On Saturday, September 3, the 79th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) opened at the University of Santo Tomas. It was a first-of-its-kind opening ceremony that bucked tradition and got rave reviews. Here are some of its highlights.
The Dream theme
In keeping with this year's theme, "Dare to Dream," host school UST dared to do something entirely different for the opening ceremony. There were no games played. Instead, the spotlight was on a somewhat unexpected demo sport: ballroom dancing. UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics' Gilda Camus told ABS-CBN Sports: "We're doing this kind of opening because we were inspired by our theme." She also added, "It's because in previous years, the players who will play in the first day get easily tired because of the long waiting time in the opening ceremonies. So, this time, we wanted the opening day to be more about all the athletes."
Tiger power
Who could have resisted taking an Instagram-worthy shot with the inflatable incarnations of UST's mascot around the campus?
The superb soundtrack
The crowd loved the concert music courtesy of SUD and Silent Sanctuary. Needless to say, the crowd went wild. (Host school UST should also be commended for going all out on the setup for the opening ceremonies.)
Iskolar ng Dance Floor
The University of the Philipines Ballroom Formation Team swept the ballroom dancing competition, scoring 92.48 points in the Latin category to beat UST with 91.66 and the University of the East with 84.42. UP also ruled the standard ballroom category with 94.3 points against the 92.1 of UST and the 87 of De La Salle University.
Fire alarm
UST's The Varsitarian reported, "Part of the roof of the UAAP opening ceremony venue caught fire following the fireworks display." Thankfully, the blaze didn't spread. The fire was immediately extinguished.
Fantastic fireworks
Is there any other way to end opening ceremonies?
This story originally appeared on Spot.ph.
*Minor edits have been made by the FHM.com.ph editors.
