The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) opened its 99th season today, Sept. 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The opening ceremony started with a performance from Thea Ashley, Ysabel Ortega, and various GMA artists who pleased the crowd with an opening song. At the back were pep squads of NCAA member schools dressed in colorful hues who displayed mesmerizing stunts and awe-inspiring performances that drew the crowds attention. Filipino boy band, 1st. One immediately followed up with a performance of their own, performing the SB19 hot-track Gento.
Teams and athletes were introduced next, the Arellano University (AU) Chiefs grazed the floor first followed by the Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Knights, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers, the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals, the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates, Mapua University (MU) Cardinals, San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions, San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Golden Stags, University of Perpetual Help System-DALTA (UPHSD) Altas, and finally the host school, the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers.
After the team introductions, Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Chairman and CEO of GMA Network, delivered a virtual heartfelt welcome speech to the athletes and participating schools. Kapuso stars Alden Richards and Julie Anne San Jose continued the program delivering an opening prayer and a singing performance of this year’s theme song “New Heroes” respectively.
To round up the opening ceremony, the NCAA policy board and management committee was announced. Dr. Vincent Fabella, JRU President, delivered a welcome speech of his own. Leading the College was Benilde Brother President Br. Edmundo “Dodo” Fernandez FSC, as well as Mr. Dax Castellano.
All succeeding games will be held in FilOil EcoOil Centre, and will also be available through live streaming on the social media platforms of NCAA Philippines, GMA Sports, and will be airing on GTV.
The Blazers are set to face the LPU Pirates today, Sept. 24. To catch our Blazers in action, check out the schedule of their games posted below!
