THE University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) opened in a spectacular manner over the weekend, with no less than National Basketball Association (NBA) champion Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors gracing the opening. That made it historic, awesome and bombastic!
But Steph Curry was just one marvelous feature among others. The whole opening ceremonies was like a mini Asian Games or even an Olympics type of opening. The colors were dazzling, the lights were magical, the performers captivating in their techno-neon garb. Truly star-studded in a showbiz kind of way, the UAAP opening staged by host school National University also featured pop heartthrob James Reid, K-Pop star Minzy and Sponge Cola in an extravaganza that made the crowd scream deafeningly, like in a rock concert.
Well, after all, it WAS a rock concert. Some say this season’s opening departed from the homegrown presentations of member schools, but judging from how the Mall of Asia Arena rocked and heaved with the surprises host NU had in store, this was the most crowd-applauded, jaw-dropping, scream-worthy UAAP opening ceremonies ever. Which makes Season 81 a class in itself already.
Here are five reasons why UAAP Season 81, is watch-worthy all season long.
- That Opening Number
Opening ceremonies leveled up with the show by immrsv Asia Inc., the first Philippine-based company dedicated to 3D mapping, large-scale projections and immersive technology. The group transformed the Arena into a techno-wonderland of sensational images on a gigantic LED wall that enhanced the performances, added drama to all the presentations—from the parade of athletes to the oath of sportsmanship led by Steph Curry—and gave everyone present a “Cirque de Soleil” level experience. There was a “cast of thousands” feel to the whole show: eight “Greek statues” led the eight member schools’ contingents, 25 dancers swirled and quick-stepped to the music, 47 NU Underdogs, the school’s street dance club, provided the funky flavor; 30 NU Pep Squad members added more thrills and visual excitement, 20 additional dancers upped the ante and a 50-piece NU chorale provided the solemn sounds for the occasion. The audience came alive with twinkling immersive bands and glue sticks. This opening number definitely set the bar high and should bring in more crowds for future UAAP opening ceremonies to come.
- Up For Grabs
If previous seasons had clear winners already picked out even during opening day, Season 81 looks like an anything goes year. Judging from the way the eight teams performed during opening weekend, no one has a sure claim on the Season 81 trophy—although Ateneo, by way of being defending champion and because of their awesome performance in the Jones Cup, is still the favorite for Top Dog. The first games, except for the University of the Philippines’ rout of University of the East in the opener, were tight contests. There were no clear winners even in the final seconds. It’s gonna be a wild and wooly, unpredictable, super exciting basketball season.
- New Look Teams
Everybody has stepped up—without exception. The most dramatic change seems to be with the UP Fighting Maroons who now boast of a Man in the Middle—Bright Akhuetie—and rookies like David Murrell, Will Gozum, James Spencer and Jaydee Tungcab who have boosted UP’s strength in various positions. UP’s opening day game showed no jitters at all. Instead, the Maroons oozed with confidence and seemed tougher, more relentless than anyone can remember in the league’s long history. Yet, UE was a new look team as well, with former Ateneo Juniors coach Joe Silva now riding the bench, and rookie Allan Beltran already creating situations on the first day. Other rookies beefed up the Lepanto team: Ric Gallardo, Jan Sobrevega, Bryan Lacap and Jason Strait. And Alvin Pasaol looks svelter than ever.
Other new look features : Coach Aldin Ayo doing the same fiery things and super rookie CJ Cansino impressing for University of Santo Tomas; Jerom Lastimosa hustling and scoring for Adamson University; SJ Belangel and Angelo Kouame beefing up the Ateneo Blue Eagles with a slimmer Mike Nieto and a returning Adrian Wong; the Brothers Ildefonso, Shaun and Dave, hot starting for NU and breaking UST’s heart in the cliffhanger second game. De La Salle sporting Twin Towers in Taane Samuel and Brandon Bates, hadn’t Samuel suffered a “Gordon Hayward” experience just five minutes into the game against FEU; and the Far Eastern U Tamaraws appearing to be the steadiest of the teams in terms of personnel with no big change or addition to its core.
- Brother Act
Watch out for the UAAP movie called “My Brother’s Keeper”. There are more brother acts to follow after Mike and Matt Nieto. The GDLs—Javi and Juan Gomez De Liaño—are showing they share chores not just at home but in the hard court as well. Get more used to seeing Juan dish out a pass, or a bounce, or an alley oop to Kuya Javi as the season moves on. Get a dose of the Ildefonsos entertaining the crowd as well with their well-oiled passes and I’ve-got-your-back-Brother mentality. Throw in Dad Danny Ildefonso into the mix too as he constantly gives pointers to either of his juniors during timeouts.
- Spectacular Shots
That midcourt shot by Jeric Ahanmisi with 3 seconds left before the half of the Adamson-Ateneo game was as spectacular as spectacular can get. Ahanmisi made the Adamson crowd boil over with delight. Through sheer spirit and relentless execution of coach’s directions, the Falcons pulled off the unexpected: defeat highly touted Ateneo in the end game. Expect more spectacular plays all season long from the colorful cast of characters in the UAAP extravaganza.
- More Surprises
Every year, the UAAP adds something new to talk about. In Season 79, host school UST added a Ballroom Dancing Competition. In Season 80, host school FEU introduced the UAAP 3-on-3. This year, National University put on the very first one-on-one, Last One Standing, on show even before the season officially began. And yet, we hear there’s even more to look forward to. If we heard right, there will be an Arnis competition in the UAAP sometime this season. Three-on-three basketball will again be staged and formation ballroom will be back. This is really going to be an entertaining UAAP Season 81. The Opening Ceremonies set the tone for the season-long show. Now all we have to do is enjoy it.