Old school rivalries melt away at Toronto ‘Summerfest’

Volleyball tournament, one of the games at the Philippine Colleges and Universities Alumni Association Summerfest.

Overall games first place winner, Mapua alumni.

UP alumni tug of war team.

Ateneo alumni getting ready for a selfie.

TORONTO, Canada — Memories of youth seem more precious when viewed through the lens of time.  And age.

Recent graduates and longtime alumni from several Philippine colleges and universities had a chance to relive their glory days at Summerfest 2014 games, in early July at Mississauga Valley Park.

Old school rivalries fell by the wayside.  The sense of sharing and joy in one another’s company even spilled over to sharing players among different school teams.

Gray skies and isolated raindrops were not enough to dampen the spirits of the crowd–sunshine glowed from both young and lined faces upturned to the Philippine and Canadian flags at the singing of the two national anthems.

Banners may have defined the areas for each school, but the goodwill and excitement of the crowd transcended physical boundaries. Like fiesta time in the Philippines, all were welcome to visit each “school” and nibble from the food laid out buffet style on long picnic tables.

Summerfest, sponsored by the Philippine Colleges and Universities Alumni Association (PCUAA), is an annual event. Established in 2002, PCUAA was formed solely to get all the alumni associations together for a picnic, to promote camaraderie and just have fun.

At its inception, PCUAA members agreed that the organization would not align itself politically, economically, or socially with any other ideologies or groups. There would be no advertising, soliciting, or distributing of flyers.

The sports and games are to rekindle the friendly rivalry among schools. Bragging rights and recognition are given to the winning teams during the annual dinner dance held every January to raise funds to defray expenses and keep the summer picnic a free event.

PCUAA does not have officers, only volunteers that serve in committees, and an overall coordinator, who is appointed by the schools’ representatives, to manage the committees.

Summerfest 2014 overall champion is the Mapua team.  FEATI is first runner up, with UST in second place.  Adamson, CPU, and San Beda share third place.

PHOTOS BY MARISA ROQUE