The sixth edition of Rector’s Cup: Thomasian Alumni Golf Tournament, an initiative of the Thomasian alumni in collaboration with the UST Alumni Association, Inc. and the UST Office of Alumni Relations, raised over 3 million pesos for the benefit of Thomasian student-athletes. The proceeds were turned over to the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) on March 18, 2024 at the George S.K. Ty Hall at the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building (Thomasian Alumni Center). The funds support critical areas of need at the development programs of the student-athletes who compete in national and international sports events.
(L-R) OAR Director Asst. Prof. Joreen T. Rocamora, PhD, Team Junior High School Captain Mr. Clarence Aytona, Team Civil Law Captain Atty. Frankie Magsalin III, USTAAI President Atty. Dwight Ramos, TACFI Chairman Dr. Robert Sy, IPEA Athletics Moderator Asst. Prof. Rodrigo A. Sambuang Jr., MA, Tournament Director Dr. Adrian Laurel, Team Medicine & Surgery Captain Dr. Alberto Paulino, and Team Accountacy Captain Nelson Tan-Afuan.
Caption: Rector’s Cup Committee together with coaches and student-athletes
Rector’s Cup Tournament Director Dr. Adrian Laurel said the tournament, held on February 12, drew 280 golfers, which is the largest player turnout throughout the project’s run. It is a large leap compared to its player population since its establishment in 2016. The tournament has been consistently recruiting more alumni and supporters every year.
In a message to student athletes during the turnover ceremony, Laurel said: “You bear the logo and name of UST at the front of your uniform and your surname at the back. You represent the university. Always remember that there is a strong alumni [community] behind you.”
Thomasian Alumni Community Foundation, Inc. (TACFI) Chairman and Rector’s Cup pioneer Dr. Robert Sy also reported the financial history of the tournament. Since its inception, the Rector’s Cup has been able to garner and turn over 18 million pesos of donations to IPEA. He looks forward to the unending commitment of the project to its beneficiaries. “You are all this is all about… And to the next generation of athletes,” said Dr. Sy in his message.
Over 10 college-based teams joined this year’s tournament. Among them are graduates from the UST-Alfredo M. Velayo-College of Accountancy, College of Architecture, Faculty of Arts & Letters, Faculty of Civil Law, College of Commerce & Business Administration, Faculty of Engineering, Junior High School, Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, Faculty of Pharmacy, and the College of Science. Guests and friends from different industries also participated in solidarity with the tournament’s advocacy.
Caption: Team Medicine & Surgery receives the championship trophy
For this year, Team Medicine & Surgery clinched their 3rd straight championship followed by Team Pharmacy in second place and Team Engineering for the third place.
Monetary sponsors included Wilcon Depot, Inc., DivinaLaw, City Service Corporation, and Pacific Paint Boysen Philippines. In-kind sponsors included Skynet Travel Corp., Philippine Airlines, Argos, Ibarra, Cabean Cafe, Hotel 1611, Winford Manila Resort & Casino, Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City, Makati Medical Center Care Araneta City, GetGo, Jetour, AUG Manila, Lydia’s Lechon, JYL Athletica, UniGear Clothing, Wingfinity-UST, Ar. Eduardo Casares, Dr. Adrian Laurel, Atty. Frankie Magsalin III, and Marissa Pe-Yang.
The seventh installment of Rector’s Cup is set to take place in the second term of AY 2024-2025.