NEWS

UP Alumni HK hailed as champs in "Rambulan" comeback

The Rambulan UAAP 5.0, Baranggayan sa Hong Kong participants pose for a souvenir photo after a day of success

9th November, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong - The University of the Philippines Alumni Association Hong Kong (UPAAHK) emerged as the champions at the revival of this year's "Rambulan UAAP 5.0 : Baranggayan sa Hong Kong" games fest after beating the De La Salle Alumni Association - One La Salle Hong Kong Chapter (DLSU-OLSHK) in a tightly contested tiebreaker at the Repulse Bay Beach on Nov 9.

The Rambulan UAAP sa Hong Kong series has become one of the biggest and most sought-after gatherings organised by long-time Filipino residents and expats in the city. This is the first time the Rambulan was held again after a six-year hiatus, following the demonstrations in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is jointly organised by Hong Kong-based alumni representatives from UP, DLSU, Ateneo De Manila University and the University of Santo Tomas. This year's organisers are called the "Rambulan 5.0 Committee" to mark the games fest's 5th edition.

Two of the strongest alumni groups, UPAAHK and DLSAA-OLSHK were neck-and-neck in five out of the eight friendly games. UPAAHK placed first in "Putukin Mo Ang Lobo Ko", "Third PAArteh", and "Hugot Buntot" while DLSAA- OLSHK dominated in "Isang Bucket Ka Lang", "Hula Hoop Relay Loop", "Tono Henyo", and the "UAAP 5.0 Cheer Dance Competition".

UPAAHK eventually won at the tiebreaker round of Tono Henyo, rounding up with 31 points overall, followed by DLSAA- OLSHK with 30 points.

DLSAA-OLSHK is hailed winners at the UAAP 5.0 Cheer Dance Competition

The "4,3,2,1" scoring system remained unchanged where the team placing first in each game scored four points while the team placing last scored the least number of points.

Making a comeback this year was the UST Alumni Association Hong Kong Chapter, which came as 2nd runner-up and placed first in "RamPAK!" with a total of 16 points, followed by the Ateneo alumni group as 3rd runner-up overall with 12 points.

USTAAHK missed out in the friendly games in 2017 when it was held at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park. This is also the Thomasian alumni group's first participation as a Hong Kong society after it was formally recognised by the Hong Kong Police in December 2023.

The USTAAHK making a comeback after missing out in the 2017 edition of the Rambulan

In her keynote speech, Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan said the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), which was formally established as a permanent sports association in 1938, was special because of its friendly sports competition and called it "the pinnacle of university level sportsmanship".

"Through the UAAP, we get to watch and rally for our basketball, volleyball and cheerleading games. Sabi ni Jan (of USTAAHK) meron kayong cheerleading mamaya. Power, power!" said Aguilar-Usudan, drawing laughter from the crowd.

She said the games "had become the unifying force whether in the Philippines or abroad".

Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan graces the Rambulan UAAP 5.0 Baranggayan sa Hong Kong event with her opening speech on Nov 9. Aguilar-Usudan is a proud hybrid having taken up under grad years at UP and Juris Doctor at UST

"In Hong Kong, all UAAP-member alumni associations unite in one major event, that is (known as) UAAP Baranggayan sa Hong Kong or 'Rambulan' for short. The 'Rambulan', as you know, is organised by - in alphabetical order- Ateneo, La Salle, UP and UST. The event fosters sportsmanship, school pride and most of all camaraderie," said Aguilar-Usudan.

"Let us exercise all necessary precautions to avoid injury during the friendly games. I wish everyone a fun, safe and enjoyable time. So without further ado, I declare the competition open and let the games begin. May the best team win, congratulations to everyone! Maraming salamat po and mabuhay!" she added.

One Big Fight! The Ateneo alumni group proves they are more than just their numbers during the Hula Hoop Relay Loop game

Maritess Turingan, president of UPAAHK, said this year's Rambulan was "a lot more fun than I expected".

"I thought most alumni would show up just to watch, but instead we had enthusiastic team players. The individual school spirit is strong, but there is also a sense of community," said Turingan.

Jaerey Velasco, president of DLSAA-OLSHK, said it was a truly remarkable day to celebrate the cherished Rambulan tradition, reuniting the alumni after a significant hiatus.

'The Rambulan consistently serves as a fabulous opportunity to meet new people, rekindle old friendships, and forge unforgettable memories. I am eager to see an even greater turnout from DLSAA - One Lasalle Hong Kong alumni at our future gatherings," said Velasco.

