Friday, October 03, 2008 Children take centerstage in PBA opening rites
THE thrust of its 2008-09 playing calendar centered on the kids, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will have popular children performers for its special guests as it formally kicks off its 34th season tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.
Child actor Makisig Morales shares centerstage with the world renowned Las Piñas Boys Choir and Cynthia Lora, winner of the World Championship of the Performing Arts (WCOPA), during the elaborate, colorful opening ceremony preceding the lone encounter between Talk ‘N Text and Coca-Cola.
Also joining them in the 4 p.m. rites are 2008 UAAP Cheerdance competition champion UP Pep Squad and the Koine Children’s dance group.
“The young ones are the future of the country and to show that the PBA cares for the kids, we’re dedicating the entire season for them,” said commissioner Renauld “Sonny” Barrios.
Visit
The league’s activity for the youth already began last week as kids from the Maharlika Village in Taguig visited the Purefoods Giants in their practice at the Ynares Sports Arena accompanied by Barrios and US ambassador to the Philippine Kristie Kenney. The Giants later held a special basketball clinic for their young visitors.
After the hour-long program, the traditional parade of teams and muses cap the rare weekend opener.
At 6:30 p.m., hostilities in the season-opening Philippine Cup officially kick off as the new-look Talk ‘N Text franchise renews its rivalry with old nemesis Asi Taulava and Coca-Cola.
Now known by their new monicker Tropang Texters, the telecommunication franchise will parade four of its rookie acquisitions in the off-season – No. 2 pick Jared Dillinger, Jason Castro (No. 3), big man Rob Reyes (No.4) and guard Pong Escobal (No. 11) against an intact Tigers squad.
The following day, action shifts at the Astrodome as Fiesta Cup runnerup Air21 clashes with top rookie pick Gabe Norwood and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the first game (4:30 p.m.) of an explosive Sunday doubleheader.(PBA Media Bureau)
