As a proud Thomasian graduate, I plan to go the 2nd game with my friend who is also an alumna. My officemates who were graduate of Alfredo M. Velayo-College of Accountancy and College of Commerce and Business Administration are also Thomasian who plan the same thing. We wore yellow clothes to make it uniform and for us to show our support to the whole Thomasian community even inside the workplace.
 

I am not a basketball enthusiast, I don't even watch PBA nor NBA games but inspite of my ignorance to this sport I still watched all UST basketball games in the UAAP season. I believe that a loyal cub (baby tiger) always go back to its den at the end of the day.

My shift starts from 6am to 3pm but I still manages to file an Emergency leave for me to leave the office an hour earlier. Six of us in the team went to the game at Smart Araneta Colisuem in Cubao.

 

 

This is our team all wearing Yellow including four of our  non-Thomasian teammate.

Posing for a wacky shot in the middle of our work.

Yes! They wear their College Uniform in the office. It requires great confidence.

While waiting for the shuttle.

In the end, we opt to rode a cab going to MRT - Ayala Station

Inside the train of Metro Rail Transit going to Cubao Station.

We bought an Upper Box ticket from a friend worth 300Php each when it is actually sold at 145Php. Too expensive right? But for my friend (Carmz)  and I, watching the game live is far more satisfying than staying at home. Having no ticket on hand for me is more pitiful.

  

We saw students patiently waiting in the long queue wearing different designs of UST yellow shirts. Come to think of it, this undergrad students made it to the 2nd game even it's the Final Exam week. See how much effort they exerted? 

I also learned that the UST administration allows or should I say demand students to wear yellow shirts that day inside the campus in support of the game.
 

UST crowd inside is the best, Im saying this without bias. HAHA. Swear! Especially, when Thomasian crowd butt in whenever Atenean started to deliver their yell. We're really active as a crowd except during times of uncertainty. LOL.

In the end, we lost against the Blue Eagles leaving UST 3 points behind. That is very unfortunate for all Thomasian who watched in Araneta, in their homes, and even inside the campus. 
 

I also heard that the Plaza Mayor was congested of plenty yellow-wearing people inside UST. They, as a crowd, also give full support by merely watching and yelling with the GO USTe cheer whenever they see it in the monitor. When I heard that, I was really touched and moved by the university spirit, I didn't expect that it will go this far. Really!

After the game, most of the players were crying and I can feel that UST as a whole is weeping as well. Everyone inside the coliseum were all disappointed that championship has given its conclusion. Some complained, some lamented over the decision of the referees, and some burst into tears as well. That is the saddest goodbye I did for a UAAP Men's Basketball League. 

 

I must admit that the game is challenging given that we're competing against a 4-peat champion. I don't blame anything nor blame someone else. I believe that if something is really meant for you it will surely happen against the odds. But maybe this championship is not for UST.  It will come to pass and I will patiently wait. 
 

Behind the victorious start of UST for qualifying in the finals it still ended up behind the blue eagles. Well, that is only one side of the story, the bitter part. What I cherished the most is the sweetest element of the whole story, the unity and loyalty of all Thomasian graduates, students and employees. 
 

I am still a proud Thomasian graduate who bleeds Black and Gold no matter what. 

Go USTe!