MANILA, Philippines – Legendary OPM band Eraserheads stole the show as expected to formally open the UAAP Season 87 at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, September 7.
Making a stunning admission that it was their first time to play at the Big Dome, the quartet of Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Marcus Adoro, and Raymund Marasigan — all alumni of season host University of the Philippines — treated the lucky thousands to a trip down memory lane with their biggest hits.
The band started with “Alapaap,” before quickly rattling off other timeless classics, “Sembreak,” “Ligaya,” “Pare Ko,” and “Minsan,” much to the delight of the athletes and a rocking crowd of 7,429.
UAAP | WATCH:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) September 7, 2024
GUSTO MO BANG SUMAMA⁉️
The Eraserheads open their set with “Alapaap.” #UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/Hgs9zb1iLI
UAAP | WATCH:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) September 7, 2024
The Eraserheads follow it up with “Sembreak.”#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/4lKORKikLV
UAAP | WATCH:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) September 7, 2024
NAPASA MO NA BA RRL MO?
The Eraserheads serenade the crowd with “Ligaya.” #UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/G0ZeKgxUhm
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— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) September 7, 2024
NSFW VERSION BA 🤬
The Big Dome crowd sings to “Pare Ko.”#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/4jCWK2gxGx
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— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) September 7, 2024
TAYO’Y MGA TUNAY NA MAGKAIBIGAN 🥰
The Eraserheads with “Minsan.”#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/nVFZM5putr
The group then ended its captivating set with the big guns: “Magasin” and a full nine-minute rendition of their iconic top hymn “Ang Huling El Bimbo.”
UAAP | WATCH:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) September 7, 2024
IBA NA ANG ‘YONG TINGIN 👀
The Eraserheads with “Magasin.” #UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/Rp8kYrsHuF
UAAP | WATCH:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) September 7, 2024
brb 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
The Eraserheads close out the concert with “Ang Huling El Bimbo.”#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/NJzvc85F7k
Other acts in the culturally charged opening included the UP Symphony Orchestra, UP Concert Chorale, UPeepz, and UP alumni members of Slapshock, Franco, and Moonstar88.
UAAP Season 87 chairman and UP president Angelo “Jijil” Jimenez expressed his excitement and pride for the event, stating, “The University of the Philippines opens the Season 87 as hosts by sending a message to the world that together, we can be stronger and better as schools, as a community, as a nation, and as citizens of the world.”
“From its beginnings almost a century ago, the UAAP has become what it is today — the most popular college sporting franchise this country has ever seen, and its most valuable as well,” he continued.
Season president and UP chancellor Carlo Vistan II officially declared the season open.
“Let this season be a testament to the unity, the excellence, and the sportsmanship that define the UAAP. This season, we make our athletes stronger, better, together,” he said.
The opening’s massive stage setup then gives way to basketball action as the men’s tournament officially kicks off at 6:30 pm with the Battle of Katipunan between the ever-loaded UP Fighting Maroons and the rebuilding Ateneo Blue Eagles. – Rappler.com