Written by Jerusalem Viado (STELA, Athletics Office Volunteer)
Photos courtesy of Cyrus Lloyd Lausan (STELA)
Baguio City — The UB Gymnasium was filled with energy and color on October 2, 2025, as the University of Baguio officially opened its much-anticipated College Intramurals for Academic Year 2025–2026. Far from a typical ceremony, the event transformed the campus arena into a stage of unity and festivity, signaling the start of a week-long celebration of sportsmanship, artistry, and student pride.
Anchored on the theme “Camaraderie and Good Sportsmanship,” this year’s intramurals underscored the values of teamwork and fair play while gathering students, faculty members, and athletes from every department. More than a competition, the occasion reaffirmed the intramurals as a tradition that continues to strengthen the university’s sense of community year after year.
The opening parade was nothing short of a historical pageant. Led by the reigning Mr. and Ms. UB 2025, contingents from the university’s schools marched in with muses, mascots, and faculty representatives. This year’s concept brought ancient civilizations to life: the Han Dynasty of China (SOD), Japan’s Samurai Era (GS), the Mongol Empire (SBAA), Korea’s Three Kingdoms (SEA), the Persian Achaemenid Empire (STELA), Cebu’s Mactan Warriors (SCJPS), India’s Gupta Empire (SOL), Thailand’s Sukhothai Kingdom (SNS), the Ottoman Empire (SIHTM), the Khmer Empire (SIT), and the Sultanate of Maguindanao (SON).
UB Vice President for Administration, Atty. Rommel P. Ayson, formally welcomed the crowd, underscoring the intramurals not only as a sporting event but as a celebration of unity across departments. He was followed by Mr. Karl Mico D. Alangui, who urged athletes to compete with passion, fairness, and integrity, reminding them that whether they win or lose, they remain the pride of their department.
Momentum built as the lights dimmed for the highly anticipated torch-lighting ceremony. UB alumnus Claude Leymark Camli carried the flame around the gymnasium before igniting the cauldron at center stage. The blaze was met with thunderous applause, chants, and school pride that reverberated through the venue.
The mood then shifted to solemnity as national athlete and IFMA world-ranked fighter Islay Erika Bomagao led the athletes’ oath. With right hands raised, delegations pledged fairness, respect, and unwavering sportsmanship, sealing their commitment not only to the games but also to the values the university seeks to uphold.
In the minor awards, SEA secured both Best Team Leader and Best Cheer Leader, while SOD earned Best in Costume and Props. STELA claimed Best Cheering Team, and SIHTM swept multiple categories including Most Sustainable, Most Creative, Best Theme, and Overall Best Bleacher Booth Design. SCJPS bagged Best Interpretation and the People’s Choice Award. SNS dominated the spotlight, winning Most Creative Mascot, Overall Best Mascot, Most Charismatic Muse, Most Creative Muse, and Overall Best Muse.
For the major awards, SEA emerged as 2nd Runner-Up, SIHTM secured 1st Runner-Up, and ultimately, SNS reigned as Overall Champion of the UB Intramurals 2025–2026.
The intramurals thus opened not merely as a sports competition but as a vibrant celebration of unity, artistry, and the enduring spirit of friendly rivalry. 30
