Eraserheads Rock UAAP Season 87 Opening Ceremony

September 10, 2024 Philippines Events & Announcements

The UAAP Season 87 kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony last September 7, 2024 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, featuring a memorable performance by the iconic Filipino rock band, Eraserheads.

The band, consisting of Ely Buendia, Marcus Adoro, Raymund Marasigan, and Buddy Zabala, captivated a crowd of 7,429 with their greatest hits. Classic tracks like “Alapaap,” “Sembreak” “Ligaya,” “Pare Ko,” “Minsan,” “Magasin,” and “Ang Huling El Bimbo” resonated through the arena, drawing cheers and sing-alongs from fans spanning multiple generations.

The band’s performance, which opened the Ateneo-UP men’s basketball game later that evening, was their first at the Araneta Coliseum and was described as a historic moment for both the band and the league.

“The University of the Philippines opens Season 87 as hosts by sending a message to the world that together, we can be stronger and better as schools, as a community, as a nation, and as citizens of the world,” UAAP Season 87 Chairman and UP President Atty. Jijil Jimenez was quoted as saying in an report published by the Inquirer.

The opening ceremony also featured a diverse array of performances. Indie musician Johnoy Danao, a UP alumna, joined forces with former Slapshock guitarist Lean Ansing, Franco bassist Dave Delfin, and Moonstar 88’s Bon Sundiang and Maysh Baay in a special ensemble called “Maroon 4.” They kicked off the concert-themed day with a rendition of The Beatles’ “Come Together.”

The festivities continued with dynamic performances from the UP Symphony Orchestra, UP Concert Chorale, and Kontra Gapi, the UP College of Arts and Letters’ ethnic music and dance ensemble. P-Pop group Kaia and hip-hop dance champions UPeepz also energized the event, showcasing the variety and talent within the UP community.

Atty. Jimenez highlighted the season’s theme: “We are eight universities in one league, each driven by competition, yet tightly bound and guided by collegiality and sportsmanship. In our UAAP Season 87 logo, you see our ‘Hands in Huddle.'” He emphasized the commitment of all member schools to ensuring the success of the UAAP, not just for this season but for future ones as well.

The University of Santo Tomas enters Season 87 as the defending general champion, having secured the seniors’ crown for the last seven seasons and the juniors’ title for the last eight. Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines last won the overall championship in Season 60, during the 1997-98 academic year.

As UP hosts this season for the first time since Season 78 (2015-16), the opening ceremony set a high bar for the excitement and spirit expected in the months ahead. The student-athletes, having taken the Oath of Sportsmanship led by Season 86 Athlete of the Year and UP swimmer Quendy Fernandez, are ready to embark on a season characterized by fair play and camaraderie.

“Let this season be a testament to the unity, the excellence, and the sportsmanship that define the UAAP,” said UP Chancellor Carlo Vistan II. “This season, we make our athletes stronger, better, together.”