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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
The future of Philippine basketball has arrived as the country’s first athletic collegiate league — the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) — welcomes the “New Heroes of the Game” with the opening of Season 99 held last September 24, 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. This season’s opening ceremony, which was aired simultaneously on GMA and GTV, showcased the 10 member schools – led by Season 99 host José Rizal University (JRU) – that are all ready to shine on the hardcourt and be the new heroes for this season. Gearing up for another intense season as well are Arellano University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, College of Saint Benilde, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapua University, San Beda University, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, and University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta.
Viewers and basketball enthusiasts have enjoyed a vibrant and star-studded Sunday afternoon with the opening ceremony hosted by GMA Synergy Sportscaster Martin Javier and Kapuso actor, triathlete, and host Matteo Guidicelli as well as fellow Kapuso stars Arra San Agustin and Faith da Silva. Gracing the stage with their electrifying performances are Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose, Zephanie, Rita Daniela, Hannah Precillas, Jessica Villarubin, Mariane Osabel, Thea Astley, Lexi Gonzales, Ysabel Ortega, and 1st.One. Joining the festivities were Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards and Julia Montes ahead of their upcoming film "Five Breakups And A Romance". Following the opening ceremony is the highly-anticipated start of the NCAA Season 99 Men's Basketball tournament where the host school JRU Heavy Bombers pulled an upset against three-time defending champion Letran Knights while the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates scored a come-from-behind win over the College of Saint Benilde Blazers. Aside from Men’s Basketball, viewers will definitely be thrilled with other sporting events this season including Women’s Volleyball, Cheerleading Competition, Swimming, Track and Field, Juniors' Basketball, Men's Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Taekwondo, Chess, and the NCAA All-Star Games. Adding more excitement to the new season is the return of Badminton and Table Tennis and the inclusion of grassroots programs like the Kiddie and 3x3 Basketball.
Season 99 Policy Board President Dr. Vincent K. Fabella of Josè Rizal University underscored the importance of searching for new heroes who can inspire others and create an impact to the whole NCAA community. "Continue championing new heroes to carry the legacy of NCAA!" shared Dr. Fabella. In full support of NCAA Season 99 are members of the Policy Board comprising of Francisco Paulino Cayco of Arellano University; Fr. Raymund Fernando Jose, OP of Colegio de San Juan de Letran; Br. Edmundo Fernandez, FSC of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde; Dr. Jose Paulo Campos of Emilio Aguinaldo College; Atty. Roberto Laurel of Lyceum of the Philippines University; Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo of Mapua University; Fr. Aloysius Ma. 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 99 Management Committee Chairman Mr. Paul Supan emphasized who the true heroes of the game are. "Cheering fans, hardworking players, competent officials, and dedicated coaches make the sport beautiful. They are the true heroes of the game," said Supan. Supan is joined by members of the NCAA Management Committee comprising of Peter 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); Dr. Lorenzo C. Lorenzo (Emilio Aguinaldo College); Hercules Callanta (Lyceum of the Philippines University); Melchor Divina (Mapua 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).
“GMA Network is a proud partner of the National Collegiate Athletic Association of the Philippines (NCAA). The NCAA has the distinction of being the first and premiere collegiate athletics association of the Philippines. It has produced so many outstanding national athletes in various fields of sports, who have become heroic symbols of our youth not only in sportsmanship, but also in terms of discipline, perseverance, and excellence. On the eve of your centennial year, I would like to congratulate Josè Rizal University for hosting NCAA Season 99, and all the students, faculty, and staff of the ten member schools of the NCAA, in your continuing and relentless pursuit for the best,” said GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon. Through the Kapuso Network's wide nationwide reach, viewers across the Philippines have wide access to NCAA via free-to-air channels GMA and GTV. On the other hand, the games are streamed online, live and on-demand, on the NCAA Philippines website (www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa), NCAA Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel, and GMA Sports' Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) pages. Global Pinoys can catch the games of NCAA Season 99 Men's Basketball live via GMA News TV International. GMA Network Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso said, “Three seasons ago, the country’s first athletic league, NCAA, found its new home in GMA Network. As NCAA Season 99 commences, we look forward to meeting the New Heroes who will rise above the ever-changing landscape of collegiate sports. GMA Network, thru GMA Synergy, is pulling all the stops as it continues to provide the NCAA community, the sports fans, and our student-athletes with the best coverage for NCAA Season 99. From investing in new equipment and technology, training the best personnel, and utilizing GMA's wide reach across all platforms – GMA is committed to bringing the NCAA experience to every corner of the nation and even abroad."
