Text and photos by Mike Raphael Taboy
PASAY CITY — A new chapter in the country’s oldest collegiate league unfolded Sunday as the NCAA Season 102 officially got underway at the Mall of Asia Arena, combining traditional school pageantry with a fresh push to bring the league closer to the community.
The opening ceremony brought together athletes and officials from the NCAA’s 10 member-schools, setting the tone for a season anchored on competition, unity and school pride.
Among the distinguished personalities who graced the event were businessman and sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan and Manila Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza.
Pangilinan, chairman of MediaQuest Holdings and a San Beda alumnus, was part of the ceremonies as the NCAA formally entered a new chapter in its broadcast partnership with TV5.
Also taking part in the program was Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, who delivered an inspirational message to the league’s student-athletes.
Atienza, for her part, helped put the spotlight on the NCAA’s role outside the playing court with the introduction of NCAA Cares.
The initiative, based on Community Athletics, Recreation, Education and Sportsmanship, seeks to translate the league’s values into programs that benefit communities.
The festivities eventually gave way to the competition that will define another NCAA season.
Defending champion San Beda and College of St. Benilde renewed their Final Four rivalry, while Letran and Perpetual Help also squared off in another rematch of last season’s semifinals.
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio delivers his message during the colorful opening ceremony (left photo) of the 102nd edition of the country’s oldest school sports league. (Mike Taboy)
San Beda eliminated Benilde on its way to the Season 101 championship, while Letran finished as runner-up.
The Blazers began their campaign without reigning MVP Allen Liwag, who was unavailable because of an undisclosed injury.
Letran, meanwhile, looked to Rookie and Freshman of the Year Titing Manalili to lead its challenge against a youthful Perpetual Help lineup headed by Mark Gojo Cruz.
With the ceremony highlighting the league’s tradition and its community ambitions, Season 102 began with the NCAA looking beyond wins and losses to the bigger role of collegiate sports. ia/
