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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider 'The gates of España are now wide open': UST all set for UAAP Season 88 opener

'The gates of España are now wide open': UST all set for UAAP Season 88 opener

Published Aug 27, 2025 02:34 pm
UST continues to gear up for its hosting of the UAAP Season 88. (UAAP Media)
UST continues to gear up for its hosting of the UAAP Season 88. (UAAP Media)
University of Santo Tomas gears up when it officially kickstarts the UAAP Season 88 action at the campus Grandstand and Open Field on Sept. 19.
With a theme "Strength in Motion, Hope in Action", which was performed by Callalily’s Kean Cipriano, and a logo that symbolizes teamwork and solidarity, UST is ready to welcome the student-athletes for this year’s festivities in its own lair in Manila.
“We fully recognize the great responsibility that comes with this undertaking, but we are more than ready to rise to the challenge. Now the gates of Espana are wide open. The stage has been set,” said Fr. Rodel Cansancio, director of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics.
“To the UAAP community, we are more than ready to give it our all and release the loudest roar this season,” he added during the host’s press conference at Dr. Robert Sy Grand Ballroom of the UST Paredes Building Wednesday morning, Aug. 27.
The last time UST hosted the country’s premier collegiate league was in Season 79 in 2016.
Rain or shine, the basketball games are locked in where a jam-packed crowd expected to witness another year of sporting glory in the collegiate ranks.
The opening program – which aims to give the UAAP participants a glimpse and feel of UST's pride and spirit – is set at 6 p.m.
If weather becomes unfavorable on the opening day, it will be moved to Monday, Sept. 22. The basketball matches, however, will continue over the weekend.
“Strength in motion, hope in our hearts, passion, bands unbroken, years of passion, hands will clash, yet souls align. The truest win is shared like wine. Through sweat and grief, we claim our name, champions of one enduring flame,” Cansancio continued.
“Remember, we are all champions of one enduring flame. My dear friends, As one UAAP, together, we will find strength in motion and hope in action in this season. Mabuhay ang UAAP!” he concluded.
There is no final schedule yet for the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments but it is projected to be announced before the opener. As expected, all eyes would be on defending champions University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and the National University Lady Bulldogs.
UAAP calendar expanded, reshuffled
In the event attended by executive director Rebo Saguisag, the UAAP bared that its calendar will be expanded due to the return of high school boys’ baseball and introduction of boys’ tennis.
Alex Eala, who is making waves internationally, is an inspiration for the league.
Meanwhile, judo and taekwondo will be moved from the first to second semester to give way for the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.
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