By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Marking the end of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88, Far Eastern University (FEU) officially claimed hosting duties for the next one with the theme ‘For Everyone, UAAP’ during this season’s closing ceremony held earlier tonight, May 15, at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.

During the ceremony, the hosting rites were officially turned over by UST’s Rev. Father Richard Ang to FEU, with President Juan Miguel Montinola addressing the UST board and community for the standard-setting season.

”I would like to extend my appreciation and congratulations, particularly to [Reverend] Father Richard [Ang] and [Reverend] Father Rodel [Cansancio], for [the] wonderful hosting of Season 88. And of course, to the entire UST community, you have welcomed us throughout the season into your beautiful campus and we are very, very appreciative,” he said.

Montinola also stated that he owes it to them to try to keep up with the level of hosting that they have done with Season 88.

The program started with the parade and awarding of student-athletes who succeeded in their respective sports, followed by the awarding of the general championships in the high school and collegiate divisions.

In classic FEU fashion, 11 Tamaraws received Rookie of the Year recognitions, while 12 athletes were named as Most Valuable Players. Meanwhile, 19 green-and-gold reps were recognized for their national team duties.

Baby Tamaraw Ruelle Canino and Lady Tamaraw Vic Glysen Derotas also received the Athlete-Scholar of the Year awards for the high school and college divisions, respectively. Meanwhile, FEU-Diliman cager Cabs Cabonilas and Canino were recognized as Athletes of the Year for high school team and individual sports categories, respectively. 

In a preview of next season, the FEU Dance Company spearheaded the transition with a G minor piece performance before the official turnover of the UAAP flag and torch.

With all eyes now on Morayta, the new season will kick off on September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)