The icons have teamed up for a powerful show.
On Saturday, September 12, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) officially kicked off its 89th season with a grand opening ceremony held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The more than two-hour-long affair saw students, teachers, other stakeholders, as well as the student-athletes and team officials come together to celebrate the start of yet another season of the popular collegiate league.
The event started with the introduction of the UAAP Board Members and a speech from Far Eastern University (FEU) President Juan Miguel Montinola, who is the concurrent chairman of the league.
During his speech, Montinola emphasized that while the games are competitive in nature, the league also stands for student development and formation.
The teams were then presented through a parade of athletes and the lighting of a virtual cauldron.
But the highlights of the evening were performances from two Philippine showbiz icons, who also happen to be both FEU alumni.
Philippine rap legend Gloc-9 started the musical portion, with him bringing the house down through his classics Bagsakan, Simpleng Tao, Upuan, Sumayaw Ka, and Sirena.
He also did a rendition of late Master Rapper Francis Magalona’s Kalaidescope World, before performing the official season 89 soundtrack of the UAAP entitled Dito Sa Amin.
Meanwhile, the Unkabogable Superstar Vice Ganda truly brought an “unkaboga-bowl” segment as she sang Dua Lipa’s Training Season atop a giant tamaraw sculpture. It was immediately followed by the British-Albanian’s other hit Physical.
She then brought out the P-pop group Baby Dolls as they staged their rendition ofnl Chappell Roan’s Hottogo. Another surprise performer was Kyle Echarri, who collaborated with Vice for Black Eyed Peas’ I Gotta Feeling.
She also tapped Maki and Darren Espanto as guest performers to do Rihanna’s Diamond and Panic! At the Disco’s High Hopes.
And the “cherry on top” is the participation of BINI members Maloi and Mikha for their version of Ciara’s Level Up.
Towards to the conclusion of her star-studded performance with Clara Platten’s Fight Song and a straight-up political message to the members of the youth present at the venue.
“Gen Zs, I challenge you to fight, show up and win no matter what,” she added, before proceeding to sing DJ Khaled’s All I Do Is Win.
According to the schedule published by the league, on Sunday, September 13, the FEU Tamaraws and Adamson Soaring Falcons face each other 12:00 noon.
It will then be followed by the defending champions De La Salle Green Archers, who will take on the NU Bulldogs at 2:30 pm.
To close the first game day of the season are the UP Fighting Maroons going against the UST Growling Tigers at 6:00 pm.
