NCAA rises, kicks off Season 96

MANILA, Philippines — Asia’s Nightingale, Lani Misalucha, and some Kapuso stars usher in the 96th NCAA season with a theme “Rise up Stronger” in a well-crafted opening ceremony to be shown by the league’s new television partner GMA 7 today.

League president Fr. Clarence Victor Marquez, OP of host Letran, will be there to declare the season open along with GMA regional TV and synergy first vice president and head Oliver Victor Amoroso, NCAA Management Committee chairman Fr. Vic Calvo, OP, and other school officials.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic shut us down last year, the NCAA has resolved to move forward and to carry the good fight, for our love of the game,” said Marquez.

Members of the NCAA Management Committee.

The colorful made-for-TV ceremony begins at 5 p.m.

“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,” he said.

“Against all odds, we will push through with the season,” said Fr. Calvo.

Misalucha will lead the singing of the national anthem while the other celebrities performing are Aicelle Santos, Kyline Alcantara, Jeremiah Tiangco and Jessica Villarubin, Princess Hannah Precillas, Anthony Rosaldo, Thea Astley and Sheemee Buenaobra.

Taekwondo’s online poomsae event will start tomorrow followed by online speed kicking tournament and online chess.