Ateneo SEA Games medalists pay courtesy call on University President

The coach and student-athletes of Ateneo de Manila University who represented—and won for—the Philippines in the recently concluded Southeast Asian Games 2025 in Thailand, paid a courtesy call on University President Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, this 29 January 2026 to share their experiences and celebrate their achievement with the Ateneo community.

Present during the visit were IM Jem Garcia (Chess), BS Management Information Systems, Class of 2016, and currently Chess Program Head; Kacey Dela Rosa (Basketball 5x5), 4th year AB International Studies; Kaikaku Dela Serna (Fencing), 4th year AB Economics; Maxine Mababangloob (Judo), 1st year Juris Doctor; Russel Ricaforte (Athletics), Master of Arts in Education; Miki Pe Aguirre (Hockey), Grade 12; and Hussein Loraña (Athletics),1st year AB International Studies—all of whom proudly represented the country in their respective disciplines.

University officials who joined the meeting included Dr Joy Salita, Assistant Vice President for the Ignatian Leadership Formation (ILeaF); Emmanuel Fernandez, Director of the University Athletic Office; and Trina Aligada and Benjo Afuang of the Office of College Athletics.

In his message to the delegation, Fr Yap congratulated the athletes expressing the pride felt by the Ateneo community over their performance on the regional stage.

“You have made the entire Ateneo community proud—not only through your efforts and performance during the Games, but in the way you carried yourselves as Ateneo student-athletes,” Fr Yap said. “You remind us of what truly distinguishes Ateneo: our student-athletes’ ability to pursue excellence both in academics and in athletics.”

He further emphasized that their achievement reflects a core principle of Jesuit education.

“You embody one of the enduring tenets of Jesuit formation—mens sana in corpore sano—a sound mind in a sound body,” he added.

Dr Benjamin Tolosa, Vice President for Mission Integration, also conveyed his appreciation, thanking the athletes for their discipline, perseverance, and example.

“Thank you for your excellent performance and for representing the country and the University with integrity,” Dr. Tolosa said. “You serve as an inspiration to future Ateneo student-athletes who aspire to live out excellence, service, and mission.”

The visit concluded with expressions of gratitude from the University, affirming its continued commitment to forming student-athletes who excel not only in competition, but also in character, scholarship, and service.