University of Santo Tomas pulled out all the stops in welcoming UAAP Season 88, transforming its entire España campus into a festival ground on Friday for an opening spectacle infused with Olympic traditions.
True to the grandeur it showcased the last time it hosted in Season 79 (2016), UST staged its kickoff festivities before a roaring crowd of 36,629 attendees from all eight member schools at the University’s Main Building and Open Field.
The Thomasian community fully embraced its role as host, weaving together culture, competition, and celebration that embodied this season’s theme: “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action.”
The opening parade immediately set the tone for the league’s grandest night.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Delegations from all member schools, except the host UST, marched through the Arch of the Centuries in an Olympic-style introduction — banners raised high and school cheers echoing across the four corners of España.
UAAP Season 88 Chairman and UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., conveyed his honor and excitement for the Tigers’ historic hosting.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Tonight, we gather for the highly-anticipated UAAP Season 88 Opening Ceremonies, where as host, we are ready to set the stage for an epic season filled with strong competition and unforgettable moments, showcasing sportsmanship and camaraderie,” Fr. Ang said.
The festivities continued with the presentation of the Eight Icons of Hope: Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula (Faith and Service), Alice Eduardo (Nation Building and Enterprise), Arch. Carmelo Casas (Sustainable Architecture), Dr. Maria Rosario Singh (Public Health and Service), Willy Layug (Culture and the Arts), Christian Esguerra (Truth and Responsible Media), Haydee Ong (Women Empowerment in Sports and Athletics), and Karen Ibasco (Science and Environment Stewardship).
This was followed by the traditional Oath of Sportsmanship, led by top Thomasian athletes Jasmin Simpao (taekwondo), Noelito Jose (fencing), Eya Laure, Josh Ybanez, and Jau Umandal (volleyball), Nic Cabanero and Kent Pastrana (basketball), and Tachiana Mangin (taekwondo).
Pastrana, the UAAP Season 86 Athlete of the Year, spearheaded the oath, emphasizing the league’s commitment to fair play.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The evening reached its climax with the torch relay and cauldron lighting, featuring UAAP men’s basketball champion Jervy Cruz, Filipino martial artist Sydney Sy, Philippine volleyball icon Sisi Rondina, and two-time Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena.
Rondina began the relay at the Arch of the Centuries before handing the torch to Cruz at the Miguel Benavides Building.
From there, the Season 70 MVP passed it on to Sy at the iconic Main Building.
Carrying the flame of sporting greatness from one generation to another, Sy entrusted the torch to Obiena, who delivered a climactic finish by lighting the cauldron at the UST Grandstand.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Ang then officially declared the season open.
“Let this flame ignite all the dreams and aspirations of all the athletes this season and unite them in the spirit of sportsmanship and hope. I now declare the UAAP Season 88 officially open,” he proclaimed.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Adding to the celebration, UST alumnus and singer-director Kean Cipriano of the Conservatory of Music performed the Season 88 theme song, “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” composed by UST Institute of Religion assistant professor Louell Baldoza.
As of publishing, the Hope Concert had yet to begin, with OPM acts Earl Agustin, Rob Deniel, and Lola Amour slated to cap off what was arguably one of the grandest UAAP opening ceremonies in history.
Sports action begins this weekend with the collegiate men’s and junior high school boys’ basketball tournaments, collegiate football, and high school girls’ and boys’ volleyball — all setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead.
