By Marcus Isaac D.G. Bandong

After celebrating a decade together last March, the FEU TAMbayers have cultivated a group of passionate fans that have the same goal in mind — to kindle the ‘Be Brave’ attitude in every match. Through its founding, tireless preparation, and passion toward the Tamaraws, the community has served as a beacon that not only proudly showcases each student-athlete’s talent, but how it has evolved into advocacies and beyond.

Despite the different outcomes of each game, one thing remains constant — the loud roars of the FEU TAMbayers that echo throughout each stadium.

With their commanding presence that has been ingrained for many seasons, the group has cultivated a platform that allows supporters to express their appreciation towards our student-athletes.

The origin of the catalyst

At the height of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines volleyball scene in March 2016, Liberty Malabanan, the mother of former Morayta-based volleybelle Jerrili Malabanan, served as the foundation of how FEU TAMbayers was built today.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, Ramon Lastimosa Orolfo Jr., one of the group’s organizers, stated that Malabanan’s support from day one was integral to establishing a robust community. 

“Tita Liberty Malabanan is one of the people behind the group, together with her family, who were strongly supporting her daughter, Jerrili Malabanan, when she was part of the team. Their unwavering support meant a lot to us and played a big role in strengthening the group and in our goal of bringing scattered supporters together into one united community,” he proudly mentioned.

In every game. The community spelled out TAMbayers in support of the Tamaraws.

As for the community’s catchy name, ‘TAMbayers’ was attributed to a spot under the FEU Gymnasium in R. Papa Street where athletes and students could lounge and connect.

“The name ‘TAMbayers’ was inspired by Tambayan, a place where students and athletes would gather, share meals, and spend time together. It was something very familiar and close to our hearts… It felt natural, like a group of friends or tropa coming together,” Orolfo Jr. said.

To extend the group’s unrelenting support throughout the nation, the co-founder has also mentioned that the green-and-gold wave has reverberated through a diverse community ranging from Luzon to Visayas.

“Over time, the group naturally grew into a diverse and welcoming community made up of alumni, non-alumni, and volleyball fans who all share the same love for the FEU volleyball teams. Our reach also went beyond Metro Manila, with members from places like Cebu, Camarines, and more traveling just to watch games live and support the team,” he added.

Bolstering despite struggles

With over a decade together, FEU TAMbayers has inevitably faced adversities — particularly, financial burdens. Still, these challenges helped strengthen the core relationship of the community.

“Like any group, we’ve had our share of challenges, especially financially. There were times when resources were limited, but we never let that stop us. Instead, it strengthened our determination to move forward. We learned to support one another even more, and that spirit helped us overcome those moments together,” Orolfo Jr. mentioned.

Even with their busy lives, the group never failed to show up as they tirelessly prepared their loudest cheers through banners and placards that signified the grit of a Tamaraw.

“Behind every cheer is a lot of heart and preparation. The night before each game, after finishing our work or personal responsibilities, we usually gather in a small café to prepare everything together. We organize tickets, bring out our best banners, monikers, and clappers, and even hold a fun activity for everyone… These moments may seem small, but they really bring us closer as a group,” he said.

From arranging placards that proudly embrace the bustling streets of Morayta to organizing tickets for the FEU community, Orolfo Jr. cherishes these get-togethers that reinforce their connection as a group.

Advocacy beyond the taraflex

After only three years since their founding, their advocacy to help those in need came into fruition in the form of an outreach program in May 2019 called ‘For their FEUture.’ 

“One of our proudest moments was launching our outreach program, ‘For their FEUture.’ Through this, we were able to donate school supplies to a remote area in Binangonan, Rizal,” Orolfo Jr. proudly mentioned.

More than just a fanbase. FEU TAMbayers pose with children during their outreach program.

Joined by members of the Morayta-based volleyball teams themselves, the program also held a volleyball clinic for the children.

“It was even more meaningful because we were joined by members of the volleyball team, who also conducted a volleyball clinic for the kids,” he proudly mentioned.

Strengthening advocacy. Members of FEU TAMbayers continue to launch their support.

At that point in time, the co-founder is reminded that the group goes way beyond just being a fanclub; rather, it’s about making a lasting impact inside and outside the taraflex.

In a community that imbibed the ‘Be Brave’ mantra, the FEU TAMbayers proved that being a fandom is more than just rooting for the University’s decorated volleyball team. And in the ever growing landscape of sports media, it is also about the caring nature of each member’s advocacy to help and give back to the community that kept them in tact for over a decade.

(Photo courtesy of Jannah Hilario/FEU Athletics)