Imus, Cavite, -- The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 kicked off at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH) with the opening match of the women's football tournament between top teams Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) and De La Salle University (DLSU). Enhancing the playing and spectator experience is the newly built grandstand, which complements AVSH's Athletics Center, housing the FIFA-certified Football Field and IAAF-certified track oval. The grandstand's amenities include a premium players' dugout and a media center.
"We're thrilled to host the women’s football teams’ first UAAP game this season at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, allowing the players and their team supporters to enjoy the newly completed dugout facility, the media room, and bleachers. “These facilities not only enhance comfort and functionality but also strengthen Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub’s role as a hub for athletes and fans alike.”
The new grandstand has a seating capacity of 1,200 spectators, designed for optimal viewing and safety. The premium dugouts feature modern showers, recovery areas, and secure storage spaces, providing athletes with an environment that allows them to prepare, perform, and recover at their best.
Rely San Agustin, UAAP Football Tournament Commissioner, shared, “Having the UAAP community as the first to experience these upgrades is a source of great pride. We believe these improvements will significantly enhance the overall experience for players and supporters, fostering greater engagement and passion for the sport.”
AVSH’s role as one of the official football venues for the UAAP reinforces its broader mission of promoting an active, dynamic lifestyle through its #VermosaActiveLife program. Designed to welcome everyone, from grassroots participants to elite athletes, the program underscores Vermosa’s vision of becoming the premier destination for wellness and high-performance living in the South.
DLSU and UST Lady Booters Dominate Maiden Tournaments
DLSU opened the season with a 1-0 win over ADMU, thanks to a late header from Elisha Lubiano. Her goal in the 51st minute sealed the victory for the Lady Booters, who also showed solid defense to keep Ateneo scoreless.
In the next match, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) defeated the University of the Philippines (UP) 1-0. Rica Gerona delivered the winning goal with a powerful long-range strike in the second half, completing UST’s comeback. The win put UST alongside DLSU as early leaders in the tournament.
The Ultimate Multi-Sport Hub of the South
Beyond football, AVSH is steadily building a reputation as a multi-sport hub supported by modern facilities. The Santé Fitness Lab is equipped with advanced training and recovery technologies to enhance athlete performance. The Aquatic Center houses both an Olympic-sized pool and a warm-up pool for competitive swimming, training, and leisure. The Athletics Center includes the Track Oval and Football Field, complemented by a fitness trail for running, walking, and cross-training. For extended stays, the Athlete’s House provides 30 rooms designed to accommodate training camps, athletes, and families seeking convenient access to the estate’s facilities. Being a stone’s throw away, it allows more time to use the facilities as well as to rest and recharge after.
Looking ahead, AVSH is curating a diverse lineup of events and community activities that highlight both competition and wellness in its upcoming Vermosa Vitality Sports Program. These include the Vitality Retreat in its sports hotel, designed to foster balance and rejuvenation; the reopening of car-free weekends transforming the estate into a pedestrian-friendly zone for families and athletes; and the Streat Jam offering food truck dining options in September 2025, which will bring together vibrant dining options in a lively, social atmosphere for the sports complex.
Major athletic highlights in our upcoming Vermosa Vitality Sports Program are also on the horizon, including the Velocity Relay Race, which celebrates speed and teamwork on AVSH’s premier track, and the Victory Games, a multi-sport showcase featuring competition, community spirit, and achievement.
Vermosa invites sports enthusiasts and casual visitors to experience its world-class facilities and community-centric programs. By engaging in its elite sports infrastructure, inclusive activities, and lifestyle offerings, they experience Vermosa as a destination where people can move, compete, and thrive together.
For more information on the Vermosa Sports Program and event schedules, follow Vermosa’s official channels and join the conversation using #VermosaActiveLife. Together, let’s move, compete, and thrive.
About VERMOSA
Vermosa is a master-planned, modern suburban community by Ayala Land located in Imus and Dasmariñas, Cavite. Spanning 700+ hectares, Vermosa promotes a healthy and active lifestyle through its integrated mix of residential, commercial, retail, institutional, and sports and wellness facilities, thoughtfully designed to foster healthy living, athletic excellence, and community engagement. It seamlessly integrates world-class sports facilities, wellness hubs, and vibrant public spaces to create a holistic environment where fitness, recreation, and lifestyle converge.
About XMPLR
XMPLR (ex·em·plar / ‘iɡˈzemplär’) is a sports marketing organization that was launched in 2020 to help progress Philippine Sports, one initiative at a time. Composed of former athletes turned sports marketing professionals, XMPLR conducts initiatives to help inspire, promote an active and healthy lifestyle, and provide training and support to its stakeholders through XMPLR Sports, The Goal Diggers’ platform, its advocacy Pitch In PH and other efforts. You can find the Goal Diggers PH on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify.
