PBA Season 36 Opening Ceremony Report



Source:Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Basketball Association showcases a spectacular opening show then pits crowd darling Barangay Ginebra and newcomer Meralco in an interesting game to usher in the league’s 36th season at the Araneta Coliseum today.

League officials promise a night to remember to set the tone early for what’s expected to be an exciting, action-filled season.

Ms. Universe fourth runner-up Venus Raj will be the emcee while energetic performer Gary Valenciano dishes out a special number in the inaugural rites set to start at 4 p.m.

Among those mentioned to serve as muses are Anne Curtis for Barangay Ginebra, Carla Abellana for B-MEG Derby Ace, Jennelyn Mercado for Talk n Text, Diana Meneses for Air21, Nancy Castiglione for Alaska Milk, Coleen Garcia for Rain or Shine and Isabel Daza, Sam Pinto and Georgina Wilson for San Miguel Beer.

The PBA will bring the players and these muses close to the fans as the 10 teams parade from the different sections of the Big Dome.

“We’ll simply have an exciting big night for the fans in the opening day,” said new PBA commissioner Chito Salud.

All living former league commissioners, together with Philippine basketball living legend Sonny Jaworski, are expected to grace the occasion.

Jaworski’s presence would provide an exciting subplot in the Ginebra-Meralco game.



The Big J starred for Meralco during the old MICAA days in the 70s and became more popular serving as Ginebra playing coach in the 80s and 90s. To which team his heart is closer is a big question.

The Meralco team has promised to make an impact right on its initial game.

“Our employees wearing orange shirts will be there in full force. We know that Ginebra has a huge following, Both Ginebra and Meralco and the rest of the teams are raring to come out strong and build early momentum as they battle in a shorter eliminations phase in the revised league calendar.

“It’s important to have a strong start here,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

The 10 teams play only 14 games in the elimination round with the last two placers out of the playoffs.

In the quarterfinals, the No. 1 and No. 2 teams play the No. 8 and No. 7 teams, respectively, with the former enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage.

The two other pairings – No. 3 versus No. 6 and No. 4 against No. 5 – clash in a best-of-three showdown.