Text and photo by Rey Nillama
MANILA — Vice Ganda called on the youth to use their voices and influence to help build a better society as she headlined the first-ever UAAP Season 89 Kickoff Show at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
The FEU alumna turned the sold-out venue into a giant concert, joined by fellow Tamaraw Gloc-9 and other popular performers in a production patterned after major international sporting events.
Gloc-9 opened the show with a six-song set, including “Bagsakan,” “Simpleng Tao,” “Upuan,” “Sumayaw Ka” and “Sirena,” before ending with “Kaleidoscope World,” his tribute to the late Francis Magalona.
Vice Ganda followed with a dramatic entrance aboard a giant golden Tamaraw. She performed a series of hits with celebrity guests, including Babydolls, Kyle Echarri, Maki, Darren Espanto, and BINI members Mikha and Maloi.
The entertainment, however, was matched by a message urging young Filipinos to stand up for their rights and take an active role in shaping the country’s future.
Recalling her years at FEU, where she studied political science, Vice Ganda said the university gave her an environment where she could freely express herself, overcome challenges and pursue her ambitions.
She challenged the UAAP audience to seek a society that provides decent opportunities and allows people to succeed.
“Ang hamon ko sa inyo ay ipanalo niyo ang lipunan na magbibigay sa inyo ng disenteng pamumuhay at kalayaang magtagumpay,” she said.
Vice Ganda also urged members of Generation Z to be more engaged in social issues and to carefully choose leaders who will protect their interests and the country’s future.
She said the UAAP stage was an ideal venue to share the lessons she gained from studying political science at FEU and inspire young people to become part of efforts for meaningful change.
The kickoff show marked the start of Season 89, with FEU serving as this year’s host school.
Attention now shifts to men’s basketball, with FEU facing Adamson University at noon Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to formally open the tournament.
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