UP Fighting Maroons begin UAAP Season 88 title defense vs UST on Sept 21

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons will begin their title defense in UAAP Season 88 against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers on September 21.

The game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, with UP aiming for a strong start to their quest for a second consecutive championship.

UP secured their second title in four finals appearances last year by defeating La Salle, 2-1.

The season's opening day on September 21 will also feature a match between NU and UE at 2 p.m.

The opening weekend will continue on September 20 with FEU facing Ateneo at 2 p.m. and La Salle playing Adamson at 4:30 p.m.

UST will officially launch UAAP Season 88 on September 19 with a ceremony themed 'Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,' which includes a mass, program, and concert.

The official UAAP theme song, also reflecting the season's theme, was written by Louell Baldoza of UST and performed by OPM artist Kean Cipriano.

An estimated 30,000 spectators are anticipated for the UAAP opening ceremonies, comparable to the attendance at UST's annual 'Paskuhan' concert.