Warning: Undefined variable $column_strips in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 78
PBA opens new season with colorful festivities
Warning: Undefined variable $column_strips in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 153
Warning: Undefined variable $nocontent in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 236
Warning: Undefined variable $FEAT_STORIES in /var/www/pba/single2017/addfunction-ondemand-gitlab-taboola.php on line 685
Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, bool given in /var/www/pba/single2017/addfunction-ondemand-gitlab-taboola.php on line 688
Warning: Undefined array key 0 in /var/www/pba/single2017/addfunction-ondemand-gitlab-taboola.php on line 730
Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
The PBA was supposed to launch its latest season three days ago but a colourful and lively opening rites proved to be worth the wait for Filipino basketball fans, who are raring to see their hoops heroes back in action.
Asia’s pioneering professional basketball league finally unwrapped its 41st season on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena after Typhoon “Lando” postponed its season-opener originally scheduled last Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
This season also marked the start of Chito Narvasa’s term as commissioner as the league begins a new era.
“After 41 years of providing us with the drama of exciting and heart-wrenching games, turning basketball heroes into legends and transforming ordinary viewers into loyal and avid fans, the PBA has become an essential part of every Filipino’s life,” Narvasa said in his speech before a sizeable crowd.
“It has built a common language that is able to bind all generations from our lolos to the apos, the Ilocano and the Cebuano, from the OFWs abroad and their families here and even with the techies and non-techies. And together with all the rapid technological changes, the PBA has also managed to grow its popularity due in large to the loyal following of its fans,” he added.
Narvasa promised innovations and necessary changes which are sure to make the league more exciting this year.
“I hope that with our assurance that we will continue to work hard to bring the best and most exciting basketball games for your enjoyment and entertainment, you will continue your support and love for the heroes of the PBA,” Narvasa said.
Members of the Gilas Pilipinas team, which won the silver medal in the 2015 Fiba Asia Championship held in China, was honored at center court.
The opening ceremonies also saw the 12 teams parade with their respective muses. Volleybelles Alyssa Valdez (Talk ’N Text), Mika Reyes (Barako Bull) and Rachel Ann Daquis (San Miguel Beer) stood out as the fan-favorites.
El Gamma Penumbra, Filipino shadow play performers, started the festivities while rapper Abra sang the league’s newest theme song.
Warning: Undefined array key "TESTPAGE" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 254
Warning: Undefined array key "fb" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 280
Warning: Undefined variable $thinq in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 318
Warning: Undefined variable $var_sports_vlurb in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 328
Warning: Undefined variable $isghub in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 429
Warning: Undefined variable $mindanaoQuake2019 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 442
Warning: Undefined variable $showSolicit_batanes in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 459
Warning: Undefined variable $seagames in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 475
Warning: Undefined variable $tokyoOlympics2020 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 481
Warning: Undefined variable $help_ompong in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 525
Warning: Undefined variable $elections_2019 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 538
Warning: Undefined variable $typhoon_2018_redirect in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 543
Warning: Undefined variable $ncov2020 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 555
Warning: Undefined variable $tyhoon2020_marthon in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 578
Warning: Undefined variable $dotnet23 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 585
Warning: Undefined variable $suicide in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 595
Warning: Undefined variable $yearend2020 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 600
Warning: Undefined array key "inqplus_test" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 609
Warning: Undefined array key "newreadnext" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 664
Warning: Undefined array key "test" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 802
EDITORS' PICK
Warning: Undefined variable $data_for_HompageFG_obj in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 816
Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, null given in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 819
Warning: Undefined variable $MR_data_for_obj in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 850
Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, null given in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 850
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
Warning: Undefined variable $bc_tag in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 1239
