UST returns to UAAP hosting after nine years, Obiena ushers Season 88 as torchbearer

University of Santo Tomas officially marked its staging comeback after nine years as it opened the UAAP Season 88 with the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action” at the España campus, September 19.

The yellow-and-gold last led the league in 2016, with Ateneo, NU, UE, FEU, Adamson, and De La Salle taking turns over the next nine years. 

UST pole vault pride EJ Obiena led the commencement ceremony as he ignited the cauldron together with fellow Thomasian sports icons Sisi Rondina, Jervy Cruz, and Sydney Sy.

“I started my career here in the UAAP, and now I’m making a full circle,” the 29-year-old Olympian Obiena said.

“Going back and finally being able to start the whole thing is such an honor,” he added.

The program started with the parade of athletes, followed by the symbolic Welcome Walk through the Arch of the Centuries, as the eight participating universities marched in front of the Thomasian crowd.

To open the program, the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe delivered a cultural performance that set the stage, which was then succeeded by a themed number from singer-songwriter Kean Cipriano.

Entering the main highlight, Philippine pole vault star Obiena and other sports icons formally launch the new season of UAAP with the torch relay and cauldron lighting.

Capping the festivities, pop superstar Sarah Geronimo took center stage with a concert performance that energized the Thomasian crowd.

The celebration closed with a dazzling drone display and fireworks show above the España campus, signaling the start of a new season of collegiate action.

UAAP Season 88 will feature competitions in basketball and volleyball starting this September, preceded by athletics and other sports in the coming months throughout the academic year.