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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider EJ Obiena headlines UAAP Season 88 opening at UST

EJ Obiena headlines UAAP Season 88 opening at UST

Published Sep 20, 2025 12:06 pm

At A Glance

  • Two-time Summer Games pole vaulter EJ Obiena brought an Olympic vibe to an already electric atmosphere inside the University of Santo Tomas campus after marking the start of the UAAP Season 88 Friday evening, Sept. 19.
EJ Obiena marks the start of the UAAP Season 88. (UAAP Media)
EJ Obiena marks the start of the UAAP Season 88. (UAAP Media)
Two-time Summer Games pole vaulter EJ Obiena brought an Olympic vibe to an already electric atmosphere inside the University of Santo Tomas campus after marking the start of the UAAP Season 88 Friday evening, Sept. 19.
In front of thousands of UST students and faculty members as well as spectators from participating schools and fans, Obiena lit the cauldron to officially kick off this year’s UAAP action.
Despite vying in the sports' grandest stage twice, the Asian Games champion felt anxious a bit but managed to overcome the pressure as he felt delighted and honored to come back from where he started.
“I think this one probably is the most important one, that's why I'm a little bit iffy about every little detail. I just want to make sure that, you know, things are done at the level that I believe the university deserves,” said Obiena.
“I started my career here at UAAP and now I'm, you know, making a full circle, going back and finally being able to start the whole thing and it really is such an honor,” he added.
Aside from Obiena, top athletes from the España-based school graced the festivities in former pro cager Jervy Cruz, sambist Sydney Sy-Tancontian, and volleyball star Sisi Rondina who all helped in the torch relay and cauldron lighting.
Also present were Eya Laure, Josh Ybanez, and Jau Umandal (volleyball), Nic Cabanero, Tachiana Mangin (taekwondo), and Jasmin Simpao (taekwondo), Noelito Jose (fencing), and Kent Pastrana (basketball), who led the Oath of Sportsmanship.
“Finally being able to open such an event, it's a really huge moment for me, not just because it's a full circle, it's like I was part of this, like I was basically one of the kids,” Obiena continued. “And now I'm finally able to look forward to the next generation.”
Performing before the big crowd at UST Grandstand were OPM artists Earl Agustin, Rob Deniel, Lola Amour, Kean Cipriano, who sang this season’s theme, and country’s pop star Sarah Geronimo.
After the celebration, hardcourt action start this weekend with reigning champion University of the Philippines and De La Salle University bannering the men’s action.
Obiena, meanwhile, eyes to deliver a superb performance in the inaugural Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge Sunday, Sept. 21, in Makati City.
“How much more can I be motivated? I'm hosting the first ever. I might as well try to do it the best way that I can,” said Obiena ahead of the international pole vault meet.

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