By MARK REY MONTEJO
It will be a festive and colorful Paskuhan in the middle of September as host UST vowed to go all-out in its desire to stage an exciting opening ceremony of the UAAP Season 88 at the UST Grandstand before the men’s basketball competitions fire off at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sept. 19.
With a theme, Strength in Motion, Hope in Action, and a logo that symbolizes teamwork and solidarity, UST is ready to cater the student-athletes for this season’s festivities which will also be marked by the return of the boy’s baseball and the debut of the boy’s tennis.
“We fully recognize the great responsibility that comes with this undertaking, but we are more than ready to rise to the challenge. Now the gates of Espana are wide open. The stage has been set,” said Fr. Rodel Cansancio, director of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics.
“To the UAAP community, we are more than ready to give it our all and release the loudest roar this season,” he added during the host’s press conference at Dr. Robert Sy Grand Ballroom of the UST Paredes Building Wednesday morning, Aug. 27.
The last time UST hosted the country’s premier collegiate league was in Season 79 in 2016 which held its opening rites on its campus grounds and field.
The opening program – which aims to give the UAAP participants a glimpse and feel of UST pride and spirit – is set at 6 p.m. which will follow an earlier mass before the ceremony at 2 p.m
This year’s theme song is performed by singer Kean Cipriano.
A jam-packed crowd – 25,000-30,000 spectators which is composed of students, alumni, and more – are expected to witness the opening of another chapter to the storied history of the premier collegiate league.
Should the weather not permit the opening ceremony to proceed as planned, it will be moved to Monday, Sept. 22, while the basketball games will continue according to Season 88 program heads Rev. Fr. Jeffrey Aytona and Cansancio.
“Strength in motion, hope in our hearts, passion, bands unbroken, years of passion, hands will clash, yet souls align. The truest win is shared like wine. Through sweat and grief, we claim our name, champions of one enduring flame,” Cansancio continued.
“Remember, we are all champions of one enduring flame. My dear friends, As one UAAP, together, we will find strength in motion and hope in action in this season. Mabuhay ang UAAP!” he concluded.
The final schedule for the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments is yet to be released but it is most likely to be announced before the opener. And as expected, all eyes would be on defending champions University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and National University Lady Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, UAAP is expanding its calendar to accommodate the schedule for the boys baseball and tennis.
The reintroduction of the sports were due to the recent Filipino appearances and success in international competitions, especially Alex Eala who is currently making
waves in the US Open.
In judo and taekwondo will be removed from the first to second semester to give way for the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.
