Athletes of the Year Mae Langga of Adamson University and Charles Lobitaña of the University of the Philippines, along with high school standouts Cabs Cabonilas of Far Eastern University–Diliman and Rhian Perez of the University of Santo Tomas, headlined a glittering night of recognition as the UAAP Season 88 formally closed on Friday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in España, Manila.
Blu Girls standout Langga of ’13-peat’ softball champions Adamson University and Lobitaña, captain of the 20-time men’s football titleholders University of the Philippines, were named top student-athletes for team sports in the collegiate division after spearheading historic campaigns for their squads.
In the high school division, Cabonilas of Far Eastern University–Diliman and Rhian Perez of University of Santo Tomas were honored as Athletes of the Year for team sports, anchoring their respective schools’ strong seasons.
In individual sports, the honors went to four-time MVP Queen Dalmacio of the University of the East women’s fencing team and WGM-candidate Ruelle Canino of FEU–Diliman, both of whom delivered standout performances on the national and collegiate stage.
The rest of the MVPs and Rookies of the Year were likewise recognized, alongside the Athlete-Scholars — student-athletes who excelled both in academics and sports.
In the collegiate division, the Athlete Scholars were Christine Guergio (Adamson athletics), Mikella Tolentino (Ateneo de Manila University football), Angel Laude (De La Salle University table tennis), Glysen Derotas (FEU chess), Jessica Carcueva (National University tennis), Shawn Felipe (UE fencing), Jufe-Ann Cocoy (UP tennis), and Kent Pastrana (UST basketball).
In the high school division, honorees included Troy Sambilad (Adamson football), Trixie Ortiguera (Ateneo swimming), Pi Durden Wangkay (DLSZ athletics), Canino (FEU–D chess), Sarah Dalagan (NUNS basketball), Yuna Canlas (UE fencing), Liv Florendo (UPIS swimming), and Zkeana Valdez (UST judo).
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
A season defined by strength in motion and hope in action came to a fitting close as outgoing host UST staged grand and ceremonial closing rites, marking the end of a campaign that celebrated excellence, honor, and unity from start to finish.
“From the thunder of the arenas to the millions watching across streams, we didn’t just witness games; we witnessed heart, pride, and the unbreakable spirit of the UAAP. Every cheer, every hard-fought game brought our theme to life. This is more than just a slogan; it became our mantra. We saw strength in every athlete who pushed beyond limits, who rose after every fall, and who fought until the very end,” shared UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., Ph.D.
Outgoing host University of Santo Tomas capped its season-long dominance with a ninth straight double overall championship, extending its record to 49 collegiate titles and securing its 25th crown in the high school division. The campaign was highlighted by sweeps in judo and a first-ever title in beach volleyball.
UST amassed 356 points and secured 10 championships, including a sixth straight men’s table tennis title, a ‘five-peat’ in men’s standard chess, the inaugural chess blitz crown, a fifth men’s tennis championship in seven seasons, a second women’s basketball title in three years, and a season-ending women’s 3×3 title, alongside doubles wins in judo and beach volleyball.
UST High School, meanwhile, dominated the high school division with 327 points, powered by doubles titles in judo and beach volleyball, championships in both table tennis and swimming divisions, and crowns in girls’ basketball, boys’ athletics, and girls’ athletics.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
At the end of the night, Fr. Ang formally passed the UAAP flag and hosting responsibilities to Far Eastern University, represented by its president Juan Miguel R. Montinola.
“The mantra of the UAAP is education, including sports and sportsmanship and fair competition. We are happy to note that all eight schools achieved their championships across the 60 events in the UAAP. This is a manifestation of the good competition and fair play,” Montinola said in his acceptance speech.
Season 89 will open on September 12, 2026, ushering in a new chapter for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines with the theme, “For Everyone, UAAP.”
