MANILA, Philippines - Centro Escolar University kicks off its title-retention bid as it collides with Enderun Colleges in the 12th Men’s National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Saturday.
The Egay Macaraya-mentored Scorpions gear up for a fierce battle with the Enderun cagers at 10 a.m. following the 9 a.m. opening ceremony to be highlighted by a colorful production number from this year’s host CEU.
“Like the rest of the member schools, we’re also looking to win,” said host CEU president Dr. Ma. Cristina Padolina in yesterday’s press launch on CEU’s Mendiola campus. “But more than victory, just playing and representing our respective schools is in itself already a win. That’s what we’re also trying to foster.”
This year’s theme, according to Padolina, is “One Team, One Spirit, One Victory.”
Others who graced the inaugurals were MNCAA officers, president Rene Ledesma, vice-president Juanita Alamillo, Cynthia Manalo, Kaycee Fabian, Vivian Manila, Divine Barcelona and Arvin Flores.
In other basketball games, San Beda College of Alabang squares off with Philippine Women’s U, and University of Asia and the Pacific tangles with La Salle College Antipolo.
Chiang Kai Shek College, the seventh and last member, opens its bid against U&AP on Sunday.
Other games on tap are volleyball, futsal, badminton, table tennis and newly introduced street dance.