UAAP: Where Heroes Are Made

Heroes are not fictional characters armed with super powers to save the world. They are real and are found in each one of us.

This is the call of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines for the opening of Season 73 hosted by De La Salle University.

“We should discover heroism within ourselves. Our athletes are heroes because they give their all in every game,” said Bro. Bernard “Bernie” Oca, UAAP president in a media briefing at the DLSU-Manila.

“This is the time that we need to be heroic and help build this nation,” he added.

The hosting of this year’s UAAP coincides with DLSU’s celebration of its centennial year, which will commence on June 16.

“National University would have been this year’s host but we requested to host this season to coincide with our centennial celebration,” disclosed Oca.

The Green Archers, who missed the final four slot last season and finished sixth place, will be facing the UP Fighting Maroons in the opening game of the season which will be on July 10.

Coach Dindo Pumaren, who replaced his brother Franz, will now lead the Green Archers who have struggled through a three-year championship drought while the Maroons who last saw action in the championship in 1986 is now under Coach Aboy Castro.

But the most awaited rivalry on court between the Green Archers and the Ateneo Blue Eagles will take place two weeks after the opening.

“We’re still arranging the schedule with Araneta Coliseum but most probably it would be on July 24 or July 25,” said Oca.

Oca also assured of a fantastic opening of the season as they tapped Stages and their alumnus Mark Reyes to direct the event.

DLSU Alumni Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, and Enchong Dee are also expected to perform in the opening ceremony, said Oca.

Izah Morales, Yahoo Southeast Asia