UAAP Season 89 officially opens, honors people behind league

Edna Magtubo from host FEU holds the torch as the UAAP Season 89 officially opens on Saturday. –UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The UAAP turned the spotlight on the people who help keep the league running and support its student-athletes as Far Eastern University hosted the Season 89 opening ceremony Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

For the second straight season, the UAAP used its opening ceremony to recognize people who help keep its schools and teams running, from faculty members and staff to drivers, photographers and other support personnel.

UAAP SCHEDULE: Season 89 basketball tournament

FEU honored seven student council presidents along with campus workers Kuya Rene, Kuya Mar, Ma’am Grace and Ma’am Che.

Other honorees included UE assistant principal Swisa Almeyda, UST’s Rod Sambuang, UP’s Bo Perasol, La Salle vice chancellor Fritzie de Vera, Adamson photographer Migs Llave, NU professor Aries Manuel, and Ateneo staff and faculty members Cyrus Lim, Edmund Dela Rosa and Louie Melosantos.

The ceremony carried the theme “For Everyone, UAAP,” highlighting the broader community behind the student-athletes who compete for their universities and, in many cases, the country.

A view of the Mall of Asia Arena during the UAAP Season 89 opening ceremonies. –UAAP PHOTO

“But this year’s league is especially heartening and fulfilling for us. It is a recognition of the many people behind the scenes who make a team, a school, and indeed a league great,” UAAP Season 89 chairman Johnny Montinola said.

“To the faculty who uphold high academic standards, generously giving their time and support to those who need it. To classmates and friends who share everyday experiences and keep the athletes grounded. To the physios and strength and conditioning personnel who keep them safe and performing at their optimum. And to those who quietly provide help—the dorm guards, the drivers, and the food service teams—so the athletes, in turn, can be at their best in serving the university.”

Montinola also said the league is about more than competition, citing its role in student development, sportsmanship and opportunities for athletes to pursue careers and represent the Philippines.

Montinola also highlighted the UAAP’s contribution to the national teams, particularly Gilas Pilipinas and Alas Pilipinas in the Asian Games.

The league also has representatives in athletics, chess, judo, fencing, taekwondo and table tennis, while several UAAP coaches are part of national team pools.

The opening ceremony also featured the traditional parade of athletes, this time held on an LED floor, as well as the athletes’ oath led by FEU women’s football player Nikk Dhrea Duran.

Eight athletes served as torchbearers for their respective schools before Montinola formally declared Season 89 open.

The UAAP Kickoff Show, meanwhile, featured Vice Ganda and Gloc-9.

The men’s basketball tournament begins Sunday.