This is what it's all about.
It's fun to be a bandwagon fan in sports. You enjoy the ride of the athletes' dominance and the boost from their victories. It's also exhilarating to be a part of a nation that celebrates together.
But there are plenty who stick to one team. And that is a distinct ride in itself. You join the bandwagon at the height of the squad's fame. The thrill of each win is there, it's the dopamine rush of a nation linked together in cheering a team on.
And then you feel the disappointment in each loss. Next time, you say to yourself: "Babawi kami." It's another loss. And another. You witness the players' tears. You watch their vows: "We have to be better." You hear the boos. You read the derision online: "'Yan kasi, ganyan sila" or "Wala pala sila eh."
But the team picks itself up. Finds a new life. And you're happy again. It's a new look, there's new blood, there are fresh faces. They're rising, they're beating powerhouses again. Look, they're back at the top again. All is well. We back!
And then, for one reason or another, it all comes crashing down. The snarkers come alive again. The critics point fingers. You hear rumors. You pray it ain't so.
Then you see the end. Chapter closed.
For one fan, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers' disbandment was the heartbreaking end of a seven-year relationship.
Instagram user @fngella shared a fan video of the Cargo Movers on Thursday. It was only apt that Sugarfree's hit "Burnout" was used as the music.
"'Di na tayo katulad ng dati. Kay bilis ng sandali. Oh, kay tagal din kitang minahal. Oh, kay tagal din kitang minahal."
The fan also wrote a message to the Cargo Movers on her Instagram Story, which was shared by team veteran Cha Cruz-Behag.
"F2, you'll always hold a special place in my heart. I literally grew up watching you guys. My 10-year-old self right now 💔. You were the first-ever volleyball team that I supported from your college days to the pros," the fan wrote.
"Thank you, F2, for making my childhood days bearable. I still can't process the fact that the team I love has already disbanded, but I know I can heal from this," the message added.
"I love you all so much, and it hurts. Salamat sa mga taong andyan kayo. Minahal ko ang volleyball dahil sa inyo kahit hindi ako sanay maglaro haha."
"It's not just a team to me, but a part of my childhood that I grew up with," @fngella wrote in a separate Instagram post.
"From my younger self until now, F2 has been more than just a team—they've been the source of countless moments that made us, volleyball fans, the happiest during all those championships. The journey was incredible, and I can't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for the joy it brought."
The fan isn't alone in sharing the pain. Players such as Aby Maraño, Majoy Baron, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, and Kim Kianna Dy expressed their sorrow in absorbing the news.
RELATED STORY: 'Mas masakit pa sa heartbreak': Aby Maraño, Majoy Baron, other players pen messages for F2 Logistics
The Cargo Movers may have won a lot of games and the players may have received plenty of accolades, but making one fan's childhood bearable is probably the biggest victory of all.
Many will miss their swag and upset wins.
Mamimiss ko tlga Yung Hairpin ni Tyang Abby😭😭😭😭
Posted by Hisashi Kinoshita on Wednesday, December 13, 2023
It's a tough L to take. But they too can get through it together. Such is the life of a sports fan.
(PM)