27/08/2025
UST Hosts UAAP, Ignites Hope in a Transformative Season
By Carl Oquindo
The University of Santo Tomas (UST), this year’s host of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP), held a press conference on August 27, 2025, at Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom of the UST Alumni Building to unveil details of UAAP Season 88 with the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action”.
The press conference presented details of this season’s opening ceremony, theme, logo, and song competition. The winning song, entitled “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action” by Louell Baldoza, was sung live by Filipino Singer and UST alumnus Kean Cipriano.
Cipriano offered meaningful advice to this season’s players, stressing that that their love for the game and sports is something worthy of championing.
“...para laging inspired. Have fun, listen to good music before going ‘on game’, and enjoy every single step and embrace it,” Cipriano said.
UAAP Board of Managing Directors President Rev. Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio, O.P. announced that Season 88’s opening ceremony will take place on September 19, 2025, beginning with a mass at 2 p.m., to be quickly followed by the program proper at 6 p.m.
Meanwhile, according to Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL, head of UAAP Season 88 Secretariat, all of UAAP Season 88’s activities will take place within the premises of UST campus—marking a shift from the usual Araneta and MOA Arena game venues.
“UST’s iconic landmarks transform into immersive performance spaces—from the Arch of the Centuries to the Plaza Mayor—turning the entire campus into a living, breathing stage that honors our history and identity,” Fr. Coronel said.
This season’s UAAP is themed to advocate transformation within every aspect of sportsmanship: self, playmates, community, and embodying the mantra “hope in action”. Athletes and the whole UAAP community are encouraged to unleash their full potential through hope in their every strike towards victory amidst uncertainty, losses, and challenges.
Photos by Timothy Peter Villas