By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Host University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Wednesday unveiled the official theme song and logo for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88, setting the stage for a celebration of unity, resilience, and purpose.
The winning anthem, written by UST Institute of Religion assistant professor Louell Baldoza, was chosen from 13 entries in a competition held last March.
With lines such as “for courage blooms where kindness lies” and “hands will clash yet souls align,” the upbeat, percussive piece echoes the season’s tagline, “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action.”
“There were two judges who wanted a Filipino [anthem], but after deliberation, they really wanted the song of ‘Strength in Motion, Hope in Action’ because of the text that is very Thomasian in spirit. It is very positive, it is very inspiring,” commented UST Conservatory of Music Dean Maria Alexandra Chua, the Season 88 committee head for theme song, during a press conference at the Dr. Robert Sy Grand Ballroom of the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. building inside the UST campus.
Rounding out the top three were Thomasian alumnus Eric Advincula’s “Posible ang Lahat” and College of Education assistant professor John Valeroso’s “Di Aatras.”
Pop-rock artist and UST alumnus Kean Cipriano of Callalily performed the anthem live during the launch, calling it a “full-circle moment” in his 20-year music career.
“I’ve been in this industry for 20 years, but I can say that this is probably the most nervous performance and song I’ve ever had to interpret. More than the song, it represents a lot of people and milestones. It encompasses everything,” Cipriano said.
Also revealed was the official Season 88 logo, symbolizing solidarity and teamwork among the UAAP’s eight member schools.
The season will formally open on Sept. 19 at the UST Grandstand and Open Field, starting with Eucharistic Mass at 2 p.m. and a main program at 6 p.m.
Festivities will include an athletes’ parade, oath of sportsmanship, lighting of the cauldron, drone and fireworks displays, and a concert featuring a top OPM act.
Organizers expect up to 30,000 attendees, including Thomasians, alumni, stakeholders, and 1,000 delegates per UAAP school.
Should inclement weather occur, the opening will be moved to Sept. 22.
“We want the UAAP community to experience the festive atmosphere of iconic UST traditions like Paskuhan,” said Rev. Fr. Rodel Cansancio, president of the UAAP Board of Managing Directors. (PNA)
