NCAA Season 102 commences with star-studded ensemble and renewed rivalries

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c/o NCAA

The opening of the NCAA Season 102 will see more than just an action-packed doubleheader. 

On Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena, two rematches from last year’s men’s basketball semifinals raise the curtain starting with a grudge match between the College of St. Benilde and San Beda at 3 pm.

The Red Lions had to defeat an Allen Liwag-led Blazers last season before eventually winning the Season 101 title at the expense of Letran in the Finals.

Benilde, however, will not have the reigning MVP present for the first game as he is dealing with an undisclosed injury.

Letran and Perpetual Help play closer for opening day at 5 pm with another semis rematch.

Backed by Rookie and Freshman of the Year Titing Manalili, the Knights take on a young and gritty Altas squad led by Mark Gojo Cruz.

Before the anticipated clashes however, the league will be graced by prominent figures that helped shape the upcoming iteration of the country’s Grand Old League.

Sports patron and Mediaquest Holdings’ Chairman of the Board Manny V. Pangilinan will be one of the guest speakers and dignitaries for the opening of this year’s NCAA.

Pangilinan, also a San Beda alumnus, will be present at the awards segment of the opening to address the new broadcasting partnership between the league and TV5.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Patrick “Pato” Gregorio will also be in attendance to give the collegiate athletes a pep talk before the much-awaited sporting events.

Also expected to show up on opening day is Manila Vice Mayor Hon. Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza.

Atienza will usher Manila’s new community outreach program with the league called, “NCAA Cares.” 

The program will be built on Community Athletics, Recreation, Education and Sportsmanship (CARES) to extend the league’s values beyond the arena and into the community.

ROYU Electrical boosts Mapua Men’s Basketball and Women’s Volleyball

ROYU x MAPUA

Mapua University secured a key partnership for the upcoming 102nd season of the NCAA Philippines and beyond.

ROYU Electrical, the premier electrical brand under Firefly Electric and Lighting Corporation (FELCO), will be boosting a couple of the university's teams: Men's Basketball and Women's Volleyball.

In entering into this partnership, ROYU Electrical's core standard of dependable innovation unites with Mapua's legacy of engineering excellence. For the former, it allows them access into the campus life, as well as future potential graduates for recruitment, by way of interactive student activations, digital content collaborations, official collegiate merchandising, and presence at university career fairs. For students, it would secure them direct exposure towards dependable industry tools while preparing for professional practice.

To mark the moment, a ceremonial signing took place with institutional leadership from both sides to commemorate the shared milestone. Representing FELCO were Marketing Director Erik Riola and ROYU Electrical Category Manager Eva Dy. For Mapua, President and CEO Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Raul Victor B. Tan, and Athletics Director Melchor Divina were present, together with MAPUA’s head coaches and team captains.

Riola shares, "This partnership is not just about putting a logo on a jersey. At its heart, it is about people, performance, and the pursuit of excellence. That is something ROYU and MAPUA University understand very well," He adds, "Being a partner of choice also means going beyond selling products. It means being present in the communities we serve, supporting institutions that shape the future, and investing in Filipinos who can make a difference."

From the university's end, Dr. Maestrecampo adds, "We’re very excited about what’s happening to the team and to the community, and we thank ROYU for inspiring all of them through this kind of support. We’re very much willing to expand this partnership and explore opportunities for collaboration in the future."

ROYU Electrical has slowly but surely expanded its portfolio across the Philippine market, introducing switches and outlets in 2002, breakers in 2004, building wires in 2013, enclosures in 2017, and pipes in 2024. This partnership with Mapua will certainly boost such efforts.

Fencing set for resumption at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex

c/o PFA

The Philippine Fencing Association is set to resume its ranking tournaments on Sunday after weather conditions have forced postponements the last few days.

Slated to take place later today is the second day of the second leg for the MiniMe and Veterans division, with the first day being washed out as a result of rainy conditions on Saturday.

Action has been moved to the nearby Ninoy Aquino Stadium with twelve divisions on tap, starting at 9am.

Around two hundred fencers are set to take part, including a few who made waves internationally, like Philip Linus Sytengco and Jannes Kwong, as well as likes of Rafa Catayong, and the Ramirez siblings, Tomas and Renata.

The PFA also announced earlier this week, that the final leg of the Cadet and Junior divisions, previously scheduled last week, has been rescheduled for September 19-20 at Rizal Memorial. Standouts from the recently-concluded SEAFF are expected to compete in this tournament.

San Beda ready for NCAA title defense

c/o NCAA

SAN BEDA’s title defense in the upcoming NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament started off rocky in the offseason but that didn’t dampen coach Yuri Escueta’s belief in the Red Lions.

Following the tournament’s press conference at the Mall of Asia Arena on Monday, Escueta bared that the Red Lions faced multiple challenges after Season 101, including a hit in the defending champions’ lineup.

