HOPE is with the youth.
Echoing the UAAP Season 88 theme of 'Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,' pop singer Sarah Geronimo delivered an emotional maeesage urging the youth to take a stand for what is right and speak out against wrongdoings in government.
Pausing to talk to the audience in the middle of her performance in the league's opening ceremonies at the University of Santo Tomas Grandstand on Friday, Asia's Popstar Royalty was clear with her message against corruption.
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"Let us be reminded na kayo, let us put the pressure on you, mga kabataan ang pag-asa ng ating bansa, ng ating bayan," Geronimo said before a drenched and packed crowd in the open UST field estimated to be over 36,000.
Performing her hit single Ikot-Ikot, Geronimo remarked: "Parang panloloko sa bansa natin, pinaiikot-ikot lang tayo. Tama na!"
It's a courageous statement from Geronimo, a UST alumnus, as she also performed her songs Dati, Kapit, Tala, and Kilometro in her set as the main attraction of the event.
"One day, kayo ang magbabago ng bulok na sistema ng bansang ito. Wag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa, wag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Kumapit tayo sa hope, at patuloy na magtiwala na balang araw, mababago din ang bulok na sistema na yan at uunlad din ang ating mahal na bansang Pilipinas," Geronimo said.
"Hindi na natin kailangan umalis ng bansa para makapaghanap ng magandang trabaho dahil nandirito na lahat ng oportunidad. Patuloy nating ipagdasal ang ating bansa."
This couldn't come at a better time especially with demonstrations happening over the weekend, coinciding with the opening of the new UAAP season.
UST put on what was easily one of the best opening ceremonies in years as the school showcased its traditions, from the parade entering the Arch of the Centuries to the memorable drone show and fireworks display.
The torch was also lit by Thomasian sporting greats bannered by two-time Olympian EJ Obiena, former UAAP MVPs Jervy Cruz and Sisi Rondina, and Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Sydney Sy.
Thomasian national players Jasmin Simpao (taekwondo), Noelito Jose (fencing), Eya Laure, Josh Ybanez, and Jau Umandal (volleyball), Nic Cabanero and Kent Pastrana (basketball), and Tachiana Mangin (taekwondo) led the Oath of Sportsmanship.
The Espana school also celebrated eight Icons of Hope namely Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula (Faith and Service), Alice Eduardo (Nation Building and Enterprise), Arch. Carmelo Casas (Sustainable Architecture), Dr. Maria Rosario Singh (Public Health and Service), Willy Layug (Culture and the Arts), Christian Esguerra (Truth and Responsible Media), Haydee Ong (Women Empowerment in Sports and Athletics), and Karen Ibasco (Science and Environment Stewardship).
Kean Cipriano also performed the Season 88 theme song, “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” composed by UST Institute of Religion assistant professor Louell Baldoza, as OPM acts Earl Agustin, Rob Deniel, and Lola Amour capped the night off with the Hope Concert.
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