Centro Escolar University led the opening ceremonies of the Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) Season 8 as the official host, held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

With the theme “Rising to New Heights,” this year’s season gathers student-athletes from CEU and other eight participating institutions: Diliman College, Lyceum of the Philippines University–Batangas, Olivarez College, Philippine Women’s University, Philippine Christian University–Dasmariñas, Immaculada Conception College, University of Batangas, and Manila Central University.

CEU President and Chief Academic Officer Atty. Danilo L. Concepcion formally opened the season with his welcome message and declaration of the official start of the league. Col. Edison Nebrija, UCALI Board of Director and PG Flex Linoleum Representative, also shared his message.

Adding inspiration to the event, Mr. Franz Ray Diaz, a former CEU basketball player and now a PBA (Professional Basketball Association) player for the Terrafirma Team, reflected on his journey from being a student-athlete to a professional player. His story served as a motivation that perseverance and passion can turn dreams into reality.

The ceremonial lighting of the flame was led by the team captains and management core group, symbolizing the athletes’ unity and determination. This was followed by the Oath of Sportsmanship, led by Dylan Darbin, CEU Basketball Team Captain, affirming the participants’ commitment to fair play and camaraderie.

One of the highlights of the event was the Street Dance Competition, where the CEU Streetsquad impressed the crowd and secured the First Runner-Up title.

The program also featured the much-anticipated Mr. and Ms. UCALI pageant. LPU–Batangas’ representative was crowned Mr. UCALI, while PCU–Dasmariñas took home the Ms. UCALI title.

The successful opening ceremony marked an energetic start to UCAL Season 8, celebrating athletic excellence, school spirit, and the drive to rise to new heights.

For more information about CEU, please visit the official website of the University at www.ceu.edu.ph. You may also follow CEU on Facebook at @theCEUofficial, @CEUMalolosofficial, @CEUMakati05; on Twitter at @CEUmanila, @CEU_Makati05, and @CEUMalolos; on Instagram at @ceuofficial; on Youtube @CEUofficial; on Tiktok at ceuofficial_; and on Spotify at Escolarian Talks.

Members of the Centro Escolar University community paid tribute to CEU’s former Vice President, Sofia de Veyra in time for her birth anniversary by visiting her bust at Plaza Arevalo in Iloilo City.

The visit was led by Dr. Teresa R. Perez, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Erna V. Yabut, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Institutional Development and Corporate Information Officer; Dr. Pearly P. Lim, Vice President for CEU Makati; Dr. Ma. Flordeliza L. Anastacio, Vice President for CEU Malolos; Dr. Julieta Z. Dungca, Dean of the School of Science and Technology; along with other CEU officials, faculty members, and alumni.

The graduating students of Ramon Avanceña National High School, together with their principal Ms. Lory Noquera also gathered to honor Sofia de Veyra. Ms. Noquera delivered an inspiring speech, while the San Calungsod Assembly of the Knights of Columbus Patriotic Order led a floral offering. 

For more information about CEU, please visit the official website of the University at www.ceu.edu.ph. You may also follow CEU on Facebook at @theCEUofficial, @CEUMalolosofficial, @CEUMakati05; on Twitter at @CEUmanila, @CEU_Makati05, and @CEUMalolos; on Instagram at @ceuofficial; on Youtube @CEUofficial; on Tiktok at ceuofficial_; and on Spotify at Escolarian Talks.