IN A GRAND “Paskuhan-like” ceremony, the University marked the beginning of the UAAP Season 88 on Friday, Sept. 19.
The opening festivities drew over 36,629 guests from UAAP member-schools and the Thomasian community, according to the final count of the Campus Safety and Security Office.
The opening festivities began with the symbolic cauldron lighting led by two-time Olympian and Thomasian pole vaulter EJ Obiena, while former Golden Tigresses captain Sisi Rondina, Season 70 senior’s basketball MVP Jervy Cruz, and former Tiger Judoka athlete Sydney Sy served as torchbearers.
Athletes from UAAP member-schools crossed the Arch of the Centuries as a drone show formed each university’s logo.
Thomasian artists performed during the league’s opening ceremonies.
Music alumnus and OPM singer-songwriter Kean Cipriano sang the UAAP Season 88 theme song, “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” sharing the grandstand with the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe.
Popstar royalty and Education High School alumna Sarah Geronimo made a surprise appearance during the concert, performing her hit songs such as “Tala,” “Ikot-ikot,” and “Kilometro.”
“Parang panloloko sa bansa natin, pinaikot-ikot lang tayo,” Geronimo said, alluding to the growing controversy over anomalous flood-control projects, which has ensnared at least three UST system alumni in government.
UST, which last hosted the UAAP a decade ago during Season 79, staged the official kick-off of the annual tournament with an Olympic-themed spectacle that also drew inspiration from the Jubilee Year of Hope.
“Tonight, we gather for the highly anticipated UAAP Season 88 Opening Ceremonies, where, as host, we are ready to set the stage for an epic season filled with strong competition and unforgettable moments, showcasing sportsmanship and camaraderie,” UAAP Season 88 Chairman and UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., said.
Ang marked the beginning of the year-long sports competition with the “Flame of Hope.”
“This flame defines the dreams and aspirations of all the athletes this season and unites them in the spirit of sportsmanship and hope. I now declare the UAAP Season 88 officially open,” said Ang said.
The ceremony ended with an eight-minute pyromusical, which illuminated the UST grounds with fireworks symbolizing all eight schools’ UAAP cheers and university colors.
The “Hope Concert,” the finale of the opening ceremony, was headlined by OPM artists Rob Deniel, Earl Agustin, and Filipino rock band Lola Amour.
UAAP spirit
Students from varying UAAP schools showed support for their athletes and described the opening rites as a “Paskuhan-like” festivity.
“Actually masaya siya kasi for me it’s my first time na makakita ng ibang schools na nag-eenjoy here sa UST, pinaramdam niya kung paano ‘yung feels natin every Paskuhan and every time na mayroon tayong events,” said Mary Guillen, a Faculty of Arts and Letters student.
“Sobrang heartwarming no’ng pagdating namin dito, parang iba ‘yong pag-welcome sa amin ng mga taga-UST,” University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman athlete Raydric Abinales told the Varsitarian.
After UST announced that all entry points would be closed at 5:30 p.m. in preparation for the event, some students and other guests were left queuing outside campus gates and expressed disappointment with the sudden closure.
“At first, it was very stressful. I was one of the people who got stopped outside because of the early closing of the gates. After I entered, it was really fun. After the rain, I could feel the Thomasian spirit and the UAAP spirit,” said UP Diliman student KC Relampagos.
Far Eastern University student Ivan Arbolado expressed excitement for the UAAP games.
“‘Yong mga bakbakan ng mga universities, alam ko ‘yong mga universities hindi magpapatalo and I’m excited to see each and every university’s fighting spirit,” said Arbolado.
The men’s basketball tournament will kick off the new season on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion. Czeantal Naomi P. Delos Santos and Micah G. Pascua
