Host University of the Philippines (UP) kicked off the 87th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) on Saturday, September 7, with an opening ceremony headlined by Filipino rock band, Eraserheads—comprised of UP alumni.
During the ceremony, UAAP Season 87 Chairman and UP President Angelo Jimenez underscored the importance of friendship and unity among the league’s eight member-universities.
“We are eight universities in one league. It’s driven by competition yet tightly bound and guided by collegiality and sportsmanship,” Jimenez said.
“In our UAAP Season 87 logo, you see our hands in a huddle. All eight of us band together to ensure the success of the UAAP, not just for this season but for all seasons to come. With our hands open, we reach out to one another in a spirit of friendship and camaraderie, even as we strive for glory, even as we are spurred by school pride,” he continued.
Jimenez also highlighted that the UAAP’s mission extends beyond sports. “Our league’s work does not stop inside the playing venues and fields. It extends outward to our university communities—faculty, students, staff, and alumni—where we must ensure that excellence with honor and integrity is channeled toward serving the greater good.”
“And that spirit of service, harnessed in a united league such as ours, is an incredible power to wield. It is something that we should be proud of and fully utilize,” he added.
UAAP Season 87 President and UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II echoed Jimenez’s sentiments when he officially declared the season open.
“Let this season be a testament to the unity, excellence, and sportsmanship that define the UAAP. This season, we make our athletes stronger, better, together,” Vistan affirmed.