A ONE-OF-A-KIND opening ceremonies will usher in the 71st season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), which starts off with the men’s basketball tournament on July 5 at the Araneta Coliseum.

“The opening festivities will be simple and austere, yet unique. It will be a one-of-a-kind show and, hopefully, it will be remembered in the years to come,” said dean Hercules Callanta of the general host University of the Philippines (UP)-College of Human Kinetics (CHK). Callanta is also this season’s secretary-treasurer.

Far Eastern University (FEU) battles Adamson to open up the season at 2 p.m. followed by the matchup between Season 70 runner-up University of the East and University of Santo Tomas at 4 p.m.

UP takes on National University the following day, Sunday, at 2 p.m., before rivals Season 70 champion De La Salle and Ateneo take the floor at 4 p.m.

Before the action takes place on the court, Callanta said a 45-minute opening ceremony with a theme focusing on the historical account of games and sports in the Philippines will usher the season in.

He added that it will also showcase the life of a student-athlete and the challenges he or she faces every day. Callanta also said that not much will be focused on the university’s centennial celebration.

Callanta did not elaborate about the details of the performance, but said it “will be an infusion of arts and technology.”

Dr. Leilani Gonzalo heads the opening ceremony committee while Dexter Santos is the director of the program.

Callanta said the program will be performed by students from various organizations and performing groups, like the UP Filipiniana Dance Troupe and the Pep Squad.

Besides men’s basketball, the first-semester sports include women’s basketball, chess, judo, table tennis, swimming, taekwondo and beach volleyball.

Games of the men’s basketball tournament will be played at the Araneta Coliseum and at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Dr. Sergio Cao, chancellor of UP Diliman, is the league president, while FEU’s Anton Montinola is the vice president.

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