RECTOR Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P. honored the Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the Yellow Jackets with a testimonial dinner at the Central Seminary Gym last September 27 for their third-place finish in this year’s UAAP cheerdance competition.
“We are so proud (of you). All the priests enjoy watching you. Every time you perform, you give us a very beautiful memory to look back on,” Rector said in his speech.
As a reward, the dance troupe was placed under the Rector’s office so it could be “really taken care of,” especially on the occasion of the school’s quadricentennial, according to De la Rosa.
The Rector said he was considering more practice hours for Salinggawi members to better prepare them for competitions.
At present, Salinggawi president Mara Gesmundo said the dance troupe was classified as a school organization, not a varsity team, even if it was under the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics.
As such, the dance troupe receive no allowances or food or dormitory benefits, according to Gesmundo.
“We will look into that,” De la Rosa replied when asked whether the Salinggawi would receive funds from his office. “But definitely, the actual dancers, we will try to see if we can provide (for) them.” Frauleine Michelle S. Villanueva
