By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora
Host school Far Eastern University (FEU) officially opened the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 with performances headlined by standout green-and-gold alumni Gloc-9 and Vice Ganda earlier today, September 12, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
FEU Chorale and FEU Diliman Chorale led the Philippine national anthem and the doxology, respectively, to officially begin the program.
The Board of Managing Directors was then introduced, followed by opening remarks from UAAP Season 89 Chairman and FEU President Juan Miguel Montinola.
Montinola emphasized how the league builds student-athletes for greater opportunities, such as the upcoming Asian Games and international stints where several UAAP athletes are set to represent the country.
“The league is about student development and formation through sportsmanship, fair competition, pathways for career opportunities, and abilities or opportunities to represent the country,” he stated.
Afterward, athletes from each participating school were introduced during the ‘Brave Callout.’
The event also featured the ‘Voices of the League,’ which highlighted various correspondents throughout the years and the staff who keep the UAAP and its student-athletes thriving.
To officially kick off the season, the student-athletes took their Oath of Sportsmanship, followed by the lighting of the cauldron spearheaded by standout Morayta-based trackster Edna Magtubo.
The opening concert commenced with a performance by dancers from all branches of the green-and-gold.
As one of the headliners, FEU alumnus and rap icon Gloc-9 performed several of his hits, including ‘Simpleng Tao,’ ‘Upuan,’ ‘Sirena,’ ‘Sumayaw Ka,’ a cover of ‘Kaleidoscope’ by Francis Magalona, and the official theme song for the season ‘Dito Sa Amin.’
His set was followed by a star-studded performance from fellow green-and-gold alumna and superstar, Vice Ganda, featuring various guest artists, namely girl group Baby Dolls, Kyle Echarri, Maki, Darren Espanto, and BINI’s Mikha and Maloi.
Brimming with green-and-gold pride, Vice Ganda also voiced her sentiments as a former Tamaraw, acknowledging how the institution empowered her to be unapologetically herself.
During her spiel, she also issued a call for the audience to vote for responsible leaders who will pave the way for people to succeed.
“Ipanalo ninyo ang people na bibigyan kayo ng disenteng buhay at kalayaang magtagumpay. Mangyayari lamang ‘yan kapag ipinanalo ninyo ang mga lider na hindi kayo lalakaran (Root for the people who can provide you a decent life and the freedom to win. That will only happen if you vote for leaders that won’t walk over you),” the former Tamaraw stated.
The opening ceremony officially concluded with the FEU Drummers leading the school chant for every participating university.
During the post-event conference, Vice Ganda voiced her experience in headlining the ceremony.
“I just want to be extra at that moment. I just want it to be grand. I just want it to be unkabogable. I just want it to be just Vice. I don’t want to miss and waste that chance,” she expressed.
UAAP Season 89 will officially begin with the men’s basketball tournament as FEU goes head-to-head with Adamson University tomorrow, September 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)