Back when PAREF Southridge made its debut in the UAAP high school boys’ football tournament in Season 87, little did anyone imagine that its relationship with the league would blossom into what it is today.
From a single event that summer, Southridge has steadily widened its footprint in the UAAP, joining seven events in Season 89 where its student-athletes — nicknamed the Admirals — will compete in baseball, fencing, football, swimming, tennis, chess, and streetdance.
The expansion builds on the Admirals’ performances in Season 88, when they won the high school baseball championship, finished first runner-up in fencing, reached the Final Four in football, secured a second runner-up finish in a swimming event, and established their presence in tennis.
What was once a pipedream for Southridge — to showcase its athletic excellence on a bigger platform — has now become a bona fide reality.
Competing in the UAAP is a priceless privilege that the Muntinlupa-based school cherishes, as it not only gives its student-athletes the opportunity to test themselves against competitors from other schools, but also contributes to their character development.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Fans and competitors can expect our student-athletes to play like true Southridge Gentlemen — giving their absolute best effort and challenging the competition in every single game, match, and event,” said Southridge sports director Darrel Arevalo.
“Our main priority remains character formation, ensuring our boys are exemplary in character and virtue while competing with genuine respect for the game, the officials, and their opponents. Through this balance of high-level competition and strong values, we intend to prove that Southridge firmly belongs in what is arguably the best youth sports league in the country.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Arevalo, a homegrown Admiral who graduated with a degree in Physical Education from the UP College of Human Kinetics in 2017, paid homage to the different stakeholders who have played a role in strengthening Southridge’s relationship with the UAAP.
The current Master of Science in Human Movement Science student expressed his gratitude to Southridge’s students, parents, and alumni, who have devoted their time, effort, and resources to making the endeavor work.
He also thanked several UAAP officials, including Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag, Mr. Mark Molina, Mr. Em Fernandez, and the rest of the Board of Managing Directors, as well as Football Tournament Commissioner Rely San Agustin, for their trust, guidance, and vital roles in opening the UAAP door for the Admirals.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Arevalo then added, “The UAAP brings a shared sense of purpose that has genuinely tightened the bond within the PAREF Southridge community. From preparation in daily training to game days, everyone across the school supports one another, which was most evident during our baseball championship run last year.”
“Grade school and high school baseball players packed Rizal Memorial Stadium, while back on campus, our students, faculty, and staff gathered together for an institutional watch party. This overwhelming community backing and momentum inspired us to move forward with the Southridge Sports Complex, a facility that will complement our growing participation in the UAAP and support our student-athletes for years to come.”
Even before Southridge formally joined the UAAP as a guest school and expanded its presence to seven high school events, it had already established strong representation in the league by producing several alumni who went on to compete for UAAP member universities across different sports.
As it continues to embrace the privilege of competing in the UAAP and remains grateful to the league, the school’s ambitions have moved well beyond mere representation and athletic success.
Southridge now hopes to one day use its campus to host UAAP competitions while continuing to uphold and sustain its opportunity to compete in the league.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Looking forward, we hope to see PAREF Southridge grow alongside the UAAP, with the dream of one day hosting future league events at our campus,” said Arevalo. “This aspiration will be anchored by the upcoming Southridge Sports Complex, a major undertaking driven and headed by Board Member Mr. Jaime Daez, whose leadership as the main proponent has made this facility possible.
“Alongside this hope, we plan to expand our participation to include more sports, while continuously trying our best to promote character-driven sports by encouraging our boys to play the right way. This long-term vision is heavily backed by our school management, led by Executive Director Mr. Paul Cheng, our Board of Trustees, and our student, parent, and alumni communities.”
