By Shayne Elizabeth T. Flores
Notwithstanding the continuous rainfall, Far Eastern University (FEU) put their new motto ‘We Charge On’ to test as they persisted in celebrating Tamaraw student-athletes during TAMRally 2026 ahead of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 earlier today, September 7, at the Main Auditorium.
Since morning, Manila City experienced intermittent rain brought by the southwest monsoon leading up to the event, causing the annual parade of athletes to be cancelled.
Despite this, the program was able to endure given that it was held at the Main Auditorium instead of the FEU Grandstand, where it was traditionally held.
In an online interview with FEU Advocate, FEU Athletics Department Section Head Gillianne Heinz Gallo attributed the venue change to their intention to make this year’s pep rally more interactive for students.
“We are used to having the TAMRally at the Grandstand where the venue is bigger. Now that we are having the event inside the auditorium, we can expect that the program is more interactive with the students. This way, we get to know more about our athletes and feel that we are closer to each other,” she said.
Led by UAAP Season 88 FEU Courtside Reporter Juliana ‘Juri’ Marasigan and FEU Marketing and Communication Office Associate Aira Mae Yatco, the event featured engaging introduction segments for each athletic team, marked by interactive games, dance trends, and other activities onstage.
FEU Drum and Bugle Corps also staged an opening performance of Gloc-9’s ‘Dito Sa Amin,’ the official soundtrack of UAAP Season 89, while intermissions were rendered by FEU Cheerleaders, FEU Poomsae, FEU Cheering Squad, and FEU Drummers among others.
After upholding the ‘Gold is the Goal’ motto for two years in UAAP Seasons 87 and 88, Gallo highlighted ‘We Charge On’ as a reflection of FEU’s grit to boost their momentum toward achieving gold for Season 89, where the University serves as the official host.
“‘We Charge On’ means we continue to move with purpose. As we move towards the start of UAAP Season 89 — which is in fact a few days from now — we, as Tamaraws, especially the athletes representing the University, continuously strive for gold,” she underlined.
Gallo also emphasized FEU’s tight-knit community as integral to the athletes’ support system, specifically citing FEU President Juan Miguel Montinola as inspiration behind the new mindset.
“The new motto is inspired by what President Juan Miguel Montinola said during the President’s Day in August. He is confident that the school will overcome the challenges we will face through the efforts of its faculty and employees. This also goes the same with the athletes — during games, we only see the results whether we win or lose. But what others don’t know is how the athletes face different challenges before they step inside the court,” she added.
According to Gallo, the said principle urged the design of an interactive and inclusive program, which is also in line with UAAP Season 89’s theme ‘For Everyone, UAAP.’
“We want the FEU community to feel that they are the first ones who welcome and support the athletes towards the beginning of the season. Rather than simply presenting teams, it creates a space where athletes, students, alumni, faculty, staff, families, and supporters come together,” she noted.
TAMRally 2026 amassed a full audience after the auditorium was reported to be at its maximum capacity as of 3 p.m.
On-campus ticket selling for the UAAP Season 89 Opening Ceremony was also held on the same day, with the event set to commence on September 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Jointly organized by the FEU Athletics Office and the FEU Marketing and Communications Office, TAMRally is an annual event that aims to introduce and celebrate the student-athletes who will represent the University in the upcoming UAAP season.
(Photo by Rian Balagtas/FEU Advocate)