P1.5-M bash ushers in Fiesta Cup

A merry mix of songs and dances with a cast of over a hundred depicting a modern-day fiesta will be featured show that will usher in the PBA Fiesta Cup this Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The irrepressible Allan K and screen siren Ruffa Mae Quinto are the hosts of the grand opening rites which will have the funky Parokya ni Edgar group doing the finale. The inaugural bash will cost the league about P1.5 million.

"The theme is fiesta fast forward because the scene is fiesta but something modernized. Very modern para hindi layback," said ABC-5 production director Sienna Olaso.

"There will be flying flags and flying dancers. And these are beautiful and sexy model dancers," Olaso added.

Apparently, this is ABC-5’s contribution to what PBA commissioner Noli Eala has promised to dish out for the fans in this tournament, which serves as transition tournament for the league’s new calendar of events.

"This is going to be a celebration of sort. More than just a transition tournament, this is going to be a red-carpet conference that will usher in a new era in the league," said Eala.

"When the term transition conference cropped up, a lot of people felt that this was something that was merely going to be a filler while we wait for the new season to begin. This Fiesta Conference will shatter that perception," he added.

Although the new PBA season will begin in October, the league has prepared a grand inaugurals Sunday with renowned show master Floy Quintos, a two-time Palanca awardee, as director.

Ding Bolanos is the TV director with Hans Montenegro, Patricia Bermudez-Hizon and the Ariel and Maverick duo the TV hosts.

Among the muses are Nancy Castiliogne for Talk n Text, Jenny Manuel for San Miguel Beer, Michelle Estevez for Shell and Maricar de Mesa and Belinda Bright for Ginebra.

The opening ceremony starts at 4 p.m., preceding the opening game between Barangay Ginebra and Shell.

The next playdate is also set at the Big Dome on Wednesday with Coca-Cola and Purefoods clashing at 4:45 p.m. then Red Bull Barako and Talk n Text colliding at 7 p.m.

Action shifts to Philsports Arena Friday with Alaska going up against Sta. Lucia at 4 p.m. and FedEx tangling with San Miguel at 6:15 p.m.

Gen. Santos City host the tourney’s first road game on March 4, pitting Shell and Purefoods.