In celebration of UP’s Linggo ng Unibersidad 2025 and as part of the university’s thrust to promote a Healthy University, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) held its “UPOU Wellness through Sports: Friendly Match Between Staff and Students” on 18 June 2025 at the UPOU Multipurpose Hall (MPH), UPOU headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. The event brought together employees and students in a day of friendly competition, wellness, and community building, spearheaded by the Wellness, Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Committee, in cooperation with the Office of Student Affairs, University Student Council, and the UPOU Basketball and Volleyball Teams.
The program opened with a special appearance by Chancellor Joanne V. Serrano, whose presence highlighted the university’s support for initiatives that foster both physical health and a strong campus community. Her participation set a spirited tone for the day’s activities and underscored the importance of well-being across all sectors of the university.
From the left, Chancellor Joanne V. Serrano, and the UPOU Basketball staff team
The volleyball match involved 8 employees and 6 students going head-to-head, with Anna Jermaine Estenor, a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) student, emerging as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for her outstanding performance on the court.
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From the left, Anna Jermaine Estenor, and two other UPOU students
In the basketball game, which featured 19 employee players and 9 student athletes, Philip Lawrence Trinidad, a Bachelor of Education Studies (BES) student, led with energy and skill, earning him the MVP title for the event.
From the left, Philip Lawrence Trinidad (UPOU student), and Rodolfo Pullian (UPOU staff)
Badminton standouts Jamila Ashley Lorena and Cedric Arrel Orendain, BAMS and BES students respectively, were awarded co-MVP titles after showcasing exceptional skill in a lively matchup involving two employees and four students.
From the left, Cedric Arrel Orendain (UPOU student), Jamila Ashley Lorena (UPOU student), Assoc. Prof Ria Borromeo, Asst. Prof. Leo Del Rosario
The friendly match concluded with the UPOU employees winning the volleyball and badminton games, while the UPOU students triumphed in the basketball game.
Beyond showcasing athletic talent, the sports event reaffirmed UPOU’s commitment to becoming a Healthy University—promoting holistic wellness by providing a platform where students and staff can engage, connect, and thrive through movement and teamwork.
More than 36 UPOU students, faculty, and staff members attended the UPOU Wellness through Sports: Friendly Match Between Staff and Students” held on 18 June 2025 at the Multipurpose Hall (MPH)
Written and photos by Anthea Fay Peredo |Edited by Primo G. Garcia and Anna Cañas-Llamas
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