Still, Escueta is “satisfied” with how the squad has been responding despite losing all of his starters from last year.

“As a coach, satisfied ako sa preparations namin and the tournaments we’ve joined sa Filoil, Asiabasket. Those are tournaments where we prepared ourselves,” he said.

“‘Yong offseason namin medyo challenging. ‘Di pa nagsstart ‘yong title defense namin na-injure na agad ‘yong starting point guard ko (Nygel Gonzales). Good thing lang na na-address namin early ‘yon kasi we had time to play [in the] offseason without him.”

Gonzales suffered an ACL injury during the offseason, Janti Miller switched ships from Mendiola to Taft with La Salle and Bryan Sajonia, Joe Celzo and Yukien Andrada are all in the PBA.

On paper, San Beda is looking at a tough path en route to back-to-back titles.

Aside from their own roster woes, the NCAA’s landscape has changed dramatically over the past couple of months.

Lyceum and Mapua got some shots in their arms following the appointments of former PBA coaches Jamike Jarin and Chito Victolero, who were both in attendance during Monday’s preceding.

There’s also the rejuvenated Letran Knights who will be bolstered by Titing Manalili, last year’s Rookie and Freshman of the Year awardee.

There will also be no shortage of dark horses for Season 102 with Jose Rizal University leading the pack under coach Nani Epondulan. The Heavy Bombers barely missed last year’s semifinals with a 6-7 card.

Even with a harsh landscape awaiting the defending kings of the NCAA, Escueta remained positive about his squad’s back-to-back title dreams.

“Everyone’s very positive. Me, as a coach, I’m confident sa team ko but we know it’s going to be a challenge because all the teams got stronger.”

The NCAA Season 102 basketball games will air live and free on Cignal platforms via the ONE Sports Youtube Channel and the CignalPlay app. 

Select games will also air on Mondays and Thursdays on the RPTV Channel. A dedicated channel to NCAA Content will also be launched in NCAA NXT channel 264 HD on Cignal prior to the opening.

Tatler Philippines set to bring Alex Eala home for a historic exhibition

Tatler Group CEO & Chairman Michel Lamunière alongside Tatler Philippines Managing Director Irene Francisco

Whilst Alexandra Eala is busy in Flushing Meadows for the US Open, she is slated to make a historic homecoming at the end of the year.

This coming December 8, the Filipina will be the centerpiece of a special event on December 8 at the Philippine Arena. Called Alex Eala Live: Game. Set. Celebrate, it is an opportunity for Filipino fans to watch her play in what might be the biggest celebration of tennis in the country, with organizers seeking to set a new attendance record for a tennis match.

The current record is at 51,954 when Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal faced off in Cape Town, South Africa back in 2020.

In making the announcement, Tatler Group Chairman and CEO Michel Lamunière shares, "We want to create the biggest tennis celebration the Philippines has ever seen." He adds, "We chose the Philippine Arena because we want as many Filipinos as possible to experience Alex’s homecoming together. And if more than 52,000 of us come together, the Philippines could make tennis history. But the record is not the reason for this event. Alex is."

To break this feat, Eala will be facing off in an exhibition against Janice Tjen, currently ranked 36th in the world, and a matchup between two of Southeast Asia's biggest talents.

She shares about this event, "Every time I play abroad, I carry the Philippines with me. To come home and play in front of our fans will be incredibly special. I want this to be a day where we celebrate our love for tennis, our culture and the young players who will take the sport forward. And if all of us come together, maybe we can make a little history too."

For most Filipino fans, the closest that they would be able to watch Alex play is either watching her on screens or traveling to where she is competing. AEL:GSC addresses this by having her come here, which is a rare opportunity given her busy schedule, which currently includes the WTA's Asian swing and the upcoming Asian Games, which she has committed to play in singles and doubles in a quest for a medal for the Philippines.

At the same time, the event hopes to inspire more Filipinos to take up the sport after seeing world-class tennis up close, something last seen on a global level here with the WTA125 Philippine Open, which is set to return early next year. 

Tatler Philippines Managing Director Irene Francisco shares, "Tatler Philippines has celebrated exceptional Filipino talent and achievement for more than two decades. Alex has given Filipinos so many reasons to be proud. Bringing her home gives us the opportunity to celebrate her achievements with the people who have supported her journey, while inspiring young Filipinos who may one day follow in her footsteps."

Complementing the Eala-Tjen exhibition are additional activations are to be set in place, including live entertainment, fan experiences, and tennis matches involving celebrities and rising Filipino tennisters.

Organizers are seeking to make this event as accessible as possible. Tickets will be priced for as low as PhP 600, allowing for Filipinos of all ages the chance to experience top-tier tennis LIVE.

Pre-Sale registration has already started until September 6 via TicketWorld, with Pre-Sale purchases starting at noon on September 7 until September 13 for those who avail of the opportunity.

