A pep rally for student-athletes ushers the start of the 82nd season of the UAAP Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Unlike previous years, there will be no basketball games to jumpstart the collegiate action as host Ateneo opted for a unique celebration.
“The thing we are doing differently this year is just like back in Season 74, there won’t be a basketball game after the opening ceremony,” said UAAP President Em Fernandez. “It’s because we want to make sure that we celebrate all our student-athletes first before they compete.”
Apart from the UAAP community, invited to sing this year’s theme song “Ang Ating Tagumpay” are Itchyworms, Sponge Cola, December Avenue, Autotelic and IV of Spades.
Student-athletes from member schools across all sporting events will be present during the parade of colors.
Highlighting the ceremony will be the oath of sportsmanship to be led by national team members from various member schools that will be competing in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games that the country is hosting in November.
Among those from host Ateneo are Jarvey Gayoso (football), Jessie Lacuna (swimming), Francis Agojo (taekwondo), Pauline Lopez (taekwondo), Maxine Esteban (fencing), and Jaime Viceo (fencing).
Representing La Salle are Darylle Lumahan (fencing), Nicole Albo (badminton), Irish Navaja (football), Sara Castaneda (football), Chelo Hodges (football), Rocelle Mendano (football), Alisha Del Campo (football), Angel Carino (track and field), Melissa Escoton (track and field), Daniela Daynata (track and field), Jessel Lumapas (track and field), Alvin Vergel (track and field), Francis Obiena (track and field), Raphael Mella (poomsae), Patrick Perez (poomsae), Rinna Babanto (poomsae), Arvin Herrera (baseball), Diego Lozano (baseball), Iggy Escano (baseball), and Julius Diaz (softball).
Meanwhile, men’s basketball action heats up on Wednesday with University of Santo Tomas and University of the East clashing at 10:30 a.m. followed by Far Eastern University against University of the Philippines at 12:30 p.m.
Ateneo starts its title defense at 4 p.m. against Adamson. (Kristel Satumbaga)
