When will UP light the bonfire for Fighting Maroons?

MANILA, Philippines – When the University of the Philippines’ (UP) Fighting Maroons marched on to their first and second wins in the UAAP season 78 basketball series on September 9, many hoped a bonfire would be held. 

Bonfire chants from the UP Crowd #UAAPseason78

— UAAP Season 78 (@UAAP78) September 5, 2015

This is the time that UP should have a bonfire. Baka di n to maulet!

— Joey Villar (@JoeySVillar) September 5, 2015

Congrats UP! Bonfire with marshmallow na ‘yan! Next game hotdog naman!

— Senyora Santibañez (@Senyora) September 9, 2015

BONFIRE NA! UP DEFEATS DLSU, 71-66! #TumitindigSumusulong #UAAP78 #UPvsDLSU

— Tinig Ng Plaridel (@tinigngplaridel) September 9, 2015

But no bonfire was lit.

Soon, perhaps, if UP wins enough victories, according to Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Nestor Castro, the Philippine Collegian reported on Saturday, September 12.

If UP wins enough victories to celebrate, the "bonfire" torch standing at the Sunken Garden will be lit. #taaskamao pic.twitter.com/yyZMEXrAr0

— Philippine Collegian (@phkule) September 12, 2015

The Fighting Maroons are aiming to win more victories to make it to the “Final Four” before the community celebrates. 

“We aren’t set to celebrate mediocrity like that anymore. We haven’t done anything yet. [It’s] Just a small step to our bigger goal – the Final Four,” Fighting Maroons team captain JR Gallarza told the Philippine Collegian.

A torch installed by the Campus Maintenance Office at the Sunken Garden in UP Diliman is waiting to be set alight when the right time comes. 

In 2014, a bonfire was lit in celebration of the Fighting Maroons snapping their 27-game losing skid with a victory over the Adamson Soaring Falcons. 

“Live music, fireworks and burning embers of glory filled the Sunken Garden,” a previous Rappler report described the rare euphoric moment for the UP community. (IN PHOTOS: UP celebrates first win with bonfire)

The Fighting Maroons face the UST Growling Tigers on Sunday, September 13. – Rappler.com