In the Midst of Victory

2002 was very memorable for us Sophomores mainly because of one thing: the Sportsfest. Being the overall batch champion back when we were still freshmen, we all certainly were determined this year to make the most out of our capabilities. I mean, if we had done it before, surely we can give it another try!

October (or even earlier than that) signaled the start of preparations in all of the high school year levels plus the graders, since it was to be held in December. And with that limited time, we were quite hectic towards the tail end of the duration. Practices (with its share of fun and dispute) were frequent and done with privacy, so as not to be seen by the other batches (hmmm!). I could admit that there was some kind of ‘rivalry’ between the year levels, which was probably due to increased tension and anxiety (and each batch’s feelings of inadequacy, I suppose) over the surpassing months – but none of that went extreme. It’s a friendly contest in the first place anyway.

And finally, after all the fuss and the final rehearsals, comes the “D-day”. Exams have just been done about and now, here it is! December 18 was a day to remember.

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That bright new Wednesday was a big day to reckon with. By 9 o’clock a.m. after the class party, the batch choir (which I am a participant of) had to make last-minute drills as the Christmas Choir Competition was about to happen an hour later. We had the usual jitters (hearing the other batches do their little rehearsals at that time – terrifying!), but our choir instructor Ma’am Rose told us not to be perturbed by these matters, that we’re in it for our best show. We prayed before going to the auditorium.

Seeing my Mom Shirley and my Ninang Melody among the audience brought great excitement to me before performing (as the 2nd years were to be the first to rock the stage) – they’re there to cheer for us! While waiting, my friends and I were doing bits and pieces of tiny practices in case we forget anything.

As we were called to get prepared, we were still a bit fidgety but nonetheless confident. Our leader Kevin assured us it would be all right. The curtains opened to a full, and the Sophomore choir stood center stage! We sang the contest piece “Deck the Halls” with flowing energy, and also on the delighted “Ilang Tulog Pa Ba?” When we finished, I heaved a sigh… finally it’s done! We heard the Juniors, the Freshmen, and the Seniors consecutively with their own renditions of which were done in spectacular manner also, most especially the last group. And when it came to the announcement of winners, our choir was overly anxious to listen… and we won 2nd place!!! We were literally jumping up and down the place -- with hugs, high-fives, cheers and whatnot! The fourth-years eventually took the top prize. It was amazing that the ‘sister batches’ won. As we all got prepped up for the photo ops (though wardrobes got somehow disheveled from the rowdy revelry), we were all smiles for the cameras and personally, I felt like a celebrity from all the flashes that my grin was almost plastered till the way out!

After eating lunch with gusto, I changed to batch attire. By 1pm, me and several of my close friends went to the 3rd floor gym and occupied seats for the Sportsfest kick-off event. It was hot, but we braved through it while having friendly chats and waiting for the program to start.

And at long last, the festivities commenced. Our group was packed with all the pep paraphernalia imaginable – the cheer (of course), balloons, pompoms, even empty plastic bottles and those small popping stuff! That really got us in the spirit when the teams came, and with the rollicking shouts of “Go Sophies Go!” etc, who wouldn’t get involved with the mad frenzy? All of the Ms. Sportsfest candidates strutted their way with charm and grace, and if you were just a plain observer, you’ll have a hard time picking your bet!

But that’s just the warm-up. The cheering competition was brewing, and we were prepared to witness the showdown. Seeing each level do a piece of the action, we waited eagerly for the Sophomore squad, and when they finally did man the grounds, we did our version of the cheers in rip-roaring enthusiasm that our voices nearly drowned everyone else’s back at the stands!

After all had been done with the Ms. Sportsfest proper, now having 5 finalists left and with the parading of their attires, came the Q&A. Though the candidates’ answers were not audible from where I sat, we simply wished them the best of luck. And finally the moment of truth! We were silently begging that our batchmates Royce and Therese would get the top spots, which they certainly did! It was really wonderful. Now, now, that’s only the tip of the iceberg, really…

We can’t bear but stand up and get hysterical, since they were already going to announce the winners! And you bet a million dollars this was one of the best days to be a Sophie! We won the cheerdancing competition (for Junior division), best pep squad (my screams really paid off, yay!), and best batch shirt! I was jumping up and down from all the euphoria, sang to the music, and did my little “happy dance” (you wouldn’t want to know what that is!) God must have been smiling down at us!

This event made a glorious end for the beginning of Christmas vacation. Having a silly grin in my face while exiting, I saw my friends and everyone else with the same ecstatic expression. Our batch coordinator Maria must’ve basked in glory (you deserve it anyways)! I’ve forgotten all my worries because there was too much happiness overflowing!

I don’t know who is the Sportsfest’s overall batch champion (as of the time I’m writing this) but I believe everybody in all the year levels have done absolutely great. Win or lose – it doesn’t matter, ‘coz it’s the beauty of sportsmanship that counts.

But… can I say something? I really am privileged to be part of the best batch I know of: SOPHOMORES ’03!!!

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Note: This article appeared in The Judenites, March 2003 issue.
(as Features Staffer)