13/09/2026
Far Eastern University (FEU) officially opened UAAP Season 89 at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 12, with the season carrying the theme “For Everyone UAAP.”
FEU Chorale opened the ceremony with a performance of the Philippine national anthem, followed by a solemn opening prayer invocation.
The eightparticipating universities' were then introduced through their respective school chants, followed by the introduction of the UAAP Board of Directors. Student-athletes from each school were also welcomed with thunderous cheers from their respective schools, from “Animo La Salle!” to “Go USTe!”
FEU women’s football player Nikk Dhrea Duran led the student-athletes in the Oath of Sportsmanship.
Meanwhile, FEU track and field star Edna Magtubo who holds the UAAP record in the women’s 5,000-meter event, led the lighting of the ceremonial torch. UAAP Chairman and FEU President Juan Miguel Montinola then formally declared Season 89 open.
The program led to the first ever UAAP kick-off show featuring a multi-school dance production to the song “Dito Sa Amin” by rapper, singer, and songwriter Gloc-9, that brought performers from all eight universities together.
Gloc-9 followed with performances of his most recognizable hits, “Bagsakan,” “Simpleng Tao,” “Sumayaw Ka,” and “Upuan” which brought out the loudest chhers from the arena.He closed his set with “Kaleidoscope World,” paying tribute to his late friend, rapper and songwriter Francis Magalona.
Kapamilya superstar and FEU alumna Vice Ganda then took to the stage for the anticipated “Super Unkaboga-Bowl,” opening her performance with Dua Lipa’s “Training Season” and “Physical.”
Vice also brought out fellow “It’s Showtime” performers including the Baby Dolls to perform on stage with her. She also performed with artists Kyle Echarri, Darren Espanto, and musician Maki.
BINI members Maloi and Mikha also joined Vice Ganda onstage, singing and dancing to “Level Up” by Ciara.
Before hero final song, Vice Ganda addressed students from her alma mater saying, “FEU allowed me to be free, free to be myself, free to be super gay, free to love and most importantly free to win.” She then followed challenged the students, stating, “Kaya naman ang hamon ko sa inyo, ipanalo ninyo ang lipunang mag bibigay sa inyo ng disenteng pamumuhay.”
Vice Ganda closed off the kick-off party with a performance of the crowd favorite “All I do is Win” by DJ Khaled.
UAAP Season 89 competition begins September 13, with basketball games between FEU versus Adamson University, De La Salle University against National University, and the final game of the day between the University of the Philippines and UST, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Captured by Stephanie Balanag
