The historic National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) officially raised the curtains on its landmark 102nd and 89th season, respectively with a magnificent, star-studded opening ceremonies held at the jam-packed Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum -- all at the same time. Guided by the powerful theme "Strive, Believe, Unite" (SBU), this season marks a brand-new era of collegiate sports broadcasting and entertainment.
Star-Studded Performances and Musical Powerhouses
Adding immense star power to the festivities, the opening ceremony featured jaw-dropping performances from some of the country's biggest music icons and rising acts.
The Big Dome came alive with electrifying numbers led by hip-hop legend Gloc-9, entertainment icon Vice Ganda, and top P-Pop sensations including BINI members Maloi and Mikha, chart-topping singer-songwriter Maki, and hitmakers Darren Espanto.
Additional powerhouse performances from emerging girl group Baby Dolls and other special guests brought an unmatched wave of festival energy to kick off the collegiate wars.
Meanwhile at the Mall of Asia is being graced by Kapatid stars, Eat Bulaga's Carren Eistrup, Vibe+ Jocks Ana Ramsey and Carmela Lorzano, and P-POP Sensations, Daynnie, ALON and OONA.
A New Home for Collegiate Sports
The grand launch also highlighted a landmark multi-platform partnership with MediaQuest, TV5, and Cignal, bringing the NCAA and UAAP closer to millions of fans. For the first time, fans can catch the heart-pounding action across multiple platforms—including free-to-air on RPTV, the brand-new NCAA NXT channel on Cignal, UAAP Varsity Channel, the Cignal Play app, and live streaming via the One Sports YouTube channel.
During his opening remarks, MediaQuest Holdings Inc. Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan emphasized the enduring legacy of the league and the core pillars of this year's competition:
"For more than a century, the NCAA has been part of the story of Philippine sports... We compete against each other, but we grow together."
Inspiring Messages from Sports and Government Leaders
The ceremony was graced by top sports officials and local dignitaries who expressed their unwavering commitment to youth development and athletic excellence.
* PSC Chairman John Patrick "Pot" Gregorio announced exciting developments, including plans to collaborate with the NCAA in integrating medal-rich Olympic sports—such as gymnastics, boxing, and golf—into the collegiate program, alongside upcoming renovations to the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
* Manila Vice Mayor Angela Lei Atienza took the stage to share words of encouragement for the student-athletes, reminding them to absorb valuable life lessons through sports.
* Season 102 Policy Board Chairman and San Beda University Director-President Rev. Fr. Aloysius Maria A. Maranan, OSB, officially declared the season open, inspiring athletes to play with passion, compete with honor, and win with humility.
The 10 Pillars Take Center Stage
The event featured an electrifying roll call of all 10 member schools—Arellano University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Jose Rizal University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapua University, San Beda University, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, and the University of Perpetual Help System Delta.
The ceremonies also showcased stellar performances from the schools' cheerleading squads and student dance troupes, setting an energetic tone for the months-long sporting battle ahead.
The inspiring afternoon culminated with San Beda team captain RC Khalimag leading the traditional oath of sportsmanship, followed by the much-anticipated opening basketball double-header featuring a heavyweight clash between host San Beda Red Lions and the College of Saint Benilde Blazers.
Catch all the live action, games, and collegiate stories on the One Sports YouTube channel and Cignal's NCAA NXT!