UAAP Season 88 hosts UST gave a preview of the opening ceremonies to be held in campus, bringing the UAAP community to UST traditions.
UAAP Season 88 hosts UST kickstarted the final stretch of preparations, sharing a preview of the opening ceremonies slated on September 19 with festivities happening within the school’s España campus.
In an effort to bring the UAAP community to share in UST traditions, the opening ceremonies will give members of the eight UAAP schools an atmosphere similar to the iconic Paskuhan and other events like the school’s welcome walk.
Kicking off with a mass, the opening ceremonies will be inspired by the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope, which also aligns with the season theme of “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action”.
After the eucharistic celebration, festivities will include the parade of athletes, oath of sportsmanship, and the lighting of the cauldron. Entertainment will also be next level, with a planned drone display, wall projection mapping, and UST’s iconic fireworks show.
“This year, we are taking it to the next level. Bigger, bolder, and more spectacular than ever before,” said UAAP Season 88 President Fr. Rodel Cansancio during a press conference in UST on Wednesday.
They also promised “surprise numbers” in an anticipated “hope concert” set to bring the action to the UST Grandstand and Open Field. UST said that they are expecting along the lines of 20,000 to 30,000 people attending the ceremonies.
Performers are expected to include UST alumni Kean Cipriano, who will perform the theme song with the same name of the season’s overall theme.
In the event of weather conditions not allowing an outdoor ceremony, UST said they will reschedule the ceremonies on the Monday after, September 22.
While UST is eyeing to dazzle with its opening ceremonies, UAAP President Fr. Cansancio underscored the importance of unity and teamwork among the UAAP schools.
“Beyond all these celebrations, let us not forget what brings us — the eight UAAP schools — together; our shared purpose and vision. UAAP will always be about celebrating courage, discipline, and the uniting spirit of sports,” he said.
Games will be held off until the weekend after the opening ceremonies, with the first set of basketball games happening also in UST on September 20 and 21. UST is adjusting in terms of venues as the opening of the basketball season coincides with the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships.