The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 officially opens on September 19, with host school University of Santo Tomas (UST) leading the celebrations at its Grandstand and Open Field. This year’s kickoff carries the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” highlighting a blend of sportsmanship, tradition, and Thomasian pride.
Following the grand opening, UST will also host the first basketball games of the season on September 20 and 21 at the Quadricentennial Pavilion, setting the tone for another thrilling year of UAAP competition. The university expects a massive turnout of around 25,000 to 30,000 attendees, reminiscent of its iconic Paskuhan festivities.
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UST Prepares a Festival-Like Opening
UST officials have promised a bigger and bolder start for Season 88 compared to past years. Rev. Fr. Rodel Cansancio, UAAP President and UST’s IPEA Director, emphasized that the community can expect an extraordinary atmosphere throughout the opening weekend.
"We are planning a jam-packed UAAP Opening Weekend here at UST, with ceremonies on Friday and basketball games on Saturday and Sunday," Cansancio announced during the press conference.
The program will unfold in three major parts: a 2 p.m. Mass in line with the Jubilee of Hope Celebration, a 6 p.m. Opening Program entitled Journey of Hope, and a finale concert. UST will also extend its Thomasian Welcome Walk tradition to all UAAP athletes before the lighting of the cauldron, capped by a drone and fireworks display.
“One can expect a festive atmosphere with vibes similar to ‘Paskuhan’ and other iconic UST traditions, like the Welcome Walk, all designed to give the UAAP community a taste of Tomasian pride and spirit,” Cansancio added.
Music, Spirit, and Thomasian Identity
As part of its unique hosting tradition, UST also unveiled an official soundtrack for the season. The theme song “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action” was composed by Louell Baldoza of the UST Institute of Religion and performed by UST alumnus and OPM artist Kian Cipriano. The track was first introduced during the press conference and will be showcased again at the finale concert on opening day.
“UST stands out as the only UAAP school that consistently comes up with a theme song whenever it hosts the league,” Cansancio highlighted, underscoring the school’s commitment to blending culture, faith, and athletics in its staging.
With this elaborate preparation, UST is ready to roar once more as UAAP Season 88 takes flight, promising not only high-level sports competition but also an opening weekend steeped in tradition, unity, and hope.
