THE UAAP Season 87 opening ceremony lived up to the billing, kicking off with an unparalleled display of style and spectacle, as host University of the Philippines delivered what could be the most glamorous opening ceremony in the league’s storied history.

In front of 7,429-strong audience who attended the two-hour rites yesterday, the fabled Smart Araneta Coliseum was transformed into a vibrant hub of excitement and celebration.

The highlight of the event was a breathtaking performance by the iconic OPM band Eraserheads.

Lead singer Ely Buendia, guitarist Marcus Adoro, bassist Buddy Zabala, and drummer Raimund Marasigan were reunited once more for their alma mater’s hosting, the band’s set was a fitting tribute to the season’s theme: “Stronger, Better, Together.”

Their full set of seven songs – Alapaap, Sembreak, Ligaya, Pare Ko, Minsan, Magasin, and Ang Huling El Bimbo created an unforgettable experience for both the band and the UAAP community.

The student-athletes from the eight member schools, majority of them were not born when Eraserheads rocked the local music scenes in the early 90s, were seen humming to these nostalgic songs.

UAAP Season 87 Chairman and UP President Atty. 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 it’s most valuable as well,” he added.

Season 87 President and UP Chancellor Carlo Vistan II officially declared the season open, marking the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling year of athletic competition.

“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,” said Vistan.

UP opened its redemption season in men’s basketball last night as it battled Katipunan rival Ateneo in a rematch of last season’s Final Four.

La Salle sets on in motion its title-retention bid against National University at 6:30 p.m. today to wrap up a heavy three-game bill at the Big Dome.

Other Sunday matches will have legendary PBA import Sean Chambers making his coaching debut for Far Eastern University against Adamson at 3 p.m. right after University of the East and University of Santo Tomas take the floor at 1 p.m.

Adding to the opening day’s excitement, UP alum and indie musician Johnoy Danao took to the stage.

Slapshock guitarist Lean Ansing, Franco bassist Dave Delfin, and Moonstar88’s drummer Bon Sundiang and vocalist Maysh Baay—all distinguished products of UP and calling themselves the “Maroon 4” — performed a rendition of The Beatles classic “Come Together” as the student-athletes, officials, and fans from all eight member schools rocked the Big Dome in unison.

P-Pop unit Kaia and hip-hop dance group UPeepz also delivered stirring performances, setting the stage for an extraordinary season.

UP also delivered a stunning drone show that illuminated the historic Big Dome, complemented by a moving production from the UP Symphony Orchestra and Kontra Gapi, the UP College of Arts and Letters’ ethnic music and dance ensemble.