Missing UST cheerleader Villanueva at the UAAP basketball games

Dear Sen. Joel Villanueva,

I recently came across a short video from last year of you and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla joyously chanting each other’s school cheer—you singing “Unibersidad ng Pilipinas” and he chanting “Go USTE!” I thought it was perhaps a sign that you would finally watch University of Sto. Tomas’ (UST) upcoming game in person. But a few days later, on Oct. 25, you were a no-show at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Many of us, your fellow Thomasians, have been missing you at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) basketball games. The Growling Tigers have already played eight matches since the tourney started on Sept. 20, but not once have you attended a game. Why?

A few years ago, I wondered how a supposedly busy senator like you could squeeze watching UAAP basketball and volleyball games live into your hectic schedule as often as you did. But I grew accustomed to your face, which would get so animated together with your over-exuberant and attention/camera-grabbing celebratory gestures when our team scored during critical moments. How nice to see someone of your stature display such passion and love for our alma mater. I must say, though, that it pales in comparison to your gripping “Maalaala mo Kaya”—caliber histrionics during your emotionally heightened speeches on the Senate floor and at the recent Jesus is Lord 47th anniversary. Senator, at this point, you’ve been in absentia long enough, which has resulted in a growing clamor for you.

Speaking on behalf of many Thomasians (and even non-Thomasians), I urge you to watch and cheer with us again live. Surely, you will feel very much at home and enjoy the UAAP more as its atmosphere has become quite political, especially with the half-time performances.

These past weeks, the different pep squads have chanted and displayed signs and banners that express the Filipinos’ collective outrage over corruption in government. The University of the Philippines Pep Squad chanted “Ikulong na yang mga kurakot” to the tune of their “Unibersidad ng Pilipinas” cheer. This was again chanted in their inspiring joint performance with the De La Salle University Animo Squad. Similarly, members of the Adamson and University of East Pep Squads joined forces, wearing shirts printed with letters that spelled out “NO TO CORRUPTION!” The Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion members also donned shirts with spray-painted letters that spelled out “KURAKOT IKULONG.”

And not to be outdone, senator, is our very own UST Yellow Jackets Pep Squad with the Salinggawi Dance Troupe, who capped their last half-time performance with a huge “NO TO CORRUPTION!” banner. Really, you’d be so proud of them—their moral compass is on point.

Senator, attending the games will give you a lot of media mileage and endear you even more to many of our countrymen who can no longer stomach the rampant corruption. I can already imagine it—the TV camera panning on you as you lustily join us in shouting “Go USTE!” and these politically charged cheers and chants that express all our anger—like a massive flood that we cannot control. Ah, inspiring!