The University of Santo Tomas (UST), Asia’s oldest university, hosted the traditional outdoor opening ceremony for UAAP Season 88, welcoming an estimated 30,000 spectators at the UST Grandstand and Open Field.
The event, themed “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” featured the century-old Thomasian Welcome Walk extended to all student-athletes, a Eucharistic Celebration, a concert, a drone display, fireworks, and the lighting of the cauldron.
UST also launched the official UAAP Season 88 song, composed by an assistant professor and performed by alumnus Kean Cipriano.
Following the ceremony, the men’s basketball tournament began with games scheduled at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena, including matchups involving top teams like FEU, Ateneo, La Salle, and UP.
Other sports such as junior basketball, women’s football, and junior volleyball also kicked off alongside the basketball games at various venues.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 19, 2025
