DEFENDING champion University of the Philippines (UP) commences its title defense in the premier men’s basketball competition of the UAAP Season 88 against host University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Sept. 21 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Game action is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., with the Fighting Maroons aiming for a strong start towards a consecutive title run featuring newcomer Rey Remogat following the initial match between the National University (NU) and the University of the East (UE) at 2 p.m.
UP triumphed over De La Salle University, 2-1, in last year’s championship for its second title in four successive finals trips under coach Goldwin Monteverde.
The opening weekend’s first matchup showcases Far Eastern University (FEU) versus Ateneo de Manila University at 2 p.m., followed by La Salle against Adamson University at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 20.
Prior to that, Santo Tomas will commence the new season with a theme of “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action” during a grand ceremony on Sept. 19 at the UST Grandstand and Open Field, which will include a mass, a program, and a concluding concert.
This same theme will be presented as the official UAAP theme song, composed by assistant professor Louell Baldoza of the UST Institute of Religion, and performed by Santo Tomas alumnus, OPM singer-songwriter, and Callalily band leader Kean Cipriano.
Approximately 30,000 attendees are anticipated for the UAAP opening, a figure comparable to the yearly “Paskuhan” concert in December. — John Bryan Ulanday
