The sun has not yet risen, no sighting of open establishments and there were barely people around except for probably 15 of us patiently waiting by the gates. I vividly remember, it was 45 minutes past 5 in the morning. I woke up particularly jittery that day, as in the days before that. Why shouldn’t I be? I have watched all of Salinggawi’s prior performances only on TV and it frustrates me that I don’t have a ticket to watch their “Roar 4 More” performance yet. No, not this time, not again. I missed it on my 1st year in College, I didn’t see the awesomeness of the “helicopter” live, I was not gonna let that happen again.
And so there I was, standing by the gate of Araneta Center Ticket booth before sunrise, desperately hoping that I could secure for myself and my friends a Standing Room Ticket (SRO) for the UAAP Season 65 Cheerdance Competition. There I was, together with some drivers and helpers made to stand in line for tickets, anticipating the opening of the ticket booth like waiting for Manna from heaven. I can still remember how I patiently pushed and shoved (hehe) some people who were trying to insert themselves before me. I felt like I had all the right, after all, I was up really early for this. They better be more diligent next time. Hehe 🙂
At around noon, the ticket booth opened and finally, me and my friends were able to purchase our tickets. We entered the Big Dome as soon as the gates open. We were in Upper B and were “supposed” to be on SRO. But since we are diligent, we came in way before those who purchased reserved seating tickets. So pasensyahan nalang, when they got in and found us comfortably and confidently sitting on their seats. Looking back, I want to thank them for their generosity and kindness, they didn’t bother us anymore and content themselves watching by the aisle. Way to go!
The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe successfully defended their crown that year. They set a record of four (4) straight wins. They went farther the next year as they “Jive for Five” and won yet again. They held the cheerdance championship for five (5) consecutive years (2002-2006), a feat that no other team in the UAAP has ever accomplished as of this date.
But Salinggawi went on a slow steep the years after, from a bridesmaid finish in 2007 and 2008, to falling in and out of the winning column, until their worst ranking in 2013 (7th). Supporters and the crowd also began to diminish in numbers, haters and non-believers increased their base. Admittedly, Thomasians doubted Salinggawi. Wala na, tapos na ang glory years. Year after year, Salinggawi lost their clean and beautiful tosses and pyramids, no more graceful dances. Instead, there were so many falls and drops in the performances, magulo, mukhang masyadong kabado.
Salinggawi is derived from the Filipino phrase “Salin ng mga dating Gawi at Lahi”, which translates to “transfer of customs and traditions” in English. The dance troupe together with the UST Yellow Jackets took pride in passing on the excellence and winning tradition in the field of dance and cheering from one batch to another. Sadly, it looked like hindi naisalin ang nakaGAWIan in the past few years. It seemed like Salinggawi lost its identity. Madaming nagtatanong, nasaan na ang dating Gawi? Kelan kaya ito magbabalik?
Throughout the past eight (8) years, however, it appears that it is not only the Salinggawi which failed to pass on tradition. Because of the disappointing runs, the once vibrant and supportive Thomasian fan base became the primary doubters of the Salinggawi Dance Troupe. Hindi rin naipasa ang nakaGAWIang pagsuporta at paniniwala sa Salinggawi.
Back then, almost half of the Araneta Coliseum was filled with yellow shirts and yellow balloons. It is true what they say, “listen to the Tigers ROAR”. As soon as the first drum beat is heard, the resounding “Go USTE” chant will envelope the entire Big Dome and you’ll feel goosebumps all over you. Thomasians were very proud of the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe. Like what I did back in 2005 and 2006, we won’t hesitate to wrestle for tickets just so we can watch them perform live. We remain confident despite the angst and creativity of the UP Pep Squad and the clean execution by the FEU Cheering Squad. We did not fear, we did not doubt. We were sure that Salinggawi will always win. For years, ang nakagawiang buwis buhay na suporta ay naipasa at napanindigan ng mga Tomasino.
Things have changed for the worst for the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, unfortunately. Last Sunday, UST was almost just a speck in the crowd. The drums were still resounding but the “GO USTE” chant, no more. Mahina, walang gana.
This season, I finally watched the cheerdance competition live again, after years of absence. Yes, I too was hurt, devastated and disappointed. I cannot bear to watch the team I lined up for early in the morning lose like they don’t have any winning tradition under their belt. I cannot believe how a team which seemed so invincible loses their confidence to perform just like a snap of a finger. Yes, I too doubted the Salinggawi Dance Troupe. To be completely honest, I went to watch without any expectation that they will win. For that, I am sorry.
But despite it all, Salinggawi will always be Salinggawi. Amidst all the questions about their return, they trained and prepared regardless of the circumstances that befell them. Without a podium finish, they did not have a cash prize to work with and I am not even sure if they are getting enough financial support, but they did not stop. Neither were they disheartened by the fact that there was a 75% decrease in UST crowd attendance. Last Sunday, they went there to fight and win, for UST.
After placing 7th last year, the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe is finally back on the winning column. They placed 3rd to NU and UP, respectively. I was seated in the middle of the Adamson crowd (it was the only seat available) but I stood up and ever so proudly cheered, “Go USTE, Go USTE, Go! Go! Go!” I teared up and was so jubilant that I did not mind who will win the Championship. All that mattered was UST winning again! FINALLY!
Some may have probably said that we celebrate way too much, 3rd place lang naman. But this is more than JUST a Second Runner-Up finish for us Thomasians and Salinggawi faithfuls. This is Salinggawi showing us all that they will never back down from a fight and that for as long as there is a single soul that believes, anything can happen. This is Salinggawi telling Thomasians to keep the faith and support them as they slowly try to get the crown back. This is Salinggawi telling Thomasians na hindi pa natatapos at kailanman hindi titigil ang nakaGAWIan. This is Salinggawi proving us that no matter what, they will stand and fight for UST.
Win or lose, in close margins and blow-outs, the Salinggawi Dance Troupe and Yellow Jackets, cheer our athletes. They never lose the heart to uplift Thomasian spirits in the audience even if our Tigers and Tigresses are obviously licking fatal wounds, some even self-inflicted. They were always the last ones to leave the court or any sports event. They were always all heart for UST.
As they take center stage yet again next year, and in the years to come, let us also go ALL HEART for them. Huwag bumitiw sa SalingGAWI. Tulungan natin silang makabalik sa dati nilang kinalalagyan.
Sabay sabay tayong bumalik sa nakaGAWIan.
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