The first athletic league in the Philippines is going to finally commence with its long-delayed season, as it finally ushers it in with the Opening Ceremonies this Sunday, June 13.
With due observance to the ongoing health and safety protocols, "Rise Up Stronger: NCAA Season 96" finally kicks off after a long delay, with a new broadcast partner in GMA Network.
Host school Colegio de San Juan de Letran is expected to showcase the world-class talent of the student-athletes from its member-schools.
NCAA Policy Board President for this season, Fr. Rector Clarence Victor C. Marquez, OP of Letran, emphasized the significance of being able to open the season during these times. He shares, "Since the COVID-19 pandemic shut us down last year, the NCAA—the Philippines’ first and longest-running collegiate athletic competition—has resolved to move forward and to carry the good fight, for our love of the game. GMA Network, the NCAA, and all our member school communities, our student-athletes, our fans, shall all rise up stronger, shall boldly and bravely face the challenges of the new normal in collegiate athletic competition and sports broadcast."
NCAA Management Committee Chairman for this season, Rev. Fr. Victor Calvo Jr., OP, also from Letran, adds, "NCAA would like to show the creativity and resilience of the Filipinos, especially in the pandemic. We don't give up—that’s the message we want to deliver. We have to adjust to the situation and make the most of it."
After a long relationship with ABS-CBN Sports, the league has a new broadcast partner in GMA Network. GMA Regional TV and Synergy First Vice President and Head Oliver Victor Amoroso says, "We are grateful to the NCAA for their confidence in GMA Network as their new home and to our student-athletes for keeping the passion for sports alive. After months of preparation, we are finally unfolding NCAA Season 96. We are excited to start the next phase of our partnership with NCAA. Season 96 officially kicks off with the GMA-produced opening ceremony that is apt and fitting to NCAA, a premiere collegiate sports league. We are rising to the challenge of showcasing world-class talents of our Filipino student-athletes while still adhering to the health and safety protocols. Season 96 puts forth an awareness that there is more to NCAA than institutional achievements as it continues to provide thousands of young Filipino athletes the opportunity to achieve their dreams and become the best version of themselves."
For the Opening Ceremony, Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos have been tapped as hosts, with Rise Up Stronger: the Road to NCAA Season 96 hosts Martin Javier and Sophia Senoron acting as co-hosts.
Fr. Marquez will provide the opening remarks, while Fr. Calvo will lead the invocation. Men's Basketball Team Captain Jeo Ambohot will oversee the virtual oath-taking of the student-athletes.
The Opening Ceremony also serves as a stage for Kapuso artists to shine, from performances by Aicelle Santos and a variety of The Clash alums. GMA Artist Center talents will also serve as flag bearers and muses:
Ralph Troy Noriega and Angela Alarcon for Arellano University
Kimson Tan and Pam Prinster for De La Salle-College of St. Benilde;
Caloy Tingcungco and Ysabel Ortega for Emilio Aguinaldo College
Kim de Leon and Lexi Gonzales for Jose Rizal University
Brent Valdez and Kyline Alcantara for Lyceum of the Philippines University
Gab Yabut and Ayra Mariano for Mapua University
Manolo Pedrosa and Crystal Paras for San Beda University
Jamir Zabarte and Zonia Mejia for San Sebastian College-Recoletos
Jeremy Sabido and Shaira Diaz for University of Perpetual Help System DALTA
Radson Flores and Mikee Quintos for Colegio de San Juan de Letran
After the Opening Ceremony, the NCAA primer, "Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96," takes on a new role as the show to cover the league's competitions, starting with Poomsae and Speed Kicking. The latter is a new competition that the Philippine Taekwondo Association has devised and tailored for the upcoming season.
Aside from Javier, GMA has also tapped a familiar face for NCAA aficionados, as Anton Roxas joins the network to call the action, as well as highlights.
Fans can check out Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96 everyday, with weekdays at 2:45pm, while it is on Saturdays at 4:30pm and 5:05pm on Sundays, all of which on GTV. Fans based overseas can check them on GMA Pinoy TV and GMA News TV.
The league also released an app that would provide updates for both Android and iOS users.
For more updates on NCAA, visit its official website www.ncaa.com.ph. Follow @ncaaphilippines, @gmasynergy, and @gmasports on social media.
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