Collegiate sports events are a favorite among Filipinos as it aptly combines their school spirit and love for athleticism. This 2022, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), through the GMA Network, promises to bring Season 98 closer to the public through live games, simulcasts, primers, and performances from Kapuso stars.
On September 5, GMA Synergy’s Game On started airing on GTV. The five-episode primer hosted by Martin Javier, Anton Roxas, and Martin “Coach Hammer” Antonio provide fans with the information they need about the new season.
“We’re hoping as sportscasters to bring so much input and entertainment kasi syempre bukod sa nangyayari sa court, it’s our job to make it a little bit interesting and a little bit more fun for our audience,” Martin said.
Besides Game On, NCAA’s partnership with GMA Network offers a different perspective on sports reporting. Kapuso artists perform during the games’ halftimes, and sportscasters will have interesting discussions with the coaches, players, and Kapuso celebrities.
“This is the first time that this has happened. Kung ano ang nakita natin sa Seasons 96 and 97, expect a more exciting way of presenting sports that will happen in Season 98. I think that’s the evolution of the way sports is being presented–it’s not just sports–it’s also sports and entertainment,” Anton said.
MA Regional TV and Synergy First Vice President and Head Oliver Victor Amoroso shared that the network has been preparing for Season 98 for the last two seasons, with Season 97 as the springboard for this action-packed and entertaining event.
“As we begin NCAA Season 98 this September 10, GMA Network is excited to show our viewers here and abroad the world-class talent of our Filipino student-athletes,” Amoroso said.
He added that GMA Synergy is ready to handle this significant sporting event, especially as the other sporting categories aside from basketball and volleyball are returning to their respective courts. The network worked closely with government agencies, the Policy Board, and NCAA Season 98 Management Committee to ensure the safety, comfort, and performance of the student-athletes.
During the opening ceremonies last September 10, Saturday, viewers were treated to a star-studded afternoon. Martin hosted the event alongside Manolo Pedrosa and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo.
Kapuso artists Mark Bautista, Rochelle Pangilinan, Jessica Villarubin, Anthony Rosaldo, Thea Astley, Jeremiah Tiangco, Sean Lucas, Mannex Manhattan, Ken San Jose, the Gueco Twins, and XoXo rendered performances during the opening day to further amp up the crowd.
After the opening ceremonies, NCAA Season 98 host school Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals faced the Arellano University Chiefs. The second game featured a bout between Mapua University and Season 97 runner-up San Beda University.
