MANILA, Philippines — Celebrities shared their excitement over University of the Philippines' first win in 32 years after UP's Fighting Maroons beat Adamson University's Falcons, 89-87, at the men's basketball semifinals of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) held at the Araneta Coliseum.
UP will go against defending champions Ateneo de Manila University in the finals, dubbed "The Battle of Katipunan."
Breaking out the maroon tie for our team! You make us proud! #UPFight! pic.twitter.com/hAjt1EAtqy
— Atom Araullo (@atomaraullo) November 28, 2018
Celebrity UP graduates took to social media to give support and congratulate their alma matter on clinching a finals berth.
Journalist Atom Araullo posted on Twitter his maroon tie to support UP, saying: “Breaking out the maroon tie for our team! You make us proud! #UPFight!”
Hindi niyo kami mahuhulí! Lelz ????CTTO: Nakaw lang sa FB #UPFight pic.twitter.com/1oy5t53vGn
— Atom Araullo (@atomaraullo) November 29, 2018
Senator Chiz Escudero said he was in first year college since UP made it to the finals, so he congratulated the basketball team.
“I was in 1st year college,32 years ago, when UP last made it to the finals. Congrats to the UP Fighting Maroons!!!! Kudos to the Adamson team as well as both teams gave it their all!!! Certainly one of the best basketball games I have ever watched...” he wrote on his Twitter account.
I was in 1st year college, 32 years ago, when UP last made it to the finals. Congrats to the UP Fighting Maroons!!!! Kudos to the Adamson team as well as both teams gave it their all!!! Certainly one of the best basketball games I have ever watched...
— Chiz Escudero (@SayChiz) November 28, 2018
Former UP courtside reporter Gretchen Fullido posted a video showing how emotional she got after her alma matter made it to the finals.
“UP win UP wins! We’re crying on the set of @TVPatrol! Happy ka rin ba Kabayan?s! We’re crying on the set of @TVPatrol! Happy ka rin ba Kabayan?” she wrote.
UP wins! We’re crying on the set of @TVPatrol! ???? Happy ka rin ba Kabayan? ???????????????? #UPFight pic.twitter.com/A3DhR38PHt
— Gretchen Fullido (@gretsfullido) November 28, 2018
Musician Ebe Dancel also congratulates his team, saying: “Nakakaiyak. Ang tagal nating inantay to, mahal kong UP. Thank you, Maroons. What a season.”
Nakakaiyak. Ang tagal nating inantay to, mahal kong UP. Thank you, Maroons. What a season.
— Ebe Dancel (@ebedancel) November 28, 2018
Richard Gomez posted on Instagram a photo of him with wife Lucy and friends wearing a UP shirt.
“Congratulations UP!!! See you at the Finals!” he wrote.
Meanwhile, Ateneo graduates also congratulated their Katipunan neighbors on winning the game and are excited to see their team battle against the state university.
“Congrats, UP! Excited for Saturday!” Karylle wrote on Twitter, while Robi Domingo wrote: “BATTLE OF KATIPUNAN.”
Congrats, UP! Excited for Saturday!
— karylle (@anakarylle) November 28, 2018
Former Ateneo Lady Eagle Gretchen Ho said her “heart goes to the UP community.”
“Sarap!!!! My heart goes out to the UP community!!! Let the (friendly) trashtalking begin,” she wrote.
Golden!!!! https://t.co/5IOnQswaUd
— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) November 28, 2018
Ateneo Communication Arts graduate Bianca Gonzalez also congratulates UP on their win saying “See you at the finals UP!!!! One big fight!!!!"
Why does this feel like they won a championship game
— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) November 28, 2018
CONGRATULATIONS UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AMAZING GAME!!!!!!