By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

Host school University of Santo Tomas (UST) officially opened University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88, highlighting community and unity as they welcomed students and athletes from participating universities, yesterday, September 19, at the UST Grandstand and Open Field. 

The Thomasian culture and ‘Paskuhan’ spirit came alive during the opening rites, as UST sought to bring together all universities in celebrating its traditions and practices. 

Before the opening ceremony, student-athletes from the eight UAAP schools gathered at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion for a Eucharistic Celebration led by Fr. Filemon dela Cruz Jr., O.P. where he instilled the three Vs that shape an athlete: verbs, virtues, and victory.

To officially commence the opening ceremony, the Tambuli, a traditional Filipino instrument used to summon people, was played, followed by a spirited performance by UST homegrown talent Salinggawi Dance Troupe. 

The Parade of Athletes began shortly after as they were welcomed by another tradition of the host school, walking through the Arch of the Centuries, accompanied by a drone light show that illuminated the sky and showcased each university’s logo and name.

During the opening remarks, UAAP Season 88 Chairman Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P. emphasized the season’s motto, “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action” as he aims to unite all participating universities to ignite the message of hope and camaraderie.

“For this occasion, we will witness how colors, mottos, and pep chants gently fade into the background—making way for what truly unites us, under the banner of the UAAP. This is more than just a celebration, it is a promise that we rise higher when we stand together,” he mentioned.

UST women’s basketball team captain and Gilas Pilipinas player Kent Pastrana led the Oath of Sportsmanship.

It was then followed by the torch relay ceremony that highlighted former athletes of the host school, such as Sisi Rondina, Jervy Cruz, and Sydney Sy, with the ceremonial lighting of the cauldron executed by UST alumnus and Olympic pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena.

The ceremony then featured lead vocalist of the pop-rock band Callalily, UST alum Kean Cipriano, who performed the official theme song of the season, ‘Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,’ backed up by another performance from the Salinggawi Dance Troupe. 

Shortly after, a nine-minute fireworks display lit up the sky, with a segment for each UAAP university. 

Wrapping up the opening ceremony was pop star royalty and UST alumna Sarah Geronimo, who ignited the crowd with performances of her hit songs ‘Kilometro’ and ‘Tala.’ 

To further celebrate the season’s kickoff, host school UST held the ‘HOPE Concert’ with performances from hit OPM artists Earl Agustin, Rob Deniel, and Lola Amour.

The men’s basketball tournament will officially begin as Far Eastern University is set to go head-to-head against Ateneo de Manila University for the season-opener game today in the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

(Photo by /FEU Advocate)