By AJ Alarcon

Every year, Ateneo welcomes a new generation of athletes who proudly sport the Ateneo name. But, it is one thing to wear the name. It is another to carry it as it burns, through triumphs and setbacks, through passion and grit. For Atenean athletes, that burn does not fade with the season. Long after the flames die down, one thing remains: the ember — the spark left behind by a season of sacrifice, sweat, and heart. They let it linger, ready to set the next fire ablaze.

During the Blue Eagle Bonfire 2025 on May 24, held at the Ateneo Grade School (AGS) parking lot, Ateneo hailed those athletes who carried that burning spirit and left the mark of an eagle’s greatness during the 87th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

In his opening remarks, the university president, Fr. Roberto “Bobby” Yap, SJ, recognized the character that built the athletes, stating that they “work hard, train diligently, and give their all in every game.”

The atmosphere was set by the hosts, Marit Samson and Josh Pangan, who first presented the individual awardees, such as Kacey Dela Rosa and Sarah Makanjuola, who finished the season in the Mythical Five of the Women’s Basketball Tournament. 

The multitude of honors bagged by the Men’s and Women’s Chess Teams across the classical, rapid, and blitz tournaments were also celebrated, including Lexie Hernandez, the Rookie of the Year in her league.

The array of individual medals from the Fencing Team was then acknowledged, where Hannah Bellarmino stood out as a gold medalist in the épée discipline. 

The individual awards continued with the Men’s and Women’s Judo Team, with gold medalist Maxine Mababangloob in the spotlight, and the Men’s and Women’s Taekwondo Team, with the bronze merit of Carl Williams and James Macasaet. 

Russel Ricaforte and Hassan Lorana of the Track and Field Team were also commended for their gold finishes in Discus Throw and 800 m, respectively. Notably, Ricaforte stunned with a 47.80-meter throw, surpassing the 47.28-meter record of Ed Delina from the University of the Philippines. In addition, Lorana was crowned Rookie of the Year.

The Men’s Volleyball Team, frontlined by Best Opposite Spiker Amil Pacinio and Best Outside Spiker Kennedy Batas, was lauded. Batas also took home the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title. 

Also welcomed with ovation were the teams who capped off the season atop the podium — the Boys’ Fencing Team, Women’s Table Tennis Team, and Valorant team. 

Following this, the community hailed the squads who clawed at the silver merit — Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming Team, Indayog ng Atenistang Kabataan (IndAK), Women’s Rapid Chess Team, Men’s Table Tennis Team, Men’s and Women’s Badminton Team, and Men’s Football Team. 

Afterwards, the Blue Babble Battalion took the stage with an intermission performance, before the presentation of the champions proceeded.

The Junior High School Boys’ 3×3 Basketball Team kicked off the roster of champions, capitalizing on their 5×5 loss as fuel for redemption to come back stronger. To which they say, “Not one person, not one moment.”

Moreover, champions of the demo sport, the Women’s Blitz Chess Team, drew in the first championship title of the sport. When asked about her experience in leading the squad, Team Captain Kristine Flores expressed, “[Kapag] gumraduate ‘yong seniors, alam naming may matitirang magagaling sa amin.” — a testament to skill, but also humility in recognizing the strength of those who come after.  

Furthermore, in its debut season as a UAAP event, NBA 2K was conquered by the champions — Ateneo’s Valorant Team. They proudly stood onstage, rightly so, as they made Ateneo an NBA 2K powerhouse, setting the standard for seasons to come.

Last, but certainly not least, are the Men’s and Women’s Swimming Teams, who swam with the kind of passion only found in the heart of a champion.

The Women’s Team reclaimed merit, returning to the top of the podium after toppling heavyweight UP. The Men’s Team, on the other hand, defended it — refusing to surrender their spot as champions, securing a dominant 9-peat title.

And as the victories were counted, there echoed the quiet humility of athletes aware that behind each medal and trophy was a team, a coach, and a community they stood with. 

Then, the bonfire was lit alongside the beating drums of the battalion. And as the fire was ignited, so too did the promise of another year of Blue Eagle greatness.

This is the Blue and White Legacy—a legacy carried by every passing generation of Eagles; rekindled through flames, and alive in the embers of the bonfire.