After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UP Manila Central Administration resumed the holding of the CAD Sports Fest on June 1, 2023, at the UP Manila Sports and Wellness Center with employees from the different units participating in different traditional Filipino parlor games.

With the theme “PASIKLABAN: Pinagkaisang Adhikain sa Ikauunlad ng Kakayahan ng Lingkod-Bayan Alay sa Bansa,” the festival showed the employees’ camaraderie and sportsmanship.  

Leading the initiative, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, Dr. Arlene Samaniego, expressed her strong desire to establish the CAD Sports Fest as an annual tradition, ensuring its continuity and growth. She also announced plans for an inter-college sports fest scheduled for October, where the different colleges of UP Manila will be pitted against each other in the spirit of friendly competition. To make this a reality, a dedicated team has been assembled, including representatives from the Healthy University Office and focal persons from the committees. Together, the aim is to ensure that the sports fest not only focuses on competition but on health enrichment and wellness.

During the event, Chancellor Carmencita Padilla emphasized the significance of finding joy in work and cherishing the moments spent together. She encouraged all participants to embrace healthy competition not only within their respective offices but also within the broader UP Manila community. Dr. Padilla’s inspiring words underscored the importance of camaraderie and collaboration in fostering a truly “Healthy University” environment.

The sports fest kicked off with a lively parade from Joaquin Gonzales at the Padre Faura side to the Sports and Wellness Center along the Pedro Gil area, featuring three competing teams: Team Otso Panalo, representing the CAD offices from the 8th floor PGH Central Block; Team Joaqui G., comprising offices from the Joaquin Gonzales area; and Team Sinag, representing other CAD offices. The festivities included the presentation of muses from the three CAD teams and a cheering competition. 

The employees then competed in several traditional Filipino parlor games, including Takbo-Isip, Lusot Hula-hoop, Takbo-Lukso, Takbo-Kain, and Dodgeball. Dr. Tristan Nathaniel Ramos, co-chair of the UPM-CAD Staff Development 2023 Committee, added to the excitement by announcing that this event marks only the beginning of the sports fest. Plans are already underway to include future games such as basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and more.

Furthermore, Director Richard Javier, chair of the UPM-CAD Staff Development Activities 2023 Committee, shared that the CAD Sports Fest serves as a culminating activity before the UPM-CAD teambuilding event on June 8-9, 2023, where the much-anticipated awarding ceremonies will take place.

Charmaine Lingdas