“STRIVE. BELIEVE. UNITE.,” as the theme for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 102, host school San Beda University (SBU) leads the league’s opening ceremony at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena on September 13, marking its return to the NCAA spotlight a decade after its last hosting stint, with performances from various artists before seniors’ basketball teams took center stage for the season opener.
The ceremony brought together all 10 NCAA member schools, which include SBU, Arellano University (AU), Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL), De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), Jose Rizal University (JRU), Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), Mapúa University (MU), San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R), and the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD).
Opening the ceremony, the San Beda Chamber Chorale (SBCC) led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem before offering a song of prayer. SBU Athletics Moderator Rev. Fr. Martin Aleman, O.S.B., then led the opening prayer, setting a solemn tone as the NCAA Season 102 ceremonies formally began.
In an interview with The Bedan, NCAA Season 102 Policy Board Chairman and SBU Rector-President Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ma. A. Maranan, O.S.B., underscores the University’s pace in the league since its founding, emphasizing that “this is very historical and important to us,” with this season being San Beda’s first hosting of the league since its establishment of the University status.
The weight of the occasion carried significance beyond the opening of another NCAA season for SBU. As one of the league’s founding institutions, Rev. Fr. Maranan expressed his sentiments after witnessing the league evolve to its current form, with San Beda now being its “only surviving NCAA original member” with 10 participating schools at present.
“We are so happy that now, we have 10 members in the NCAA and this is such a very big promise of the future of the NCAA, especially for our athletes and players,” he shared.
Introducing the representatives of the NCAA Season 102 Board Policy, notably with Rev. Fr. Maranan, joined with MediaQuest Holdings Chairman Manuel “MVP” V. Pangilinan, their speeches emphasized the season’s theme and the sentiments behind it.
Rev. Fr. Maranan underlines that “Strive. Believe. Unite.,” bearing the initials of the University, shares what is beyond the competition, calling on the league’s young athletes to develop not only on the playing field but also in character, hoping that “our young generation of students, especially our athletes and players, to become physically active, mentally strong, and spiritually alive.”
The message also reflects San Beda’s own approach to competition, as it seeks to balance its pursuit of championships with the values expected of its student-athletes. While championships remain an important part of the Bedan tradition, Rev. Fr. Maranan stressed that the University’s responsibility as host goes beyond winning.
“We must provide the leadership of giving our students the guidance, the inspiration, the resilience,” he said, emphasizing the need to develop athletes who can become “truly effective, excellent, and world-class athletes and players.”
Other prominent figures also took part in the ceremony, including Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, who delivered an inspirational message, and Manila Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Ilagan Atienza–Valdepeñas, who addressed the partnership with the league, filling in for Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso who was unable to attend the ceremony.
Leading the oath of sportsmanship, San Beda Red Lions team captain RC Calimag formally led the pledge before Rev. Fr. Maranan officially declared NCAA Season 102 open.
The ceremony then featured performances from different NCAA schools, with the Bedan Dance Troupe (BDT) taking center stage alongside Kapatid stars, STAR WORX artists, Vibe Jocks Carmela Lorzano and Ana Ramsey, alongside Eat Bulaga host and singer Carren Eistrup and Philippine pop groups Oona, Alon, and Daynnie.
From the ceremony, the spotlight shifted to the court as the San Beda Red Lions began its title defense against the Benilde Blazers, putting the Mendiola based squad in pursuit of another championship alongside their role as hosts of the league’s latest chapter.
(with reports from Jake Ellis Evangelista and Alexandrea Narbasa)