Prizes do not weigh the grandeur of a competition, it is the journey towards betterment. Being the defending champion, the one on the top holding the trophy, is a pride not because of the fame but because you become an aspiration for others to excel. You set an example, you set a standard that we can do more. And for those who are yet striving, do not be discouraged, in contrary, aim to be better than yourself before until the betterment let's you win. Strive not for the trophy but for the journey towards unleashing your potential. Losing only signifies that you have yet another challenge to accept wholeheartedly because passion is what drives you, not the prize nor the fame.
This is what I've learned upon watching UAAPP CDC season 77 last Sunday, the 14th of September. I was awe by how the teams cheer dance advance from last year and I think this is because of having a defending champion worth competing with. The National University deserves to win because of their technical skills and executions, while the University of the Philippines has shown me of thinking outside of the box (by girls lifting the boys, their bahaghari song) and that on many ways we can tackle/advocate issues in our country (by having the theme of equality). Kudos for both!
