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| (Image Source: GMA Network/NCAA Philippines) |
The Philippines' first athletic collegiate league – the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) – inspires everyone to "Achieve Greatness Every Day" as it formally opened Season 98 last September 10 via its official broadcast partner GMA Network. Aside from welcoming the league's ten member schools led by season host Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), NCAA Season 98 marks the return of more exciting collegiate sports events featuring the Men’s Senior Basketball and Women’s Volleyball tournaments and the return of the Cheerleading Competition, Swimming, Track and Field, Juniors' Basketball, Men's Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Taekwondo, Chess, and the All-Star Basketball and Volleyball games.
Season 98 Policy Board President Dr. Jose Paulo Campos of Emilio Aguinaldo College underscored the importance of inspiring student athletes to be great in everything they do. "For the past two seasons, we have seen the resilience of our member school communities and student-athletes. As we begin Season 98, the Philippines’ first collegiate athletic competition remains steadfast in instilling values in our students: ‘Achieve Greatness Every Day.’ We continue to inspire everyone to do their best in everything they do, every day. And we are honored and grateful that our new home, GMA Network thru GMA Synergy, is with us every step of the way," said Dr. Campos. In full support of NCAA Season 98 are the members of the Policy Board namely Francisco Paulino Cayco of Arellano University; Fr. Rector Clarence Victor Marquez, OP of Colegio de San Juan de Letran; Br. Edmundo Fernandez, FSC of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde; Dr. Vincent Fabella of José Rizal University; Atty. Roberto Laurel of Lyceum of the Philippines University; Dr. Reynaldo Vea of Mapua University; Fr. Aloysius Maranan, OSB of San Beda University; Fr. Rafael Pecson, OAR of San Sebastian College-Recoletos; and Dr. Anthony Jose Tamayo of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
NCAA Season 98 Management Committee Chairman Estefanio Boquiron, Jr. of Emilio Aguinaldo College likewise shared how this season will further allow NCAA to showcase the greatness every student-athlete possess. "Having adapted to the New Normal, our student-athletes are better equipped this season. They have been training since Season 96 and 97 and are excited to showcase their talents on court. And with GMA Network’s continued support, we look forward to an exciting season with more sporting events to be staged and broadcasted by GMA," added Boquiron. Boquiron is joined by members of the NCAA Management Committee: Pedro Cayco (Arellano University); Fr. Victor Calvo, Jr., OP (Colegio de San Juan de Letran); Manuel Raymund Castellano, Jr. (De La Salle-College of St. Benilde); Efren Jose Supan (José Rizal University); Hercules Callanta (Lyceum of the Philippines University); Melchor Divina (Mapúa University); Atty. Jonas Cabochan (San Beda University); Fr. Virigilio Paredes, Jr., OAR (San Sebastian College-Recoletos); and Francisco Gusi, Jr. (University of Perpetual Help System DALTA).
"In Season 96, we all Rose Up Stronger. Then in Season 97, we were Stronger Together. Buo ang Puso. Now, as we usher in NCAA Season 98, we all aim to Achieve Greatness Every Day," said GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon in his message. "This season also highlights inspiring stories from the different teams and looks to grow the NCAA community beyond the games thru various grassroots developments of the NCAA sports. To our student-athletes, we wish you the best as you all aim for greatness in your respective sports. Rest assured that GMA Network – as the proud home and partner of the country’s first athletic league – fully supports the NCAA in showcasing your world-class talent on all our platforms," he added. Through the wide reach of the GMA Network, viewers across the Philippines and around the world are able to have more access to NCAA via free-to-air channels GMA and GTV, as well as the Network’s flagship international channel, GMA News TV International. The games will also be streamed on the NCAA Philippines website (www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa), NCAA Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel, and GMA Sports' Facebook and Twitter pages. Kapuso abroad can catch all the action via GMA Pinoy TV and GMA News TV.
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| (Image Source: GMA Network/NCAA Philippines/Angela Davocon) |
Sports fans and viewers were treated to a festive and star-studded NCAA Season 98 Opening Ceremony held inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum – a first for the league – and aired live on GMA and GTV. Hosted by ‘Game-On!’ Host, NCAA Season 98 Sportscaster, and GMA Sparkle artist Martin Javier with Manolo Pedrosa and Ms. Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, the league celebrated the opening of Season 98 by paying homage to the rich culture of the Philippines through the portrayal of several festivals. Met with a considerable amount of crowd and the banging noise of the drums, respective pep squads of the 10 participating squads also showcased their school’s prowess while performing to an own rendition of “Alab (Burning)” by renowned P-pop group SB19. The basketball teams of the ten member schools were also introduced by fans during the parade, donning their respective campus colors and escorted by Sparkle artists Pam Prinster, Lianne Valentin, Gabrielle Hahn, Caitlyn Stave, Arra San Agustin, Angela Alarcon, Tanya Ramos, Sophia Señoron, Roxie Smith, and Pauline Mendoza as muses with their respective cheerleading squads rallying behind them. Adding star factor to the NCAA Season 98 Opening Ceremony were explosive and enjoyable performances from Mark Bautista, Rochelle Pangilinan, Jessica Villarubin, Anthony Rosaldo, Thea Astley, Jeremiah Tiangco, Sean Lucas, Mannex Manhattan, Ken San Jose, the Gueco Twins, and XoXo. Concluding the Opening Ceremony with the formal opening by Policy Board President Dr. Jose Paulo Campos, NCAA Season 98 formally kicked off with an explosive duo of action-packed opening Men's Basketball games where Arellano University and Mapua University finished strong and garnered their first wins over Season 98 host EAC and San Beda University, respectively.
Don’t miss the NCAA Season 98 action as GTV airs the live games every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday at 12:00 pm plus ‘Game On!’ in-between games during the entire NCAA Season 98. On free-to-air, GTV can be seen on Channel 27 in Mega Manila and various parts of the country.
