A former UST student himself, singer-songwriter Kean Cipriano returns to his roots in España for a special assignment in UAAP Season 88.
Singer-songwriter Kean Cipriano beamed with pride as he first performed the theme song of UAAP Season 88, hosted by his former school University of Santo Tomas during a recent press conference at the campus in España as preparations reached the final stretch before next month’s kickoff.
Cipriano was tasked to interpret the theme song entitled “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action” written by assistant professor Louell Baldoza of the UST Institute of Religion.
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Though seemingly surprised at the prospect, Cipriano said that it was something that he always dreamed of doing, even after two decades since he first started his life as a student in UST.Now presented with the unique chance of representing his former school, he was more than happy to do it.
“Actually, it feels like a dream come true para sakin. Hindi siya yung parang constant na nandiyan pero I think it’s been with me, like within sa akin. Dahil full circle moment nga sakin na magrepresent din ng not just UAAP, through the theme song, but yung UST din. It’s a dream come true.” said Cipriano at the sidelines of the press conference on Wednesday.
“I am blessed na nabigyan ako ng opportunity to do this and be part of this special celebration.”
Kean Cipriano | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
The theme song is one of the few aspects prepared by the Season 88 hosts, who will also hold the opening ceremonies on campus on Sept. 19.
Along with a celebration marked by “Paskuhan”-esque vibes, the theme stands in line with the school’s vision for UAAP Season 88, which is the same as the song’s title. Both are inspired by the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope.
Despite his initial surprise, Cipriano said that it made sense why UST had asked for his services.
“Anong nangyayari, bakit nila ako hinahanap?” Cipriano said of his first reaction when his former school started to scout him for the performance.“When they told me about the song, ako 'yong mag-i-interpret, naintindihan ko noong narinig ko 'yong song kung bakit nila kailangan 'yong boses ko. Masaya ako kasi maganda 'yong kanta, positibo. It’s about hope. Perfect itong mensahe sa UAAP, sa sports,” he continued.
Cipriano’s rendition of the theme song is expected to be among the highlights of the opening ceremonies, which will also mark UST’s first hosting of the collegiate league since Season 79 back in 2016.