FOR UST Alumnus and OPM singer-songwriter Kean Cipriano, performing the official theme song of UAAP Season 88 was more than a homecoming.
During the league’s press conference on Wednesday, Aug. 27, UST unveiled the Season 88 theme song titled “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action” written by Institute of Religion faculty member Louell Baldoza.
Cipriano, a former student of the Conservatory of Music, was asked to give life to the winning piece of the songwriting competition held last March.
“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,” he said after his performance at the UST Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom.
(I’ve been in this industry for twenty years, but I can say this is one of the performances and songs that made me the most nervous to interpret.)
“Exactly 2005, I entered UST, so this is a full circle moment for me,” Cipriano added.
According to the former Callalily vocalist, the song “encompasses everything,” as it represented many people and milestones.
“It’s such a special song, special opportunity for me to be here to deliver the message of this song.”
Cipriano encouraged competing student-athletes to find their purpose in pursuing their interests and to uplift their respective games to stay motivated.
“Always ask yourself why… It’s not how, it’s always the why. It’s important, win or lose, whatever happens, what’s important is you are there in the playing field,” he said.
“I think more than anything, it’s our love for the game that we should champion so we can always stay inspired,” the musician added.
UST is set to kick off the 88th season of the UAAP with a Pakuhan-themed grand opening on Sept. 19. Around 25,000 to 30,000 people are expected to flock to the University grounds for the event. F
