THE stage is set and the spotlight burns brighter than before, as UAAP Season 88 was welcomed at the home of this year’s host, the University of Santo Tomas (UST), blazing with energy and excitement for what lies ahead.
On Wednesday, August 27, the España-based university offered a glimpse of what’s in store for UAAP fans this season, as it officially took on the hosting duties for the much-anticipated collegiate multi-sport event.
Photo: Bryan Gadingan | RepublicAsia Media
As they enter the final phase of preparations, UST aims to draw audiences closer to its campus by holding the opening ceremonies and festivities at the UST Grandstand on September 19.
This initiative reflects the school’s goal of uniting the eight UAAP member schools and their communities through shared UST traditions, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the iconic Paskuhan and events like the university’s welcome walk.
8igger, 8older
Rev. Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P., who currently serves as President of the UAAP Board of Managing Directors, was the first to unveil this year’s theme, “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” highlighting the theme’s holistic objective.
“Let us not forget what brings us, the eight UAAP schools, together: our shared purpose and vision,” Rev. Fr. Cansancio said. “UAAP will always be about celebrating courage, discipline, and the uniting spirit of sports.”
“We will constantly espouse the belief that the true meaning of competition goes beyond winning. It’s about inspiring transformation of oneself, teams, and greater community,” he went on to say.
Photo: Bryan Gadingan | RepublicAsia Media
Despite the overwhelming responsibility of steering the entire UAAP this season, UST is prepared to take on the challenge and committed to doing their best, having witnessed what Season 87 hosts UP accomplished for the league.
“The spotlight is now on UST, and we are deeply honored to host the 88th edition of the UAAP, nine years after we last took on the league in 2016. We fully recognize the great responsibility that comes with this undertaking, but we are more than ready to rise to the challenge,” Rev. Fr. Cansancio said.
UAAP Denies PBA’s Request
Meanwhile, the UAAP has denied the PBA’s request to permit graduating players to enter the upcoming Season 50 Draft, set for Sunday, September 7, at the Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.
In a media interview, UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag noted that while the league acknowledges both the “merit and disadvantages” of allowing mid-season draft entries, the UAAP cannot base its decisions solely on basketball.
“Yun na nga, when we make that decision kasi, it’s not per sport or per division. It’s for the whole sporting program of all events. So may implication siya, hindi siya basta-basta,” Saguisag said after the press conference.
“We have to politely decline at least for this season na hindi namin mapagbibigyan yung request na magpa-draft yung players in the midst, or actually even before the basketball season begins. Medyo marami siyang implications ‘eh,” he added.
Saguisag also assured that the UAAP is thoroughly reviewing it to maintain consistency across all sports in the future. Although the request was denied, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial expressed his understanding of the decision.
“Kailangan, careful studying with all the implications not only for basketball, but for all sporting events in the future ‘tska pati ‘yung most recent ones. Kailangan consistent siya in all our regulations. They understood naman. Si Commissioner Willie [Marcial], understood naman our position,” he explained.
One of A Kind
They also teased “surprise numbers” in a much-anticipated concert, with an expected crowd of 20,000 to 30,000 attendees, though the event will not be open to the general public.
Photo: Bryan Gadingan | RepublicAsia Media
Among the performers is UST alumnus Kean Cipriano, who sang this season’s theme song—sharing the same title as the official theme—during the press conference.
Should weather conditions prevent an outdoor ceremony, UST stated the event would be moved to Monday, September 22. However, if the weather is safely manageable, the ceremonies will proceed as planned.
Games are scheduled to begin the weekend following the opening, with the first basketball matches taking place at UST’s Quadricentennial Pavilion on September 20 and 21.
This adjustment comes due to the unavailability of major venues, as the basketball season opener overlaps with the country’s hosting of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships.
