If the opening University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) should be used as a barometer, several firsts and milestones are expected to be established in the 82nd season of the country’s premier collegiate league.
Apart from dazzling digital and musical show by host Ateneo, Sunday’s opening saw the league put premium on the importance on sportsmanship and excellence of its student-athletes.
The league recognized athletes who have represented the country in different international tournaments as well as those who will compete in the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games during the opening ceremonies held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“We’re always asked, challenged to do the greater thing,” said Ateneo president Fr Jett Villarin, SJ.
The recognition was done before the Oath of Sportsmanship read by World Cup bronze medalist Maxine Esteban of the Ateneo fencing team.
“We as a country, we are hosting the 2019 South East Asian 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,” added Villarin.
Aside from Villarin, the other members of the Board of Trustees who attended the ceremony were De La Salle University’s Br Rey Suplido, University of the East’s Dr Ester Garcia, Far Eastern University’s Dr Michael Alba, National University’s Dr Renato Carlos Ermita Jr, University of Santo Tomas Rector Fr Herminio Dagohoy, University of the Philippines’ Dr Michael Tan and Adamson University’s Fr Marcelo V Manimtim.
Ateneo Glee Club’s rendition of “Teach Me To Be Generous” opened the ceremony followed by performances from top local bands Sponge Cola, Itchyworms, Autotelic, December Avenue and IV Of Spades.
The Ateneo Dance Club and the Blue Babble Battalion also performed.
Competitions start on Wednesday with men’s and women’s basketball tipping off at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the University of Santo Tomas’ Quadricentennial Pavillion in España, Manila.
Men’s matches pit UST versus University of the East at 10:30 a.m., Far Eastern University against last year’s runner-up University of the Philippines at 12:30 p.m. and defending champion Ateneo over Adamson University at 4 p.m. (Kristel Satumbaga)