Filipino rock band Eraserheads took centerstage in the UAAP Season 87 opening day ahead of the Battle of Katipunan on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The legendary OPM band led by vocalist Ely Buendia performed seven of their iconic hits before a massive crowd.

UAAP Season 87 Chairman and UP President Atty. Jijil Jimenez expressed his excitement for the opening show they put together, “The University of the Philippines opens the Season 87 as hosts by sending a message to the world that together, we can be stronger and better as schools, as a community, as a nation, and as citizens of the world.”

“From its beginnings almost a century ago, the UAAP has become what it is today - the most popular college sporting franchise this country has ever seen and its most valuable as well,” he continued. 

Season President and UP Chancellor Carlo Vistan II officially declared the season open, marking the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling year of athletic competition. 

“Let this season be a testament to the unity, the excellence, and the sportsmanship that define the UAAP. This season, we make our athletes stronger, better, together,” said Vistan. 

P-Pop unit Kaia and hip-hop dance group UPeepz also delivered stirring performances, setting the stage for an extraordinary season including UP Symphony Orchestra and Kontra Gapi, the UP College of Arts and Letters’ ethnic music and dance ensemble.

The opening ceremony saw all eight member schools with some of their student-athletes, showcasing the diverse talent and enthusiasm that define the UAAP, particularly those seeing action in the first semester of fierce competition.

The morning’s festivities was followed with a traditional Oath of Sportsmanship led by UAAP Season 86 Athlete of the Year and UP swimmer Quendy Fernandez, reaffirming the league’s commitment to fair play and camaraderie.

Ateneo and host UP will lock horns later in the day at 6:30 p.m. following intense rivalry in the past three seasons that saw them meet twice in the final for epic showdowns.