Eraserheads highlights UAAP Season 87 Opening Ceremonies

c/o UP OASD

The University of the Philippines is pulling no punches as its prepares for the Opening Ceremonies of the 87th season of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines.

Serving as the hosts, the institution on Monday announced that the Eraserheads will serve as the headline act for the event, which will take place on September 7 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The quartet of Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Marcus Adoro, and Buddy Zabala are set to share their iconic music with the UAAP community in the spirit of this season's theme of "Stronger, Better, Together."

Just a week earlier, the band was honored with the Gawad Oblation Award, the highest distinction that the university bestows on its alumni for their significant contributions and extraordinary service.

The band is the first confirmed act set to participate in the event, which is supported by Palawan Pay, Converge ICT Solutions, CDO Foodsphere, and Strong Group Athletics. Tickets for the event will be sold separately from the lone game scheduled at the historic venue, which will have the Fighting Maroons face off against their neighbors Ateneo de Manila University.

In making the announcement, UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol says, "We're happy that the Eraserheads are going to share their magic with the UAAP as we start Season 87. Saktong-sakto yung mangyayaring ito sa theme natin for this season."

He adds. "They reached the top, disbanded, reunited, and now, full circle na sila sa homecoming nila sa UP and sa UAAP. They are true music icons and legends and our national pride."

The ramp up to opening day sees UP gift their fellow member universities a symbolic LED-let torch that is meant to be displayed throughout the season. Once the season concludes next year, it would then be taken off its perch, akin to how the Olympics does with the Olympic Flame.

According to Perasol, "Hindi ito yung traditional torch relay sa simula ng taon. 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."

Each of the institutions will also have a large canvas called "The Unity Wall," an art installation illustrating their own interpretation of this season's theme.

Perasol adds, "The artworks naman, although they're different, they will form a collective whole and deliver the same message. Parang ang UAAP lang. We're stronger, better, together not because we're all the same, but actually, dahil tayo'y may mga pagkakaiba-iba."