Adamson University delivered an excellent job in making the UAAP Season 85 live up to its theme; we, indeed, “Rise as One!”
I’ve been to several university basketball games; I've lost count of them. One can say that I am an avid fan, as my addiction goes back to season 79 and never fails to intensify as time passes. I am in a long-term relationship with UAAP–almost seven years of going back and forth between Smart Araneta and MOA Arena to support my favorite team.
Now, you’re probably wondering why I wasted my entire youth on such a trivial matter and mentally computing how much money I’ve spent on the tickets, excluding the food and transportation fee. I think about it sometimes, too! The experience was plain crazy and not budget-friendly. However, I don’t regret it one bit. Attending UAAP basketball games was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. It gave me this addictive surge of mixed emotions. I'd like to call it a cheap therapy, for it is my instant serotonin boost.
Don’t get me wrong, I did fall in love with the game but fell even harder because of the crowd. There’s something about the drums and the deafening shouts that will make you feel like you belong until COVID-19 came and ruined everything. I can forgive the UAAP for canceling half of Seasons 82 and 83 but not allowing the school drums to play in the new normal set-up? It’s another story. According to the UAAP board, live drums were forbidden inside the event for safety purposes. Following the health protocol was also strictly implemented, prohibiting fans from eating during games and interacting with one another.
The idea was absurd. In 2022, the return of UAAP to MOA Arena looked empty and gloomy as the population was cut in half. Season 84’s theme was “Fully Alive, Champions for life!” but the situation implied otherwise. Not to mention that the first round was only offered virtually. I felt like I was in a library. So when Fr. Aldrin Suan CM, UAAP Season 85 President, announced their plan to carry out UAAP in the full calendar to the Falcon community, I was excited to be part of that crowd.
Just like how everyone anticipated it, Adamson University did not disappoint. Last October 1, 2022, they officially opened UAAP to the public, warmly welcoming them with a full-blast crowd, halftime performances, and overloaded food scattered throughout the game. Drummers were also in complete attendance. Although the opening ceremony was still pre-recorded; nevertheless, it was like 2018 all over again with the after-game selfies and kilig moments with the players. We are back to normal at long last, and we are united to move past the tough times.
The UAAP Season 85 is a great ground to release stress and meet new people. Whether from Adamson or another university, you are bound to get along with everyone as you cheer for your favorite team. Trust me; it has THAT effect on the audience. So, don’t forget to support our klasmeyts, and together, we must rise and win as one.
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