Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo stunned thousands at the UAAP Season 88 opening ceremony in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Friday, September 19, when she used her hit song Ikot-Ikot to call out corruption in the country.
Midway through her performance, Geronimo paused and told the 30,000-strong crowd: “Parang panloloko sa bansa natin, pinaikot-ikot lang tayo. Tama na.” The remark, clearly alluding to the ongoing flood control controversy, drew loud cheers from students and athletes representing the UAAP’s eight member schools.
After singing, Geronimo took a more serious tone as she addressed the youth about their role in pushing for change.
“Hindi naman po lingid sa kaalaman natin na napakaraming nangyayaring kaguluhan, kasinungalingan, panloloko ang ginagawa sa ating bansa,” she said. “Let us all be reminded na kayo, I don’t want to put the pressure on you, ang ating mga kabataan, kayo ang pag-asa ng ating bansa at ng ating bayan. One day, kayo ang magbabago ng bulok na sistema ng bansang ito.”
She encouraged the students not to lose faith despite the country’s challenges: “‘Wag kayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Kumapit tayo sa hope at magtiwala na balang araw mababago din ang bulok na sistema na ‘yan. Uunlad din ang ating mahal na bansang Pilipinas… Patuloy nating ipagdasal ang ating bansa.”
The 37-year-old star’s remarks quickly spread online, with fans and netizens lauding her courage for speaking up — a rare move for Geronimo, who seldom comments on political issues.
Geronimo, who studied at UST Education High School before rising to fame, also performed ‘Tala’ during the program. She headlined a roster of artists that included Lola Amour, Rob Deniel, Earl Agustin, and other local performers.
The UAAP Season 88 opening also honored Thomasian pride, with Olympian EJ Obiena, volleyball star Sisi Rondina, sambo champion Sydney Sy-Tancontian, and PBA alum Jervy Cruz serving as torchbearers.
