MANILA (UPDATED) -- The University of Sto. Tomas lit up with a grand ceremony on Friday to officially open Season 88 of the University of Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
UST opened the Tigers' lair to members of the Thomasian community, student-athletes and thousands of students from UAAP member schools.
The opening ceremonies are being held in the UST campus grounds to give a taste of the Thomasian culture and traditions like Paskuhan and the Welcome Walk.
READ: UAAP Season 88 kicks off with grand opening ceremony at UST
A crowd of 36,629 attendees from all eight UAAP schools witnessed the festivities.
In the opening parade, delegations from the member-schools other than host UST marched through the Arch of the Centuries in an Olympic-style introduction—banners raised high and school cheers echoing across the four corners of España.
"Tonight, we gather for the highly-anticipated UAAP Season 88 Opening Ceremonies, where as host, we are ready to set the stage for an epic season filled with strong competition and unforgettable moments, showcasing sportsmanship and camaraderie," said UAAP Season 88 Chairman and UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P.
The festivities continued with the presentation of the Eight Icons of Hope: Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula (Faith and Service), Alice Eduardo (Nation Building and Enterprise), Arch. Carmelo Casas (Sustainable Architecture), Dr. Maria Rosario Singh (Public Health and Service), Willy Layug (Culture and the Arts), Christian Esguerra (Truth and Responsible Media), Haydee Ong (Women Empowerment in Sports and Athletics), and Karen Ibasco (Science and Environment Stewardship).
This was followed by the traditional Oath of Sportsmanship, led by top Thomasian athletes Jasmin Simpao (taekwondo), Noelito Jose (fencing), Eya Laure, Josh Ybanez, and Jau Umandal (volleyball), Nic Cabanero and Kent Pastrana (basketball), and Tachiana Mangin (taekwondo).
Pastrana, the UAAP Season 86 Athlete of the Year, spearheaded the oath.
The evening reached its climax with the torch relay and cauldron lighting, featuring UAAP men's basketball champion Jervy Cruz, Filipino martial artist Sydney Sy, Philippine volleyball icon Sisi Rondina, and two-time Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena.
Rondina began the relay at the Arch of the Centuries before handing the torch to Cruz at the Miguel Benavides Building.
From there, the Season 70 MVP passed it on to Sy at the iconic Main Building.
Carrying the flame of sporting greatness from one generation to another, Sy entrusted the torch to Obiena, who delivered a climactic finish by lighting the cauldron at the UST Grandstand.
Ang then officially declared the season open.
"Let this flame ignite all the dreams and aspirations of all the athletes this season and unite them in the spirit of sportsmanship and hope. I now declare the UAAP Season 88 officially open," he proclaimed.
Adding to the celebration, UST alumnus and singer-director Kean Cipriano of the Conservatory of Music performed the Season 88 theme song, "Strength in Motion, Hope in Action," composed by UST Institute of Religion assistant professor Louell Baldoza.
Sports action begins this weekend with the collegiate men's and junior high school boys' basketball tournaments, collegiate football, and high school girls' and boys' volleyball.