NEWS

(L-R) Architecture Team Captain Ar. Eduardo Casares, Tournament Chairman Dr. Ian Laurel, Tournament Director Clarence Aytona, Rev. Fr. Jeffrey Aytona O.P., IPEA Director/Regent Rev. Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P., Medicine & Surgery Team Captain Dr. Alberto Paulino, Commerce Team Captain Atty. Emer Aceron, OAR Director Asst. Prof. Joreen Rocamora, and OAR Events Management Officer JB Rebello.

The Rector's Cup 7 Committee officially turned over 2 million to the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) last September 9, 2025, reaffirming its commitment to supporting athletic excellence in the University of Santo Tomas. This annual event continues to champion its advocacy of raising fund for the benefit of Thomasian athletes competing in local and international sporting events.

During the turnover, the group reflected on the highlights of the past UAAP seasons and the success of the Rector's Cup 7 which brought together over 280 Thomasian golfers and supporters in a spirited display of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Tournament Chairman Dr. Ian Laurel announced that the 8th Rector's Cup will take place in Tagaytay City in the first quarter of 2026, a schedule that aims to accommodate overseas alumni and balikbayans. He also commended Clarence Aytona, tournament director of the 7th edition, for securing more sponsorships and strengthening alumni collaboration.

Aytona credited his Class of 1980 batchmates from the UST Junior High School for the event's success, noting their collective effort in rallying sponsors and contributors. Laurel and Aytona also proudly shared that the UST Golf Team, composed of student-athletes, was recognized during the post-tournament fellowship program. The introduction led the alumni to generously donate all monetary raffle prizes to support the team's training and development.

OAR Director Assoc. Prof. Joreen Rocamora, PhD, extended heartfelt thanks to all alumni, players, and supporters for making the Rector's Cup into a tradition that strengthens the Thomasian spirit while creating lasting opportunities for the University's athletes.

The Rector's Cup 7: Thomasian High School and Inter-Collegiate Alumni Golf Tournament was held last July 7, 2025, with 10 teams vying for the prestigious Orlina Championship Trophy. The Faculty of Engineering emerged as champion, followed by the Faculty of Pharmacy (1st runner-up), College of Science (2nd runner-up), Faculty of Medicine & Surgery (3rd runner-up), and the Faculty of Arts and Letters (4th runner-up).

Looking forward, the committee recommended expanding the tournament by adding new teams, including Nursing and CRS, to broaden alumni engagement and participation. As preparations for the 8th Rector's Cup begin, they expressed their desire to generate even bigger contributions for the University.