Photography by Raissa Gatus. Shot at the Ateneo de Manila University.

We've seen their shirts on TV, on court for the UAAP games. One of the wittiest and hopeful, at that time, was the statement tee that had “Back to Black” on it.

Aptly named Blue Crew, a posse of blue-blooded Ateneans have put their love for basketball- as well as being with each other—to good use. “We’re all really good friends and we’re pretty much always together.

We play video games, hit the clubs, watch movies, go on trips to the beach, bum around each other’s houses, and back when we were all still in college, we used to hang out in school a lot together. A lot of times, working together doesn’t even seem like work to us because we always have fun. Also, our experience of being a part of a team translates to working well as a group,” says Blue Crew member Mikko Abello.

Comprised of starting point guard Jai Reyes, alumni player Mike Baldos, student manager and eaglet coach Mikko Abello, Team B Captain Mark Intal, and ex-eaglet player Merill Lazo, these grown-up boys decided to make cool shirts for their alma mater. Abello shares, “We saw the other shirts in the market and thought of stuff like what we could improve on or what we would want to wear for ourselves, what would be tough enough to wear on the court, or dope enough to wear out when we’re not playing. Also, this is our way of showing our support to the team this season and the school, which has given us so much.”

He adds, “Having been part of the team in the previous seasons, we know how important the crowd is, them being the sixth man. We are happy to be able to have given the crowd an extra push this past season.”

And maybe the shirts did help, as the Eagles brought home the bacon again this year. 
 
Blue Crew is available at the Loyola Schools Bookstore located at the basement of the MVP Building and the A-Shop at the Ateneo. You can also visit bluecrewpinas.multiply.com or add us up on facebook. For more info or to order, contact 09214449000 or 09163835617. Blue Crew ships to anywhere in the world!.