University Athletics Association of the Philippines 

The University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is a sports association home to eight universities in the Philippines: Adamson University, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, National University, University of the East, University of the Philippines, and the University of Santo Tomas. Established in 1938, it is one of the oldest athletic conferences in the country and has emerged to be the most popular inter-university sports association today. The eight member universities compete in three divisions (Seniors’, Juniors’, and Women’s) in fourteen sports.

Basketball, the most popular sport in the country stats off the UAAP Season. This competition has garnered an overwhelming number of fans rivalling the most established professional league in the nation, the Philippine Basketball Association. Furthermore, for the past six years, the sport of Volleyball has proven to be a developing spectator sport establishing its own fan base. Badminton, Baseball and Softball, Chess, Fencing, Football, Judo, Lawn Tennis, Swimming, Taekwondo, Track and Field, Volleyball, and Beach Volleyball competitions continue to provide the UAAP athletes a venue to hone their athletic prowess. Furthermore, the league serves as a breeding ground for national athletes. The UAAP through the years has produced Olympians and medallists in competitions such as the South East Asian Games and the Asian Games.

The UAAP Season 74 marks another history in the league. From the traditional coliseum opening and a basketball game, this season’s host Ateneo de Manila University takes it to another level. This year’s opening ceremony will showcase all the sports and athletes of the UAAP. An Olympic style opening will bring together 4,000 athletes from the 8 member schools to parade in front of 6,000 spectators. A grand production number has been organized and a theme song was especially arranged to capture this season’s theme – All Out All Heart.

All Out All Heart reflects the realization of each athlete that every game is bigger than them. “It’s not about what other people say. It’s not about how good the opponent is or how big an underdog you are. It’s not about one’s talent, not about one’s God-given skill. It’s not about impressing the fans or the scouts. It’s not about playing for the girls. It’s not about going for personal glory, not about fame, not about the chance at turning pro. It’s not about all the other things. This season, it’s only about school pride. It’s about going all out. It’s about being all heart.“