It’s going to be a festive atmosphere when UAAP Season 88 opens right at the heart of España this September.
After nine long years, the UAAP is heading back to España.
With the theme ‘Strength in Motion, Hope in Action’, the University of Santo Tomas will be taking on hosting duties for UAAP Season 88 — set to open on September 19.
Similar to UAAP Season 79 in 2016, opening ceremonies will take place in the Sampaloc-based campus, with main festivities being held at the Open Field and Grandstand, according to UST-Institute of Physical Education and Athletics director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P.
This time around, UST intends to hold a much bigger and festive celebration, according to Fr. Cansancio, with an afternoon mass kicking off the festivities at 2 p.m., and a main opening program at around 6 p.m. with the theme ‘Journey of Hope’.
The opening program is expected to have a festive vibe similar to the University’s annual Paskuhan celebrations, and even the Welcome Walk held for Thomasian freshmen.
“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 Thomasian pride and spirit,” Fr. Cansancio said during a press conference held at UST’s Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. (BGPOP) Building on Wednesday, August 27.
“For the opening program, the entire UST campus transforms 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 [attendees].”
On top of giving the UAAP community a taste of the Thomasian culture, Season 88’s opening ceremonies will also feature highlights such as the usual parade of student athletes, oath of sportsmanship, and the lighting of the UAAP cauldron.
“The event also showcases stunning performances, a drone display, wall projection mapping, and a fireworks show,” shared Fr. Cansancio.
“Furthermore, a special surprise number has been planned to add to the excitement and energy of the evening…the night will culminate with a Hope Concert, a special treat for our student athletes, and the entire UAAP community.”
Strength in Motion, Hope in Action
Aside from a different type of opening ceremonies, UAAP Season 88 will also feature a theme song entitled “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action” — a composition by assistant professor Louell Baldoza of the UST Institute of Religion that bested 12 other entries in the theme song writing competition.
Like their in-campus festivities, Fr. Cansancio shared that this is another unique aspect of UST’s hosting duties as he recalled the “Dare to Dream” theme song back in Season 79.
“There were two judges who wanted sana a Filipino [anthem], but after deliberation, they really wanted the song of ‘Strength in Motion, Hope in Action’ because of the text that is very Thomasian in spirit. It is very positive, it is very inspiring,” Maria Alexandra Chua, UST Conservatory of Music dean and UAAP Season 88 committee head for theme song, said.
Performing this year’s theme is UST alumnus Kean Cipriano, who is best known for his time as the frontman of local pop-rock band, Callalily (now known as Lily). In fact, Cipriano gave media members and UST a live performance of the theme song during Wednesday’s press conference.
“Twenty years na ako sa industriya na ito, pero masasabi ko na ito yung pinakakinabahan yata ako na performance at kanta na kailangan ko i-interpret. More than the song kasi, it represents a lot of people and milestones. It encompasses everything,” Cipriano said.
Watch the full video of his performance here:
Images courtesy of the UAAP Media Bureau.