UAAP Season 88 — which will be hosted by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) — is set to carry the theme “Strength in Action, Hope in Action,” the University announced, taking inspiration from the Church’s celebration of the Jubilee Year of Hope this year.
The University unveiled the theme Thursday through its official Facebook page, also launching one of its first major events: a songwriting competition for the official theme song of Season 88.
In an interview with the Varsitarian earlier this month, Institute of Physical Education and Athletics Director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P. said UST wants UAAP Season 88 to be a celebration of hope.
“We would like to capture ‘yong jubilee year. This year is the Jubilee of Hope,” Cansancio said. “Basically, ‘yong message natin is hope. So ‘yon din ‘yong magiging message sa grand opening. Basically, it’s a celebration of hope — stories of hope.”
The songwriting contest is open to all Thomasians and must feature original entries that reflect the season’s theme. Songs can be in English, Filipino, or a mix of both and must run between three and four minutes.
Full guidelines are listed here. The deadline for submissions is May 31. The winning entry will be awarded P30,000 and will be performed during the Season 88 opening ceremonies. It will also be featured throughout the season in different events and media promotions.
Cansancio said preparations for UST’s hosting are in full swing, with the grand opening scheduled to be held on campus in September.
“Full blast na ‘yong preparation natin,” he said. “It’s an honor, of course, for our school to host a big event such as UAAP, at the same time, of course, it’s a big responsibility. You have to prepare for the grand opening.”
To lead the preparations, UST established a central committee in August 2024, which Cansancio heads in his capacity as president of the UAAP Board of Managing Directors.
UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. serves as chairman of the UAAP Board of Trustees, the league’s policy-making body.
The Central Committee includes Vice Rector for Finance Fr. Robert Luanzon, O.P.; Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P.; Public Affairs Director Michaella Lagniton; Conservatory of Music Dean Alexandra Chua; College of Fine Arts and Design Dean Christie Que; Campus Safety and Security Office Director Juliano Parena Jr.; and Communications Bureau Director Philippe Hernandez.
“From the central committee, we will also create different committees that will take charge of the different aspects ng preparation natin, like ‘yong program, logistics, security,” Cansancio said.
While the exact date of the opening has yet to be finalized, UST is coordinating around other major events — including the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Men’s World Championship from Sept. 12–28, and the Bar exams, for which UST will serve as the national headquarters.
Cansancio said UST wants the grand opening to have a “Paskuhan” vibe, expecting a crowd of about 30,000.
“Umaga pa lang, may mga fair na dyan. May food at saka mga merchandise. Kaya, festive yung mood na yan the whole day. And then, in the evening, 6 p.m., ‘yong grand opening,” he said.
“It’s a whole-day event. We are going to showcase ‘yong parang Paskuhan experience natin. But activities, of course, are not related to Paskuhan. Pero ‘yong vibe ng Paskuhan, ‘yan ‘yong ipapa-experience natin sa UAAP.”
The last time UST hosted the UAAP was during Season 79, when the theme was “Dare to Dream.”
