The ceremony began by highlighting the student-athletes and the purpose of the UAAP. As UAAP and FEU Chairman Juan Miguel Montinola shared in his opening remarks, “Do know that the league is also about student development and formation through sportsmanship and fair competition, and pathways for career opportunities, and abilities or opportunities to represent the country.”
After the ceremonial passing of the torch among the eight member universities, represented by their distinguished student-athletes, the kickoff show began with performances from dance troupes from different universities, setting the stage for Gloc-9.
The Philippines’ legendary rapper delivered a seven-song setlist, opening with “Bagsakan,” followed by “Simpleng Tao,” the beloved “Upuan,” “Shake It,” the groundbreaking “Sirena,” “Kaleidoscope,” and, of course, the official UAAP Season 89 anthem, “Dito Sa Amin.”
A narrative-driven anthem, “Dito Sa Amin” champions unity, resilience, and the grit of the student-athlete. Moving away from traditional, purely competitive fight songs, the collaboration uses Gloc-9’s signature storytelling to remind fans that beyond the rivalries, the UAAP is a shared home for everyone.
Then came Meme Vice Ganda, who entered the arena in a FEU-inspired Tamaraw motif with his rendition of Dua Lipa’s “Training Season,” before transitioning into “Physical.” As a true performer, Vice brought the energy to full throttle, welcoming the It’s Showtime Babydolls, Kyle Echarri, Maki, Darren Espanto, and BINI members Mikha and Maloi to the stage.
Then came Meme Vice Ganda, who entered the arena in a FEU-inspired Tamaraw motif with his rendition of Dua Lipa’s “Training Season,” before transitioning into “Physical.” As a true performer, Vice brought the energy to full throttle, welcoming the It’s Showtime Babydolls, Kyle Echarri, Maki, Darren Espanto, and BINI members Mikha and Maloi to the stage.
In between performances, Vice Ganda challenged Gen Z to continue advocating for fellow Filipinos and to strive to win for a better society.
“Kaya naman ang hamon ko sa inyo, ipanalo ninyo ang lipunang magbibigay sa inyo ng disenteng pamumuhay at kalayaang magtagumpay at mangyayari lamang ’yan ’pag ipanalo ninyo ang mga leader na hindi kayo nanakawan at gagawin kayong bobo at ilulupig ang inyong dolyar at pag-asa sa baha.”
From UAAP Season 88’s UST opener featuring Sarah Geronimo and Piolo Pascual to FEU’s Vice Ganda and Gloc-9, the true winners of these spectacular opening ceremonies are the student-athletes. The performances give them a space to celebrate, enjoy, and recharge as they carry their universities’ flags and compete not just for their schools, but for themselves and the people they represent.
More than an opening ceremony, UAAP Season 89 is also a call for everyone to come together, practice sportsmanship, and celebrate the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes. #ForEveryoneUAAP