UAAP welcomes 77th Season through “Unity in Excellence”

The long wait is over.

Season 77 of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) officially began with the opening ceremonies held at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum last July 12.

This year’s host, the University of the East (UE), led a mythological-laden opening ceremony with performances from different UE performing arts groups. The opening ceremonies featured various interpretative dances and inspirational song numbers from the UE Chorale, UE Band and the UE Performing Arts group to portray this season’s theme of “Unity in Excellence.”

The event kickstarted with the introduction of the eight participating schools represented by the team captains of the competing schools’ Men’s Basketball teams, to the delight of those supporters in attendance. DLSU, however, was represented by Green Archer Matt Salem instead of team captain Jeron Teng.

After which came the presentation of the UAAP Board Members and among those included known personalities such as DLSU’s President and Chancellor Br. Ricky Laguda FSC.

UE Vice Chairman Jaime Bautista and UE President Ester Garcia delivered the opening remarks and an inspirational message, respectively, to welcome the athletes as well as the loyal followers of the league. “Unity and excellence convey such big meaning and expresses boldness,” shared Garcia in her speech.

Pedrito “Bong” Galanza, the team captain of the UE Red Warriors, led the team representatives in reciting the Oath of Sportsmanship which encapsulates the values and virtues expected of the UAAP athletes.

UAAP Season 77 President and UE Executive Vice President Carmelita Mateo had the honor of officially opening the new season of the country’s premier collegiate league.