pinoy college basketball

The collegiate basketball is one of the higlights of college life every year. And this year is no exception. As of today, UAAP and NCCA Seasons are still on going. All teams are fighting for the big win. They should, their entire university is up for them. Basketball is indeed the most favorite pastime of Filipinos. From the mere barangay basketball up to PBA/NBA. In fact, one could see a basketball court in just anywhere- in all barangays, schools, subdivisions and even streets. It is one of the must-haves in every district, next to the chapel of course. And even up to college, the love for the game- whether your a player or a spectator, never ends. With college basketball, the love for the game is mixed with the loyalty to the school. And that is where the fun really is.

It is a great thing that universities join this kind of events. This game can help develop sportsmanship, physical strength, etc... and not to mention can boost school spirit to its highest level. But can it boost Filipino spirit?

It's weird cause these schools are very Filipino in its core values and teachings. But... just look at the names of their teams. I'm sure no one really think it's something to talk about, but if one looks closely, it is indeed bothering. Schools cheer for the Lions,Stags the Archers, the Maroons, the Falcons, the Bulldogs, the Tigers- I mean do we even have them in the Philippines? This might not be a big thing, but it does need answers. Some of the names are very American-university in a way. Why cheer for bulldogs or falcons or lions or stags or Warriors (which has an Indian as symbol, when they are not even in the Filipino mindset.

In fairness to some NCCA, their team names are more neutral in a sense- Blazers, Cardinals, Bombers. But out of all the teams in UAAP and NCCA, I think the most Filipino name would be the Tamaraws and the Eagles - at least your sure these creatures are in the Philippines (Tamaraws are found in Mindoro and the Eagle being the Philippine National Bird).

This is just my thought. Of course, a lot woud disagree. It's just weird cheering for something so unknown to us and yet we continue cheering. These team names are not the essence of the school, but they represent the school in many ways, that is why they are also very important. On the other hand, it's kinda lame to name a team as Maya or Carabao or Tarsier... :-)