[UPDATE: Mr. Joseph Maquirang is part of the group “Golden Armada.” Being so, it is through the idea and collaboration of the whole group that the bobble heads of the Growling Tigers were formed. Click here for more photos of Golden Armada.]

     THE appearance of the bobble heads has had a huge impact to the sea of yellow-clan Thomasians that it became an entertainment and source of vitality amid close and difficult encounters.

     Every game, the bobble heads emerge in great cheerfulness as it supports enthusiastically in favor to the Thomasians.

     Started by UST alumnus Joseph Maquirang, together with his fellow USTHS friends who admits to be simply fans of the Tigers, the idea of the “Big Heads,” as he would stick to calling it, came from NCAA in the US.

     “They made different big posters of cartoon characters [and] Hollywood stars. One even made a face of his grumpy face, just to fester the free-throw shooter. And from that we transmuted it to the heads of the players and of Coach Pido,” said Maquirang to TomasinoWeb. “Also, I guess part of it is the gay guys that you see in the patron seats. Credits to them, but well, I don’t know if they are even from any of the universities they are supporting negative or positive they may seem they do cheer. We’re just putting creativity and class for the fans to be immersed in the game.”

     The halftime last September 15, 2012, which was the most awaited second round game of the University of Santo Tomas and the Ateneo De Manila University, came out unexpected for the bobble heads. They ascended not from the usual Thomasian fans but from the UST Yellow Jackets.

The crowd was amused by the epic performance the pep squad had shown and had everyone in stitches.

     Clark Daniel “Tata” Bautista, Jeric Allen Teng, Karim Abdul, Aljon Mariano, and the most applauded Jeric Marco Fortuna bobble heads proceeded to the center court, respectively.

     The Thomasian viewers erupted in jubilation and chanted the “Go, Uste,” followed by “BengBeng (Go Fight UST)” yell which was preceded by UST Yellow Jackets, accompanied with a dance.

     Subsequently, the crowd applauded louder than ever as the performers pointed to their right– over to the passageway of the stadium’s upper region–for there appeared a bobble head of Coach Alfredo “Pido” Jarencio.

     Despite the intense match won by the Eagles, the performance led by UST Yellow Jackets became notable and unforgettable, most specially to the persons whom the bobble head was inspired and dedicated.

     “Nagpapasalamat ako kasi kahit papaano narerecognize kami ng community, siyempre Thomasian naman ang may gawa nun eh,” said a grateful Coach Pido Jarencio. “Natawa lang ako at masaya na kahit papaano nandiyan sila na sumusuporta.”

     The big heads were a group initiative according to Maquirang. It was to bring a new flavor in cheering for the Tigers, which undeniably is a hit in the Thomasian community.

     “Nakaka-flatter kasi first time lang nangyari ‘yun sa UAAP,” Aljon Mariano said.

     The bobble head indeed first appeared in this season of the UAAP, serving as an inspiration and enjoyment to the people involved.

     “Nakakatuwa kasi ngayon lang ako nakakita ng ganun dito at masaya,” said team captain Jeric Fortuna.

     “This is just the beginning, we can start to make it available for the other teams, but UST should have the edge of something new and different,” Maquirang shared.

By Eliza Fatima Heather V. Sarona and Alvin B. Hilario
Photo taken by Jenzine Inah M. Alcantara