|
By Ruben Manahan Iv Researcher
A COLORFUL and elaborate opening
ceremony carrying the theme “Pirates of the Carri-bean” will
usher in the 38th season of the Women’s National Collegiate
Athletic Association which kicks off Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino
Stadium.
Lyceum Theater Company artistic
director Ramon “Chin-ggoy” Alonso is in charge of the opening
program, which will involve all performing units of the
university—chorale, dance troupe and the Tanghalang Batingaw.
“Grand plans for the opening
ceremony have already been laid out. Aside from the performing units
of Lyceum, we are also working together with the athletics
department since this is a sporting event,” said Alonso during the
league’s formal launching Wednesday at the Jose P. Laurel Hall of
Freedom at the Lyceum of the Philippines University.
“This year, we have also
adopted the Pirates of the Carribean as the theme for the production
because our team carries that banner [Pirates],” added Alonso,
referring to the Lyceum team monicker Lady Pirates.
Also present were Lyceum
University president, lawyer Roberto Laurel, WNCAA national
president Ma. Vivian Manila, WNCAA-NCR president Ma. Angelica de la
Cruz and Lyceum athletics director Cayetano Gonzales.
“The league’s 38th season
theme “Women: Conquering the Challenge of Sports” is a testament
to our belief that women are not mere icons of beauty but of
strength of character, courage and optimism in facing challenges,”
said Laurel.
Gonzalez said Lyceum’s
basketball and volleyball teams will be facing tougher challenges
because other participating schools are all driven to get the top
spot.
“This year will be very tough.
Since we are the defending champion in the seniors basketball and
volleyball, all teams will try to dethrone us,” said Gonzalez.
Lyceum’s volleyball team made
history last season after winning its seventh straight title while
the basketball squad reclaimed its title over AMA Computer.
The Lady Pirates also won the
basketball and volleyball titles in the fourth WNCAA National Games
held in Baguio City last year.
|
