UST prepares grand celebration to open UAAP Season 88

THE 88th season of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) kicks off on Friday, with University of Santo Tomas hosting a grand opening ceremony at the UST open field in Sampaloc, Manila.

Under the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” Season 88 will kick off with a Eucharistic Celebration at Quadricentennial Pavilion at 2 p.m.

The main event of the opening ceremony will be the parade of student athletes, the oath of sportsmanship and the symbolic lighting of the UAAP cauldron starting at 6 p.m. at the UST Grandstand.

The opening ceremony will showcase a spectacular array of entertainment, including live performances, fireworks display and a high-tech drone show.

A “Hope Concert” led by UST alumnus and OPM artist Kian Cipriano will cap the opening day festivities.

“We are planning a jam-packed UAAP opening weekend here at UST, with ceremonies on Friday and games on Saturday and Sunday,” Fr. Rodel Cansancio, UST director for Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) and UAAP Board of Managing Directors president, said.

To accommodate the event, a "carless day" was declared on Sept. 19 at the UST campus.

Cansancio added that the organizing committee will treat the opening ceremony the same way as they hold its “Paskuhan” event.

“One can expect a festive atmosphere with vibes similar to 'Paskuhan' and other iconic UST traditions, like the Welcome Walk, all designed to give the UAAP community a taste of Tomasian pride and spirit,” he said.

“For the opening program, the entire UST campus will transform into a massive stage, but the main action unfolds at the grandstand and open field, where the crowd will gather, estimated to be somewhere between 25,000 to 30,000.”

The eight-day "Light of Hope" series, featuring light shows that illuminated the UST Main Building with the colors and chants of each UAAP member school, concluded last night (Thursday night) as part of the countdown to Season 88.

Sports action begins on Saturday, starting with collegiate men’s and junior high school boys' basketball at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.

Collegiate women’s football will also kicks off on Saturday at the newly built Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite, while the men’s tournament follows on Sunday at the same venue.

High school girls’ and boys’ volleyball will have their first serve on Sunday at the newly renovated Blue Eagle Gym in Diliman, Quezon City.

A total of 48 events across collegiate and high school divisions will take place this season, with UST entering as the reigning general champion in both divisions.

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