By MARK REY MONTEJO
Before the hardcourt action begins, Season 88 host University of Santo Tomas is looking to stage a UAAP opener to remember with a Paskuhan-themed grand ceremony at its Grandstand on Friday, Sept. 19.
UST, which last hosted the UAAP exactly nine years ago, aims to re-showcase its celebrated legacy and storied traditions to other member schools, students and fans for a night of fireworks and celebration in España, Manila.
To kickstart the event, a 2 p.m. mass is set at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena inside the campus.
From there, the “Thomasian Welcome Walk” starts at 6 p.m. which will be followed by the Hope Concert at 8 p.m where fireworks and drone displays are expected add vibrance and colors to the festive celebration.
Also gracing the opener is OPM artist Kean Cipriano who will perform this year’s theme song “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action.”
“When strength and hope unite, greatness happens,” said Season 88 president Rev. Fr. Rodel Cansancio. “We’re all champions in one enduring flame.”
Last Thursday, the eight-day “Light of Hope” series – which were light shows featuring the colors and chants of each UAAP participating school – concluded as part of the countdown to the season’s opening night.
After the ceremony, men’s and junior high school boys’ basketball tournaments unfurl this weekend, both to be held at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.
In collegiate cagefest, rivals Ateneo and De La Salle University banner the Saturday’s opener where they battle their separate foes, while reigning champion University of the Philippines tangles with UST on Sunday, Sept. 21.
Other sporting events are also kicking off with women;s football on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the freshly built Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub. On the other hand, the men’s tournament starts Sunday at the same Imus, Cavite-based venue.
Meanwhile, high school girls’ and boys’ volleyball begin their quest this Sunday at the newly refurbished Blue Eagle Gym.
This season consists of 48 events in collegiate and high school ranks with UST ahead of the field after being the general champion in both divisions last edition.
