UAAP TURNS 75. The 75th or diamond season of the UAAP opened at the Mall of Asia Arena, with a glittering ceremony Saturday, July 14, 2012. On the inset photo and doing his traditional jump is former president Fidel V. Ramos, an alumnus of the National University, this year’s host school. With him is NU President Teddy Ocampo. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines – Former President Fidel V. Ramos led the opening ceremonies of UAAP’s 75th season at the state-of-the-art Mall of Asia Arena Saturday.
Ramos is an alumnus of National University, this year’s host, which prepared a simple program to usher in the start of what is arguably the most popular collegiate sports competition in the country.
Fireworks inside the Arena greeted each squad’s introduction, but the grandest was reserved for the NU Bulldogs.
Team captains from all the sports, not just from basketball, which kicked off after the ceremonies, represented their schools, carrying their flags in a brief parade.
The theme for UAAP’s diamond year is “Unbreakable” to signify the league’s unrelenting commitment to the development of the youth through college sports.
A huge make-shift diamond, made up of translucent white canvas, illuminated various colors.
Aside from Ramos, also present were the presidents of all eight participating schools – NU Bulldogs, Adamson University Falcons, Ateneo Blue Eagles, Far Eastern University Tamaraws, La Salle Green Archers, University of the East Red Warriors, UP Fighting Maroons, and the UST Growling Tigers.