The Eraserheads to reunite for UAAP Season 87 opening

August 27, 2024 Philippines Events & Announcements

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 will launch with a highly anticipated performance by the legendary Filipino rock band The Eraserheads. The band, consisting of Ely Buendia, Marcus Adoro, Raimund Marasigan, and Buddy Zabala, will take the stage at the Araneta Coliseum on September 7. This reunion marks a significant moment, as the band members are alumni of the season’s host, the University of the Philippines (UP).

“We’re thrilled that the Eraserheads are going to share their magic with the UAAP as we start Season 87,” Bo Perasol, UP’s Director for Athletics and Sports Development was quoted as saying in a report published by ABS-CBN News.

He noted that their appearance aligns perfectly with this season’s theme, “Stronger. Better. Together.” Perasol added, “They reached the top, disbanded, reunited, and now, they will have a full circle moment in their homecoming in UP and the UAAP. They are true music icons and legends and national pride.”

On August 20, 2024, the Eraserheads were honored with UP’s highest award, the Gawad Oblation Award, in recognition of their immense contributions to music and Filipino culture. The iconic band is popular for its timeless classics such as “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” “Ligaya,” “With a Smile,” among others.

The September 7 UAAP opening ceremony will be followed by the Battle of Katipunan between the UP Fighting Maroons and the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

In the lead-up to the season, each of the eight member schools will hold pep rallies. UP will kick off the celebrations with a modern twist on the traditional torch relay. Instead of a conventional relay, UP will present an LED-lit torch to each school. This symbolic gesture is intended to be displayed throughout the UAAP season.

In addition, all schools have been invited to contribute to “The Unity Wall,” a large canvas where each institution will interpret the season’s theme through art. The finished piece will be exhibited across various venues during the year. “UP has invited each school to interpret the season theme and express it through art on a large canvas to be called ‘The Unity Wall,’ which is expected to be exhibited in playing venues throughout the year,” said Perasol.

He explained, “Hindi ito yung traditional torch relay sa simula ng taon. [“This is not the traditional torch relay at the start of the year.”]

“Instead, we’re passing on a torch to each of our member-schools in the spirit of friendship and kinship, reminding us of the harmony and cooperation that exists within the league.”

He further added, “The artworks, although different, will form a collective whole and deliver the same message. Like the UAAP, we’re stronger, better, together not because we’re all the same, but actually, because of our differences.”

The excitement continues with each school’s pep rally: UE will start on August 28, followed by Ateneo and FEU on August 30, NU and UP on September 3, La Salle and UST on September 4, and Adamson on September 5.