hands on chest, and voices heightening, as the game draws to a close with UP as the victor, loud cheers were heard as they jump in joy.

“Nasira ‘yung makeup ko (My makeup is ruined),” Gretchen was heard whining as she wipes the forming tears of joy at the corner of her eyes.

4. In the newsrooms

UP’s win after 32 years is not only being celebrated by the students and crowds but also inside the newsrooms.

Speaking of media personalities, not only the television personalities had their fair share of joy in their alma mater’s victory. Other people of the media behind print and online sites have their own gimmick as well.

The admin of the Twitter account @edsMNL known as Editors of Manila, in all caps, typed with all their might, “WOOOOHOOOOO MEDIA BIAS SA (on) UP HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA MARAMI KAMING (there are a lot of us that are) ALUMNI.”

Camille Diola of PhilStar and Interaksyon retweeted this, adding in jest, “I-banner story ‘yan! So what kung hindi pa finals?! (Make that the banner story! So what if it is not yet the finals?!”

5. All blue

Even before the results were out in the UP vs AdU game, someone made a valid point.

Twitter user @MontalboRoger noted the hue of the Ateneo and Adamson.

“Pangit kasi ‘pag AdU nanalo. Biro mo lahat manonood sa finals naka-blue baka malito mga crowd (It would be bad for AdU to win. Imagine watching the finals with everyone wearing blue, the crowd may be confused),” he wrote.

While he did not mention it, the eagle and the falcon are both birds. Interesting.

6. Senate suspends session

Well they do say that majority wins right? Apparently, with 11 senators who are graduates of UP, it was reported that the session on Wednesday was suspended to give way to watching the game.

Though solons were seen in photos smiling while staring at the television, some netizens were not really smiling upon knowing that a legislative session was called of for the sake of the game.

Surely, the UAAP basketball games are played by college students. But this battle of the schools is not limited to the undergraduates as it resonates to the alumni.