Hosted by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Season 97 kicked off with its opening ceremony on Mar. 26 via GMA’s GTV channel.
With the theme “Stronger Together, Buo ang Puso,” the ceremony was opened by Kapuso stars. Led by Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose, Jeremiah Tiangco, Nef Medina, Vilmark Viray, and Anthony Rosaldo, they performed this season’s theme song entitled “Stronger Together.” Along with them were some of the cheerleaders of the participating colleges and universities.
The ceremonies were hosted by Ms. Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, Kapuso Manolo Pedrosa, and NCAA hosts Martin Javier and Sophia Senoron. They were also accompanied by Anton Roxas and this Season’s courtside reporters Ann Gabriel, Avia Zunic, Consular and Diplomatic Affairs (CDA) student Chantal Laude, Aya De Quiroz, Chloe Carillo, Chase Orozco, Christiana Dimaunahan, Eden Hernandez, Lance Santiago, Michelle Naldo, Sofia Rodelas, Christian Sebastian, and Baileys Acot.
Season 97’s Opening Ceremony also included the recognition of NCAA Legends honoring their excellence in the Philippine sports as fruits of NCAA. Among the Legends were ex-senator Freddie Webb, Season 93 Basketball MVP CJ Perez, Season 83 Mythical Five Marvin Hayes, all-around pro-basketball point guard Francis Munsayac, 2017 SEA Games National Team member and Benilde alumna Maria Aresa Lipat, Pro-Basketball Head Coach Michael Saguiguit, Mr. Quality Minutes Jio Jalalon, 1995 Grand Slam Record holder Coach Chito Victolero, the Winningest Volleyball Coach in NCAA Coach Roger Gorayeb, and 3-Time Olympian Carlos “Caloy” Loyzaga. The Oath of Sportsmanship was led by Perez himself.
Following this, Benilde President Br. Edmundo L. Fernandez, FSC gave his opening remarks, highlighting “Buo ang puso dahil [na] kay Hesus ang tunay na star.” Afterwards, Blazer Prince Carlos also gave the audience a tour of the newly built Benilde Sports & Dormitory Complex through an audio-visual presentation.
Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, the Chairman and CEO of GMA Network, also delivered his message for the NCAA fans, players, coaches, and organizers.
Lastly, Management Committee Chair Mr. Manuel Raymund “Dax” Castellano, Jr., on behalf of the Season 97 Policy Board and Management Committee, officially declared the commencement of the NCAA Season 97 tournaments.
Games will be available to watch through live streaming in the social media platforms of NCAA Philippines, GMA Sports, and will be airing on GTV.
To catch our Blazers in action, the schedule of their games is posted here.
