MANILA, Philippines — The UAAP lived up to its Season 87 theme, “Stronger, Better Together” as the Eraserheads united all generations through their iconic music on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was an opener like no other as OPM rock band legends Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Raimund Marasigan, and Marcus Adoro made the crowd of 7,429—composed of Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—sing along to some of their classic hits.

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The band kicked things off with “Alapaap” and wrapped it up with “Ang Huling El Bimbo” that had fans, student-athletes and even league officials on their feet singing along with Buendia.

READ: UAAP Season 87 tips off with Ateneo-UP clash

Ang Huling El Bimbo to cap the #UAAPSeason87 opener. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/pmQqO69fGq

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 7, 2024

Out of all their reunion concerts, the Eraserheads relished their first-ever act at the Big Dome, expressing their happiness to perform in front of the student-athletes. Their performance served as the opening act to the Ateneo-UP men’s basketball showdown at 6:30 p.m.

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University of the Philippines alumna and indie musician Johnoy Danao kicked off the concert-themed opening day with  Slapshock guitarist Lean Ansing, Franco bassist Dave Delfin, and Moonstar88’s drummer Bon Sundiang and vocalist Maysh Baay uniting and forming a group called “Maroon 4” to perform The Beatles classic “Come Together.”

UAAP Season 87 opening ceremony at Araneta Coliseum.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

P-Pop unit Kaia and hip-hop dance group UPeepz also added another flavor to the colorful opening ceremony, which featured heartwarming performances from the UP Symphony Orchestra and Kontra Gapi, the UP College of Arts and Letters’ ethnic music and dance ensemble.

“The University of the Philippines opens 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,” said the UAAP Season 87 Chairman and UP President Atty. Jijil Jimenez.

READ: UAAP transferees now lose 2 years of eligibility under new rules

“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.”

The student-athletes from eight-member schools were all smiles, singing and dancing to every performance. They are bringing an opening ceremony to remember before another fierce and intense UAAP season, where they are expected to keep the commitment to fair play and camaraderie after taking the Oath of Sportsmanship led by Season 86 Athlete of the Year and UP swimmer Quendy Fernandez.

“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,” Season President and UP Chancellor Carlo Vistan II said.