NAASCU Opens 9th Season

Yours truly and Ana Lucero of CEU hosted the event

The Ninth Season of the National Athletic Association of Schools Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) opened with a bang as the 12 member schools start another season with the Basketball tournament taking centerstage. The NAASCU also welcomed another member to its fold, Our Lady of Fatima University. The Phoenix as they will be known made their presence felt with a high octane performance in front of the jampacked Cuneta Astrodome. The member schools of the NAASCU include University of Manila, University of Makati, AMA Computer University, Centro Escolar University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasay, Our Lady of Fatima University, New Era University, San Sebastian College de Cavite, St. Clare College, Informatics International College,Lyceum of SUbic Bay and STI College.

Senator Pia with her youthful look

Highlights of the opening include the speeches by the guest speakers. First to talk on the podium is the youthful Senator and Sports enthusiast Pia Cayetano. Senator Pia shared that she was once a varsity volleyball player and eventually national player. She was very happy to represent the county in various international competitions. More importantly she said that it was through sports that she learned many values including discipline and character formation. She said that what she learned back then are the same principles she applied in her life which made her what she is now. The athletes and students lauded her and received her warmly.

Dr. Jay Adalem, NAASCU President & Atty. Ernesto delos Santos,

NAASCU VP with Mike Barredo

Another guest is PHILSPADA President Mike Barredo. Mr. Barredo used to be a varsity player for De la Salle in College and had an unfortunate accident when he was 24. Because of that accident he became blind. Instead of giving up on life, Mike rose to the occasion and became a revered businessman and a revered sportsman. He later on became a commissioner for the Philippine Sports Commisison and eventually became President of the International Blind Federation. Mike's presence alone was remarkable and that he wowed the crowed and made them cheer for each other.

Martin Antonio, STI College, Mr. NAASCU 2009

Awards were also given out with the PLP Eagles given the people's power award for the number of tickets sold for the whole season. At the same time three members schools belted out high powered dance presentations and Our Lady of Fatima was sworn in as the 12th member of the NAASCU. The main event of the morning was the search for Mr and Ms NAASCU 2009. The twelve participating schools really had a bevy of beauties and hunks represent their schools. Priscilla Mae Navidad of AMA Computer University and Martin Antonio of STI College were judged as Mr. and Ms. NAASCU 2009.

Prisciall Mae Navidad, AMACU, Ms. NAASCU 2009

This season proves to be a more exciting one since all the teams have juniors teams now and a lot of coaching changes have occurred while a lot of exciting players are now in fold. So let the games begin.