MANILA, Philippines – A blazing red fire pierced the night sky in UP Diliman for the second time in four UAAP seasons as the university celebrated its Season 87 champions in various sports, particularly the mighty Fighting Maroons men’s basketball team.
UAAP | WATCH:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) December 16, 2024
High-risk as always, the UP Pep Squad wows the crowd with signature tosses at the Liyab 2024 bonfire!#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/Sv6lcUo9KT
UAAP | WATCH:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) December 16, 2024
The UP Streetdance Club takes the stage at the Liyab 2024 bonfire with a literal stage-shaking power performance!#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/MXM1Ey5C6m
Along with the men’s track and field team and the women’s badminton squad, the men’s basketball stars celebrated with the UP community in the famous Sunken Garden, site of the annual UP Fair, with a short one-hour program that culminated in the traditional bonfire lighting ceremony.
UAAP | LOOK:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) December 16, 2024
SAME SACRIFICES. SAME DOMINANCE. SAME GOLD.
Not just an event for the men's basketball team, the Liyab 2024 bonfire event also honors two more #UAAPSeason87 champion teams, the UP men's track and field team and the UP women's badminton team! pic.twitter.com/tCf4KzyJyh
Former UP head coach and current Office for Athletics and Sports Development (OASD) head Bo Perasol took charge of team introductions, playfully teasing multiple players and coaches with his anecdotes, including thanking the community “whether Francis [Lopez] misses a free throw or hits a big three.”
UAAP | WATCH:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) December 16, 2024
"Manalo, matalo. Mag-mintis si Francis o maka-shoot ng three points, andun pa rin kayo!"
Former UP head coach and current OASD director Bo Perasol welcomes the #UAAPSeason87 men's basketball champions, the UP Fighting Maroons! pic.twitter.com/ecFFjJsphd
Indulging crowd requests, several Fighting Maroons gave their short thank-you messages, including two-time champion and Season 87 Finals MVP JD Cagulangan, one-and-done center Quentin Millora-Brown, captain Gerry Abadiano, star gunner Harold Alarcon, and role players Reyland Torres and Jacob Bayla.
UAAP | WATCH:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) December 16, 2024
Two-time UAAP champion and #UAAPSeason87 Finals MVP JD Cagulangan tells his story of coming to UP on his family's behest and thanks Diliman for welcoming him to a new family. pic.twitter.com/uZemmnkAhC
UAAP | WATCH:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) December 16, 2024
Fighting Maroons leaders Quentin Millora-Brown and captain Gerry Abadiano give their messages of thanks to the UP community for their unwavering support.#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/qR8Ui9BiWC
UAAP | WATCH:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) December 16, 2024
BIG PARTS OF A WHOLE.
Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres, and Jacob Bayla share short messages of thanks to the UP community at the Liyab 2024 bonfire event in UP Sunken Garden.#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/maohBYRrTu
Ever the showman, misfit-turned-miracle man Francis Lopez stole the show with a hilarious shtick complete with fake crying.
UAAP | WATCH:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) December 16, 2024
Ever the showman, UP heel-to-hero Francis Lopez gives a hilarious address to his loyal fans at the Liyab 2024 bonfire in UP Sunken Garden.#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/6iwzT8xkZ3
The bonfire program was delayed by two hours, but those who stuck around witnessed the iconic, explosive bonfire lighting, a short fireworks display, and a mini-concert.
UAAP | WATCH:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) December 16, 2024
For the second time in four seasons, the UP bonfire pierces the night sky in Diliman as the Fighting Maroons celebrate their #UAAPSeason87 championship! pic.twitter.com/a0huOOqayf
UAAP | WATCH:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) December 16, 2024
For the second time in four seasons, the UP bonfire pierces the night sky in Diliman as the Fighting Maroons celebrate their #UAAPSeason87 championship! pic.twitter.com/a0huOOqayf
Acts of the early-morning show included a who’s who of Philippine music, like Gracenote, Moonstar88, Sandwich, and UP’s own legends The Eraserheads, the Season 87 opening act.
Iconic OPM band The Eraserheads make a surprise appearance at #Liyab2024, performing in UP for the first time since 1999! ????#UPFight ♥️????✊????#UAAPSeason87#StrongerBetterTogether pic.twitter.com/o1i6TqLOXd
— UP Fight Club (@upmaroonclub) December 16, 2024
– Rappler.com
