THE iconic Rizal Memorial Coliseum (RMC) is being considered as one of the playing venues for Season 100 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Athletic Director Herc Callanta of host school Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) made the disclosure, as the schedule for the centennial staging of the country’s oldest collegiate league is now being processed in time for its September 7 opener at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“It’s always good to go back where you started from. Gusto naming tingnan, so most probably we will consider that as well for some games,” said Callanta, a former body-builder athlete and later, strength and conditioning coach.
Established in 1934 or 10 years after the birth of the NCAA, the RMC served as the league's home the longest time - until 2004 when games transitioned to being played at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and Filoil EcoOil Centre (originally named San Juan Sports Arena).
The venue eventually underwent a major facelift in 2019 for the Philippines' hosting of the Southeast Asian Games and just recently, held games of both PBA and Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
Bringing history closer to students of NCAA schools
“Proximity-wise, maganda ang Rizal at ang Ninoy Aquino Stadium, just so that we can also bring the games closer to the students,” added Callanta. “But we want to make sure the venues that we’re considering are ready and will not pose any hazards to our athletes.”
Seven of the 10 NCAA member-schools are located in Manila, with Jose Rizal University and Perpetual straying farther in Mandaluyong and Las Pinas, respectively.
Callanta added the NCAA Management Committee, where he currently serves as chairman, contemplated holding its opening ceremony at the RMC – declared as a National Historic Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines – but the venue's capacity was not on par with what the league envisioned for its grand centennial celebration.
“Gusto sana namin doon ang opening, kaya lang maliit,” he said, adding the NCAA is actually planning to have the entire league family and not just basketball teams in attendance for the opener.
“We want it to be special.”
Season 99 host JRU, represented by its President Vincent Fabella, turned over the NCAA banner to LPU counterpart Atty. Robert P. Laurel during the turnover rites of hosting chores also attended by both the league Policy Board and Management Committee on Tuesday at the Casino Espanol De Manila.
“In all humility, I am honored to be accepting this exciting responsibility of hosting Season 100 of the NCAA. As you all know, LPU is the youngest member of the NCAA, so we will be looking up to our kuyas for support, inspiration, and advice,” said Laurel in his acceptance speech.
Other officers for Season 100 are vice president Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo (Mapua), treasurer Fr. Aloysius Maranan, OSB (San Beda), and secretary Fr. Rafael Pecson, OAR (San Sebastian).
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