Few weeks after failing to clinch the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball title, University of the Philippines spread the holiday spirit to kids at the UP-Philippine General Hospital Pediatric Ward last Friday.
Together with NowheretogobutUP Foundation, the Fighting Maroons, led by team captain CJ Cansino and veteran Gerry Abadiano, surprised the kids with toys and gifts.
“It’s really overwhelming to be part of this event that brings joy to the kids,” Cansino said.
“Everyone’s fighting their own battles and it’s our time to show them that we’re in this together.”
Abadiano added that he was moved upon seeing the condition of the less fortunate children.
“Of course, it’s hard for me to see their condition. It’s really heartwarming to see their smiles over simple toys and gifts,” he said.
“We’re happy because we were able to make them happy and were able to draw inspiration from them.”
Back in 2020, during the height of the Covid pandemic, the Fighting Maroons hopped on a Zoomustahan session with UP-PGH staff and frontliners. This time, they were able to personally meet and thank the hospital›s medical staff and frontliners and wish them Merry Christmas.
UP-PGH Director Dr. Gerard Legaspi welcomed the Fighting Maroons and thanked the team for taking time to visit the UP-PGH Pediatric Ward.
“We are so happy to have our Fighting Maroons here with us today, spending time with the children under our care, spreading love and joy this holiday season. Hopefully, this is the first of many times we’ll do this,” Legaspi said.
NowheretogobutUP Foundation founding chairman Renan B. Dalisay also shared how important this immersion and gift-giving activity is to the Fighting Maroons.
“We want the Fighting Maroons to have this meaningful experience of getting to know and giving back to the people we play for. Now that the UAAP games are done, we have to serve once again,” Dalisay said.
“Win or lose, UP will keep serving. We will keep fighting. That’s the trademark of UP, of the scholars of the people.”