Alumni groups enjoy a day at the beach under the sun for the "Isang Bucket Ka Lang" game challenge

The much-awaited event this year was inspired by Filipino street games' themes in barangay fiestas in the Philippines. Previous Rambulan events organised between 2014 and 2017 were held at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park, and the Repulse Bay Beach.

Despite the threat of the typhoon, this did not dampen spirits as the main event drew an average of 70 people. It saw the same average attendance at two previous Rambulan fundraiser mixers held in June and October, which enabled the committee to raise $7810 all for the games' logistics.

Jan Yumul, founding president of USTAAHK said it was "great to be back, officially representing USTAAHK as its president" and that the clamour from the community to organise this event "had been so inspiring".

"We had guest players from Centro Escolar University and the Technological Institute of the Philippines. Our judges are from Mapua and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Up to this day, the Rambulan serves as the perfect platform for alumni from universities and colleges outside UAAP who are in Hong Kong to connect and unite, bolstering the profile of Filipino professionals in the city. This is how it happened for UST and I'm happy that we could give back to the community in this way," said Yumul.

"What is notable for me are the growing businesses that have come to chip in and support our efforts. Many of these Hong Kong businesses are Filipino-owned. I hope to see a bigger Rambulan next year. I have made mental notes on how to make the event more inclusive," she added.

Participants enjoy beverage sponsored by San Miguel Brewery Hong Kong Limited

The main event on Nov 9 saw support from two major sponsors, Ayalaland HK, which sponsored the trophies and an overnight stay at Seda Hotel for 2 persons with breakfast and amenities, and San Miguel Brewery Hong Kong Limited, which sponsored more than 70 cans of beers, a mix of both San Miguel Pale Pilsen and San Mig Light.

Marites Bancod, country manager of Ayalaland HK, praised the event for positively promoting strong camaraderie among professionals and alumni associations in Hong Kong. Visibly pleased with the turnout, she dropped a bombshell and offered an extra overnight stay at Seda Hotel to the 1st runner-up, which drew thunderous cheers, drowning out her surprise announcement.

Ayalaland HK was the first Philippine company to support Rambulan when the fun fest games launched a decade ago.

During the two mixers, the event saw also sponsorship support from Afreight, San Miguel Brewery Hong Kong Limited, Potato Corner Hong Kong, Kambal Gallery, The Blomstre, and Philippine Airlines where two free round-trip tickets were provided.

"It was a fantastic day to finally hold Rambulan after years of uncertainty! It was a good time to actually meet other Ateneans who came and joined! It inspired our school spirit to further push for the Ateneo Alumni Association to be formally recognised as a society in Hong Kong," said Joms Ortega, convenor of the Ateneo alumni group and member of the Rambulan 5.0 Committee.

"I do want to reach out to other Ateneo Alumni to get in touch and be part of the next one so we can strongly represent our university. We can be found through the Ateneo Alumni Association (HK) facebook page. Just post a message and I will get in touch!" he added.

Food catered by Siony's Lutong Bahay with school-themed puto.

The models of the "RamPAK!", a sustainable gown competition, which saw USTAAHK dominate the round for its creativity and for maximising sustainable materials available, as well as those provided by the oraganisers

The Rambulan 5.0 Committee comprises of Maritess Turingan, president of UPAAHK ; Jaerey Velasco, president DLSAA-OLSHK; Gary Flores, Treasurer, DLSAA-OLSHK; Joms Ortega of AdMU HK; and Jan Yumul, founding president USTAAHK.

This year's Rambulan judges were Marichie Biscocho, a premier financial advisor in Hong Kong and an alumna of Mapua University in Manila, Philippines and Albert Yu, an architect and alumnus of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Strategising their footprints to victory in the Third PAArteh race

A friendly competition during the The Third PAArteh race as opposing teams cheer each other on

The UAAP was formally established as a permanent sports association in 1938. Apart from UST and UP, its other first members are National University (NU), and Far Eastern University (FEU). Today, it has eight members, including the University of the East (UE), Adamson University, ADMU. The DLSU as the last to be admitted to the league in 1986.

DLAA-OLSHK claim their trophy as 1st runner-up with Marites Bancod, country manager of Ayalaland HK (in maroon)

Ateneo alumni is all smiles in their display of sportsmanship despite placing last in this photo with Marites Bancod, country manager of Ayalaland HK (in maroon)

USTAAHK with Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan (centre)

HK Lasallians with Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan (centre)

The Rambulan UAAP 5.0 "family photo" after wrapping up another unforgettable day!

Sponshorship/Media Enquiries

• UPAAHK: https://www.facebook.com/UPAAHK
• 1LSHK:: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DLSAAHK
• ADMU: https://www.facebook.com/groups/645566272164592/?ref=share&mibextid=qtnXGe
• USTAAHK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ustaahk