By MARK REY MONTEJO
The country’s premier collegiate leagues are simultaneously opening shops with bright lights and vibrant sounds expected to highlight the festive celebration that ushers in the thrilling and action-packed first games on Saturday, Sept. 7.
The NCAA is celebrating its historic 100th year by paying tribute to the past as it honors its alumni that paved the way for the league in the NCAA Siglo Uno: Inspiring Legacies Opening Ceremony at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“From those who have inspired legacies in the past 10 decades to those who continue to strive for sportsmanship today and tomorrow,” said Season 100 Policy Board president Atty. Roberto Laurel of Lyceum of the Philippines University. “Expect this season to be the most exciting yet.”
Also part of the colorful celebration are the performances from Justin De Dios of SB19 and P-Pop group G22, which will be showcasing NCAA’s theme song ‘Own the Future’.
Refusing to be outdone though, the UAAP is kicking off its Season 87 wars with its own concert-like experience blending the iconic 90’s Filipino rock anthems and current pop culture with Eraserheads and other artists performing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
This is only the second time that the two leagues are opening their men’s basketball tournaments on the same day as basketball fans are left to choose which ceremony to go to.
Is it for the bragging rights or a true test to one’s strength?
It seems they’re trying to outdo one another by the sheer number of its fans and sponsors through commercials.
Confusing to some cage fans, but in the cutthroat business, this is the norm these days.
The last time this happened was in 2022 when both leagues, the Season 97 for the NCAA and the Season 84 of the UAAP opened their tournaments for the first time since the pandemic.
Nonetheless, the opening ceremonies marked the return of the action-packed collegiate season with both leagues also offering marquee matchups for their respective first games.
The storied Battle of Katipunan between the Ateneo and University of the Philippines rolls the carpet for the UAAP season at 6:30 p.m. while for the NCAA, a double-header featuring the semifinalist of the last season.
Defending champion San Beda tangles against Lyceum in the opening game at 2:30 p.m. before last season’s bridesmaid finishers Mapua takes on College of St. Benilde.
Providing an interesting sidelight to the clash between the Fighting Maroons and Blue Eagles is the debut of Jared Bahay who once committed and then de-committed to UP to join Ateneo.
He will be facing JD Cagulangan, Harold Alarcon, Francis Lopez, and Gerry Abadiano who are all looking to give UP a winning start to their title chase after falling twice in the Finals of the last three seasons.
Meanwhile, new skipper Yukien Andrada is poised to spearhead the Red Lions along with co-captain Richi Calimag, Jomel Puno, Nygel Gonzales and finals MVP James Payosing to open their title-retention bid on a high note.
