UST Tigers hailed campus superstars

It was a campus bash like no other as Santo Tomas officials, fans and students hailed the Growling Tigers, the new cage heroes in a night of fireworks and music.

In fact, they were treated like superstars — Japs Cuan could easily pass up as a skin-head rockstar or Chester Taylor for a matinee idol or Dylan Ababou a member of a boy band.

But no, they’re simply members of a victorious UST squad that shocked Ateneo in one of the most memorable finals series in the history of the top collegiate league in the land.

It was celebration reminiscent of the party held exactly a decade ago when the España-based cagers capped an amazing four-peat with the 1996 crown.

"This is unbelievable, I’m just overwhelmed by the fans’ support," said Cuan, who gamely signed autographs and posed for pictures with their thousands of fans on the campus.

"I’m really happy, I couldn’t believe it would be like this," said Joseph Cortez, who will be back next season to take act as co-skipper with Jojo Duncil.

"It was like heaven," said Jun Dizon, who had some shining moments in the finals.

Fr. Ermito de Sagon, OP, UST’s representative to the UAAP board, said the team deserved all the accolade for their hard work that led to one of the most improbable title finishes in years.

"They worked hard for this moment, they deserved this," said de Sagon.

UST team manager Clarence Aytona said the team was simply astonished by the outpouring of support from the UST community.

"It’s really amazing, we hope the euphoria would carry on till next year," said Aytona.

As early as yesterday morning, winning coach Pido Jarencio and some members of the team did television interviews before returning to UST to attend a thanksgiving Mass for the team’s remarkable feat.

Incoming UST rector Fr. Ernesto Arceo, OP, celebrated the Mass, saying the school is blessed with hardworking, God-fearing players.

From there, the Tigers walked to the Rector’s Hall for a thanksgiving dinner hosted by Fr. Arceo. Acting rector Fr. Juan Ponce, OP, was also there along with top school officials.

After the dinner, a 10-minute fireworks display lit up the sky amid the cheers of thousands of students who packed the newly-renovated main building.

After getting hugged and kissed by their supporters, the Tigers gladly signed autographs and posed for souvenir pictures. Some players gave flying kisses to those who couldn’t come near, while others simply waved to the crowd.

Then they were treated to a night of fun and music, courtesy of Parokya ni Edgar, Gish, Join D’Club and Sophia who belted their popular songs as thousands of students danced the night away.

And for scaling a great height that was the UAAP championship, the Tigers would be rewarded with a trip to the Great Wall of China in Beijing.

"It was promised to them by the acting rector," said de Sagon.