Iconic Filipino artists Eraserheads, Johnoy Danao, and University of the Philippines (UP) alum rock artists displayed ‘Stronger, Better, Together’ performances as they officially welcomed University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 today, September 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

“We were treated to an unforgettable performance by the coming together of musical groups from our universities, and later, the Eraserheads,” said UAAP Season 87 Chairman Atty. Angelo Jimenez in his opening remarks.

The legendary OPM band captivated the audience as the final performers with their two-in-one reunion as they kickstarted UAAP Season 87 with hit classics ‘Alapaap,’ ‘Sembreak,’ ‘Ligaya,’ ‘Pare Ko,’ ‘Minsan,’ ‘Magasin,’ and ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo.’

Eraserheads lead singer Ely Buendia mentioned that it was their first time to perform at the Big Dome.

Homegrown talents such as UAAP schools’ chorale members, UP Concert Chorus, UP Symphony Orchestra, and UP’s Kontra-GaPi captured the stadium with a prideful display of talent in their opening performances.

UP hip-hop dance group ‘UPeepz’ also lit the stadium as they performed with a graceful drone-light show.

Independent singer-songwriter and UP alum Johnoy Danao also captivated the audience with a heartwarming rendition of his song ‘Kasama.’

The audience was then greeted by a UP rooted-Filipino rock collaboration from Slapshock’s Lean Ansing, Moonstar88’s Bon Sundiang and Maysh Baay, and Franco’s Dave Delfin with their version of ‘Come Together’ by The Beatles. This marked the rockstars’ official debut as the Maroon 4. 

In addition, UPeepz teamed up with P-pop girl group KAIA in an upbeat display of dancing and singing. 

UAAP Season 86 Athlete of the Year Quendy Fernadez led the Oath of Sportsmanship following the Parade of Athletes, with the Far Eastern University Women’s Football Team representing the green-and-gold community. 

In his inspiring speech, Atty. Jimenez emphasized the meaning of the theme to its stakeholders and audiences alike.

“The University of the Philippines opens the UAAP Season 87 as hosts, by sending a message to the world that together, we can be stronger, better; as schools, as a community, as a nation, and as citizens of the world… It can fill up the biggest stadiums, it can convert ordinary boys and girls into role models of their generation, and generate pride for those that came before,” he shared.

The highly anticipated Battle of Katipunan is set to take place as Ateneo De Manila University and UP go face-to-face in the first Season 87 men’s basketball game later at 6:30 p.m. in the same venue.

- Joshua Kyle Beltran
(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)