Festive show ushers in NCAA opening

The 98th season of the NCAA opened with a bang and officially kicked off on a rainy Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The oldest collegiate league in the country celebrated its opening like there’s no tomorrow, paying homage to the rich culture of the Philippines by portraying 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.

All basketball teams were also welcomed by fans during their parade, donning their respective school colors as the men’s hoops tournament is being played at press time.

Emilio Aguinaldo College is battling Arellano scheduled at 3 p.m. while last season’s Final Four rivals Mapua and San Beda cap off the double-header at 6 p.m.

Season 97 men’s basketball champion Letran makes its title retention bid on Wednesday, Sept. 14.

NCAA Season 98 Policy Board President Dr. Jose Paulo Campos of season host EAC officially declared the games open moments later after the parade.

The rest of the basketball games are set to be played at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan until Oct. 11 for the first round of the tournament every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Aside from the men’s hoops tourney, Season 98 also marks the return of other sports such as swimming, track and field, men’s volleyball, beach volleyball, cheerleading, juniors’ basketball, taekwondo, and chess.