By AJ Alarcon

The Tigers’ lair once again opened its gates as the 88th season of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP), themed “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” officially commenced on Friday, September 19, at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Grandstand and Open Field.

UST returns as host school after nine years, having last hosted in Season 79.

The three-part opening day began with a Eucharistic celebration at the Quadricentennial Pavilion (QPav) at 2 PM, presided over by Very Rev. Fr. Filemon dela Cruz, Jr., O.P.

In his homily, he reflected on the theme through three V’s — Verb, Virtue, and Victory. He emphasized that verbs or action words are signs of life, and that repeated actions or virtues build strength and character. Finally, he pointed to victory as the fruit of living out these values.

He then expressed, “Here in the Mass, we gather not as opponents, but as brothers and sisters.”

All roads lead to España

By 6 PM, the Open Field was brimming with excitement as the UAAP community gathered for the grand opening ceremony. It began with a video presentation of all eight member schools raising a torch that led to España.

The crowd from Adamson University (AdU), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), Far Eastern University (FEU), National University (NU), University of the East (UE), University of the Philippines (UP), and UST erupted in applause as a drone show lit up the skies, forming the logos of each university.

Cheers echoed across the campus as delegates from the eight universities passed through the Arch of the Centuries, proudly waving their flags and banners during the parade of athletes.

The Icons of Hope were then introduced, followed by the oath of sportsmanship led by Kent Jane Pastrana, Season 86’s Athlete of the Year and now part of Gilas Pilipinas.

The Flame of Hope was carried by alumna and former UST Growling Tigress Sisi Rondina, who passed the torch to UAAP men’s basketball champion Jervy Cruz, and then to Filipino martial artist Sydney Sy.

Marking the official start of the season, two-time Olympian and UST alumnus EJ Obiena brought the torch to the cauldron, igniting the Flame of Hope.

“Let this flame ignite all the dreams and aspirations of the athletes this season and unite them in the spirit of sportsmanship and hope. I now declare UAAP Season 88 officially open,” declared UST Rector Fr. Richard G. Ang.

A full-circle moment then followed as UST alumnus Kean Cipriano took center stage to perform this season’s theme song, “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action.” The energy soared higher with a fireworks display, each segment dedicated to the eight UAAP schools.

As rain poured in España, Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo powered through with a dynamic performance of her hit songs, including “Ikot-Ikot.”

Pausing mid-performance, Geronimo spoke about ongoing corruption issues in the country, urging the UAAP community to hold on to hope.

“Parang panloloko sa bansa natin, pinaikot-ikot lang tayo. Tama na,” she asserted.

“’Wag kayo mawalan ng pag-asa. ’Wag tayo mawalan ng pag-asa. Kumapit tayo sa hope at patuloy na magtiwala na balang araw, mababago rin ang bulok na sistema na ’yan,” she added.

OPM acts headline Hope Concert

In true Thomasian tradition, the Hope Concert capped the festivities, hosted by UST Tigers Denyll Sajo and Sonia Abitona.

Filipino singer-songwriter Earl Agustin first lit up the stage with his tracks “Dito Sa’kin,” “Pag-ibig ng Ikaw at Ako,” “Aya,” and his hit single “Tibok.”

Fellow singer-songwriter Rob Deniel followed with crowd favorites “Sinta” and “Ang Pag-ibig,” along with heartfelt covers of Ogie Alcasid’s “Ikaw Sana,” and his viral cover of Alcasid’s “Nandito Ako.” He closed his set with “Miss Miss” and “RomCom.”

Ending the night with a bang, rock band Lola Amour performed “Fallen,” “Dance With My Mistakes,” “Pwede Ba,” and “Namimiss Ko Na,” before closing with their timely anthem “Raining in Manila.”

With the opening rites concluded, the Men’s Basketball tournament tips off on Saturday, September 20, at the UST QPav, featuring a matchup between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the FEU Tamaraws.