General sales will then commence on September 14. 

Green Aces kick off weather-delayed title ML:BB defense

c/o UAAP

Games today (ML:BB) at the MVP Studios

9:30 a.m. - UE vs DLSU
11 a.m. - ADU vs Ateneo
12:30 p.m. - UE vs UST
2 p.m. - Ateneo vs UP
3:30 p.m. - UST vs NU
5 p.m. - UP vs FEU

After a two-week postponement due to severe weather conditions, defending champion De La Salle University finally begins its UAAP Esports Mobile Legends: Bang Bang title defense against last season’s runner-up University of the East today (Monday) at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong City.

The Green Aces and the Junior Warriors will open the tournament at 9:30 a.m. in the highlight of the six-match opening-day slate, with La Salle looking to begin its bid for a second straight crown on a winning note.

For Green Aces standout Joshua Tating, the title defense carries added significance as he enters his final year of UAAP eligibility, giving the La Salle senior one last opportunity to help steer the team to another championship.

“Ang mindset ko ngayong season is to just enjoy the game and play my very best to leave behind no regrets,” shared Tating, who also cautioned against complacency as the Green Aces bid for a back-to-back championship run.

“Kahit defending champion kami, rerespetuhin namin lahat ng kalaban namin and never namin i-u-underestimate kasi lahat sila naghahanda rin nang maigi para manalo,” said Tating.

While the two-week delay pushed back La Salle’s title defense, Tating believes the extra time ultimately worked in the Green Aces’ favor as they continued to adjust to the game’s new meta.

“Yung cancellations malaking help talaga sa team kasi any amount of extra practice na makukuha namin is crucial sa amin dahil sa bagong meta, so nangangapa pa kaming lahat and nagsasanay pa,” he said.

The additional preparation has also given La Salle greater confidence heading into the tournament, although Tating acknowledged that the true test of how well the Green Aces have adapted will only come once they face actual competition.

“Masasabi ko na mataas ang confidence namin na we'll do well sa tournament dahil sa extra prep since malaking tulong talaga siya sa amin na ma-kapag yung meta, pero marami pa kaming matututunan and sa tournament na mismo namin siya malalaman,” Tating said.

“And then mag-a-adjust na lang kami mula doon.”

La Salle and UE headline Group A alongside National University and the University of Santo Tomas, while Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines, Adamson University, and Far Eastern University make up Group B.

Meanwhile, the resumption of the Valorant tournament will be announced later this week.

UAAP ML:BB tournament set to commence after weather postponements

c/o UAAP

Games on Monday (ML:BB) at the MVP Studios
10:30 a.m. – UE vs UST
12 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP
1:30 p.m. – DLSU vs NU
3 p.m. – ADU vs FEU

After a two-week postponement due to severe weather conditions, defending champion De La Salle University finally begins its UAAP Esports Mobile Legends: Bang Bang title defense against last season’s runner-up National University on Monday at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong City.

The Green Aces and the Bulldogs rekindle their championship rivalry at 1:30 p.m. in the highlight of the four-match opening-day slate, with La Salle looking to begin its bid for a second straight crown on a winning note.

For Green Aces standout Joshua Tating, the title defense carries added significance as he enters his final year of UAAP eligibility, giving the La Salle veteran one last opportunity to help steer the team to another championship.

“Ang mindset ko ngayong season is to just enjoy the game and play my very best to leave behind no regrets,” shared Tating, who also cautioned against complacency as the Green Aces bid for a back-to-back championship run.

“Kahit defending champion kami, rerespetuhin namin lahat ng kalaban namin and never namin i-u-underestimate kasi lahat sila naghahanda rin nang maigi para manalo,” said Tating.

While the two-week delay pushed back La Salle’s title defense, Tating believes the extra time ultimately worked in the Green Aces’ favor as they continued to adjust to the game’s new meta.

“Yung cancellations malaking help talaga sa team kasi any amount of extra practice na makukuha namin is crucial sa amin dahil sa bagong meta, so nangangapa pa kaming lahat and nagsasanay pa,” he said.

The additional preparation has also given La Salle greater confidence heading into the tournament, although Tating acknowledged that the true test of how well the Green Aces have adapted will only come once they face actual competition.

“Masasabi ko na mataas ang confidence namin na we'll do well sa tournament dahil sa extra prep since malaking tulong talaga siya sa amin na ma-kapag yung meta, pero marami pa kaming matututunan and sa tournament na mismo namin siya malalaman,” Tating said.

“And then mag-a-adjust na lang kami mula doon.”

La Salle and NU headline Group A alongside the University of the East and the University of Santo Tomas, while Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines, Adamson University, and Far Eastern University make up Group B.

Meanwhile, the resumption of the Valorant tournament will be announced later this week.