(SEPT. 4) 鈥 The UAAP (University Athletics Association of the Philippines) Season 82 formally opened on Sept. 1 at the Araneta Coliseum with a futuristic-themed ceremony showcasing spectacular light shows, parade of athletes and energetic performances of student performers and top local bands.
Organized by host Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), the UAAP Season 82鈥檚 opening ceremony served as a send-off to the league鈥檚 student-athletes from eight member universities before competition.
UAAP is composed of Adamson University, ADMU, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, National University, University of the East, University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas.
Unlike previous seasons, there were no basketball games after the opening ceremony.
UAAP President Emmanuel T. Fernandez said during the press conference the first basketball game will be today, Sept. 4 and not after the opening ceremony because 鈥淲e want this to be the pep rally for all the student-athletes of the UAAP.鈥
ADMU president Fr. Jett Villarin, SJ in his welcome remarks said, 鈥淲e are first a community before we are competitors.鈥
He said the season鈥檚 theme 鈥淎ll for More鈥 is about doing anything and everything for the greater good and that 鈥淲e鈥檙e always asked to do the better thing, the greater choice. Every victory, every defeat, will be more than ourselves.鈥
In addition, former ADMU women鈥檚 volleyball player, celebrity hose and Season 82 emcee Gretchen Ho said the theme is inspired by the 鈥淢agis,鈥 a Latin word which means 鈥榤ore鈥 or 鈥榞reater.鈥
Meanwhile, the UAAP also recognized the athletes who played for and will represent the country in the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
鈥淲e are hosting the 2019 SEA Games so it is another occasion for us to come together as Filipinos and I hope that is something that is also a greater thing to do beyond our teams, beyond our schools,鈥 Villarin said.
The student-athletes, together with the national athletes, later took their 鈥淥ath of Sportsmanship鈥 led by Maxine Esteban, ADMU women鈥檚 fencing varsity player and World Cup bronze medalist.
This year鈥檚 UAAP anthem 鈥淎ng Ating Tagumpay鈥 was also launched at the event and performed by popular Pinoy rock bands Sponge Cola and Itchyworms.
Other performers during the event were the Ateneo Glee Club, Ateneo Dance Club and the Blue Babble Battalion.
The program culminated with musical performances from Itchyworms, Sponge Cola, December Avenue, Autotelic and IV of Spades. 鈥擧aidee C. Pineda, images by Jacelle Isha Bonus
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