The University Athletic Association of the Philippines and Cignal are ready to bring fans closer to the action in Season 88, which officially kicks off on Friday, September 19, inside the historic campus of the University of Santo Tomas.
With the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” UST, the host for this season, promises a grand celebration that blends tradition and faith.
The opening day begins with a Eucharistic celebration at 2:00 PM, inspired by the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope.
At 6:00 PM, the “Journey of Hope” program takes center stage.
The spectacle will include the parade of student-athletes, the oath of sportsmanship, and the symbolic lighting of the UAAP cauldron.
Fans can also expect breathtaking performances, a drone display, wall projection mapping, fireworks, a surprise number, and a “Hope Concert” to close the night in true Thomasian fashion — recalling the energy of “Paskuhan” and the “Welcome Walk.”
“The gates of España are now wide open, and the stage is set. To the entire UAAP community, we are ready to give our all and let out the loudest roar this season,” said UAAP Season 88 president Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P.
“This year, we rise to the challenge — bigger, bolder, and more spectacular than ever before.”
The action on the court begins on Saturday, September 20, with the collegiate men’s basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.
Far Eastern University faces Ateneo de Manila University at 2:00 PM, followed by Adamson University clashing with De La Salle University at 4:30 PM.
On Sunday, September 21, University of the East squares off against National University at 1:00 PM, before University of the Philippines battles host UST at 4:30 PM.
The Fighting Maroons-Growling Tigers clash will have separate tickets.
Earlier that day, the junior high school boys’ basketball games are scheduled at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
(C) Cignal
Meanwhile, the women’s collegiate basketball tournament tips off on Wednesday, September 24.
Beyond basketball, the Pilipinas Live app will show even more sports this year, including high school boys’ and girls’ volleyball, men’s and women’s football, the badminton finals, and the crowd-favorite cheerdance competition for the first semester.
The collegiate men’s games will also be broadcast live on free-to-air via One Sports and in high definition on the UAAP Varsity Channel on Cignal.
UAAP executive director Atty. Rene “Rebo” Saguisag expressed his delight at the expanded coverage, saying, “We are grateful to Cignal for opening more doors for our student-athletes. The exposure they are giving not only highlights their hard work and talent but also ensures that the UAAP community — here and abroad — can cheer them on every step of the way.”
For Cignal, this partnership goes beyond broadcast — it’s a commitment.
“It is our promise to the student-athlete to give them a world-class platform where their passion and dedication can shine,” said MediaQuest & Cignal President and CEO Jane Jimenez-Basas.
“They are the future of Philippine sports, and we are honored to help tell their stories to the nation.”
