Photo from Inquirer

by Russel Ramos

Host school Far Eastern University (FEU) opened the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89, with the theme “For Everyone, UAAP” at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, September 12.

The event started with the singing of the Philippine national anthem led by the FEU and FEU Diliman Chorale. 

The UAAP board of trustees and managing directors were then introduced, with UAAP chairman and FEU president Juan Miguel Montinola delivering the opening remarks.

“This year’s theme is especially heartening and fulfilling for us. It is the recognition of the many behind the scenes that make a team, that make a school, and indeed a league great,” said Montinola.

Paolo Avila, the host for the event, then introduced the parade of athletes, featuring: 

• Adamson University’s (ADU) Soaring Falcons
• Ateneo de Manila University’s (ADMU) Blue Eagles
• De La Salle University’s (DLSU) Green Archers
• National University’s (NU) Bulldogs
• University of the East (UE) Red Warriors
• University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons
• University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers 
• Far Eastern University’s (FEU) Tamaraws

The parade was followed by the Voices of the League and finished off with University Pillars.

Lady Tamaraw’s booter Nikk Dhrea Duran led Season 89’s oath of sportsmanship for the student-athletes participating, before Montinola officially opened the season.

Following the oath, representatives from the UAAP universities took part in the torch-passing ceremony were ADU’s Jhaycel Roldan, Ateneo’s Lyrden Laborte, DLSU’s Shevana Laput, NU’s John Cabido, UE’s Shawn Felipe, UP’s Ramil Bation, UST’s Sofiah Pagara, and FEU’s Edna Magtubo, who served as the final torchbearer and the lighter of the cauldron.

The opening rites concluded with a kick-off show featuring FEU alumni Vice Ganda and Gloc-9.

Gloc-9 opened up the stage with his iconic hits like “Upuan” and “Simpleng Tao,” ending his show with a tribute to Francis Magalona’s “Kaleidoscope World”.

Subsequently, Vice Ganda held a “Super Unkaboga-Bowl,” arriving on the stage while riding a light-up Tamaraw float that entered the floor with a performance of “Training Season”.

Following the massive entrance, Vice Ganda performed with Baby Dolls, Kyle Echarri, Maki, Darren Espanto, and Bini members Mikha and Maloi.

Before finishing the segment, the Kapamilya superstar left a message to the crowd, urging the youth to choose leaders wisely and to exist in an environment that allows the people to win no matter what.

“So I challenge you to fight, show up, and win no matter what,” Vice Ganda added.

Vice Ganda then wrapped up the event by singing “All I Do is Win”.

Regular UAAP games will begin, with the men’s basketball tournament spearheading the season with a triple-header at the Araneta Coliseum on September 13.