NCAA Season 99 also marks the launch of GMA Integrated News’ AI (Artificial Intelligence) Generated Sportscaster, the country’s first digital news presenter, which was made possible through a trailblazing collaboration between GMA Integrated News (GMAIN), GMA New Media Inc. (NMI), and GMA Synergy. Named Maia and Marco, the newest Kapuso AI sportscasters are set to bring the biggest news on NCAA Season 99 as well as updates on local and international sports featuring Filipino athletes on the social media platforms of GMAIN, GMA Sports, and GMA Synergy. “The introduction of the first AI sportscasters by GMA Integrated News is a groundbreaking initiative that significantly impacts our objective of 'Mas malaking misyon, mas malawak na paglilingkod sa bayan'. It aligns with our mission to serve all communities within the nation and promote inclusivity in our reporting,” said Amoroso. “GMAIN's adoption of AI technology also demonstrates our commitment to innovation in journalism. We embrace emerging technologies to stay at the forefront of the media industry by providing our audience with a modern and engaging sports news experience. Through this initiative, we continue to fulfill our commitment to providing valuable information and enriching the lives of Filipinos worldwide,” Amoroso added. GMA Network Assistant Vice President and Deputy Head for GMA Integrated News Social Media Aileen Rae Perez expressed her excitement about the project. “With the latest developments in generative AI, our team is always on the lookout for ways to deliver information in the most exciting and engaging manner. We’re glad that we also get the opportunity to collaborate with our partners from NMI Studios and GMA Synergy for this groundbreaking project,” Perez said. Both Maia and Marco are generated by artificial intelligence using Image Generation, Text-to-Speech AI Voice Synthesis/Generation, and Deep Learning Face Animation Technology. GMA NMI Head of Creatives Ramil Escarda explained, “The rise of generative AI not only transforms how we share news and information, but it also fuels our creative process and redefines the landscape of modern video production. It doesn't replace human ingenuity; instead, it amplifies it, making our storytelling more powerful and accessible."
NCAA Season 99 also introduces its new lineup of courtside reporters who are set to deliver the latest reports and happenings in and out of court. These 12 ladies include new and familiar faces such as “Ang Celebrity Student Reporter ng Cavite City” Lexi Gonzales, “Ang Cutie Singer Reporter ng Alabang” Hannah Arguelles, "Ang Pretty and Charming Student Reporter ng Caloocan City” Glycel Ann Galpo, “Ang Future Architect Reporter ng Pasig City” Alyanna Ysabelle Faustino, “Ang Events Host Student Reporter ng Sta. Rosa” Liezl Anne Nierves, “Ang Bubbly and Pretty Student Reporter ng Quezon City” Monique Angelika Santos, “Ang Multi-passionate Student Reporter ng Malolos” Diana Marie Igual, and “Ang Beauty Queen Reporter ng Valenzuela City” Arlove De Jesus. Returning this season are “Ang Brainy Chic Reporter ng Los Baños” Kristine San Agustin, "Ang Pretty Entrepreneur Reporter ng Manila” Julia Mae Ong, “Ang Nursing Student ng Pulilan” Fatima Faye Reyes and “Ang Student DJ Reporter ng Lucena City” Stephanie Benito.
Catch the games of NCAA Season 99 Men's Basketball every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday starting at 2:00 pm; Saturday at 9:30 am and 3:00 pm; and Sunday starting at 10:00 am on GTV, NCAA Philippines' official website, NCAA Philippines' Facebook page and YouTube channel, GMA Sports PH's Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) pages and GMA News TV International for viewers outside the Philippines. For more NCAA Season 99 news and updates, visit NCAA Philippines' official website (www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa) and social media accounts.
