Camille Naredo

Article (news)

Kean Cipriano

Paige Javier

ABS-CBN News

MANILA – In true Thomasian tradition, the University of the Santo Tomas revealed the official theme song for UAAP Season 88. In a season-opening press conference on Wednesday, the official theme song entitled &quot;Strength in Motion, Hope in Action&quot; was unveiled for the first time.UST alumnus, singer-songwriter Kean Cipriano gave life to the song, which he also performed during the event.The song was written by Louell Baldoza from the UST Institute of Religion.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/8/27/what-to-expect-in-the-uaap-season-88-opening-ceremony-1618">READ: What to expect in the UAAP Season 88 opening ceremony</a></div>Cipriano, who was a student at the UST Conservatory of Music, shared what singing the theme song means for him.&quot;Twenty years na ako sa industriya na ginagalawan ko, pero masasabi ko na isa ito sa pinakakinabahan ako na performance at kanta na kailangan kong i-interpret,&quot; he shared after his performance.&quot;More than just the song, it represents a lot of people, mga milestones, it encompasses everything. It&#x27;s such a special song, special opportunity for me to be here to deliver yung message ng kantang ito,&quot; Cipriano added.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1756284609207IMG_0167_embed.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Singer-songwriter Kean Cipriano performs the theme song of UAAP Season 88, August 27, 2025 at the University of the Santo Tomas campus. Cipriano is an alumnus of UST. Jose Raphael Gonzales, ABS-CBN News Intern"/>Singer-songwriter Kean Cipriano performs the theme song of UAAP Season 88, August 27, 2025 at the University of the Santo Tomas campus. Cipriano is an alumnus of UST. Jose Raphael Gonzales, ABS-CBN News Intern</div>The UST alumnus entered the gates of España in 2005, so singing the official theme song 20 years later is a full circle moment.Cipriano shared a message to the Growling Tigers ahead of the UAAP Season 88 opening.&quot;Always ask yourself why. It&#x27;s not how, it&#x27;s always the why. Importante yun nga, manalo o matalo, ano man mangyari ang importante nandun ka sa playing field,&quot; he said.&quot;I think more than anything, yung pagmamahal natin sa game yung dapat natin i-champion para laging inspired.... And stretch,&quot; the singer-songwriter added.The UAAP Season 88 opening ceremonies will be held at the UST main campus in Manila on September 19. The basketball season will tip off the day after at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

In true Thomasian tradition, the University of the Santo Tomas revealed the official theme song for UAAP Season 88.

In true Thomasian tradition, the University of the Santo Tomas revealed the official theme song for UAAP Season 88.

For UST alum Kean Cipriano, singing UAAP Season 88 theme song 'a full circle moment'

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For UST alum Kean Cipriano, singing UAAP Season 88 theme song 'a full circle moment'

Paige Javier,

ABS-CBN News

Published Aug 27, 2025 05:22 PM PHT

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Updated Aug 27, 2025 07:12 PM PHT

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UAAP Season 88

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Kean Cipriano

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