“Liga ng mga Bida”, this new basketball season’s official tagline gives emphasis to the “bida” players of PBA whose teamwork, personal dedication and perseverance enabled them and their co-players to gain the trust and loyalty of the public, a testament to our enduring reputation as a “basketball country.” But as much as the players are the “bida”, the league also recognizes the fans as “bida”, the lifeblood of the PBA and the inspiration of the players. This season’s opening celebration was a sure treat for everyone; for those who trooped to the Smart-Araneta Coliseum to watched the celebration --- both inside and outside the venue. Giant LED screens were mounted outside the Big Dome where watched the opening ceremonies and the games. Another show for the fans outside the venue was something to remember, featuring red carpet interviews of the PBA players, coaches, team muses and PBA personalities, and even some of the fans; as
a build-up to the actual opening ceremonies.
Aside from the anticipated parade of the hardcourt heroes, fans also got excited with the muses of the various PBA teams during the opening ceremonies. TV stars like FHM cover girl and actress Max Collins was Blackwater’s muse; singer host and actress Karylle was with Globalport and TV5s very own Eula Caballero was with Meralco. Beauty queens like Ms. Universe Philippines MJ Lastimosa and Mutya ng Pilipinas 1st Runner Up Julee Ann Marie Bourgoin also charmed the Big Dome with their elegance for teams NLEX and Rain or Shine respectively. Joining the line-up of these beautiful muses were the young and tough Volleybelles; Petron Blaze Spiker Alexa Micek for San Miguel Beer, Ateneo Blue Eagle’s star Alyssa Valdez for Talk ‘N Text and De La Salle’s hitter Mika Reyes for Barako Bull.
The new 2016 PBA season will be an action-filled stage featuring the likes of veteran players like James Yap, together with up and coming young players like Terrence Romeo whose standout performance with Gilas in the last FIBA Asia competition has inspired PBA fans, especially the younger audiences. All the games would be aired live, including the opening ceremonies on TV5, the official broadcaster of the PBA. The network’s successful Barangay Sports5 Basketball Clinic, which visited more than 40 barangays nationwide with the objective of giving the Filipino youth a first-hand experience of proper Basketball techniques, will also be continued son don't miss this exciting new season of the PBA this year.
