14/10/2025
๐ก๐๐ช๐ฆ | ๐๐๐จ ๐ต๐ผ๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐ด; ๐๐๐จ ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐๐๐พ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ด๐ ๐ญ๐๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐จ๐ฝ ๐ง๐ถ๐๐น๐ฒ
The Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) officially opened its eighth season last Thursday, October 9, at the FilOil Center in San Juan City.
Hosted by Centro Escolar University (CEU), the ceremony commenced with the entrance of CEU Personnel, followed by the UCAL Policy Board, member schools, board of trustees, and UCAL Management Core Group (UCAL-MCG).
In his opening remarks, Atty. Danilo Concepcion, president of CEU, underscored how the determination and discipline of student-athletes serve as the core reason behind the leagueโs continued success.
Meanwhile, Col. Edison Nebrija, MMDA Traffic Education Chief and UCAL title sponsor, emphasized the importance of celebrating character alongside competition, which was also echoed by former CEU Scorpion and current PBA athlete Franz Ray Diaz, who shared that โshowing up is what defines an athlete.โ
Following the messages, the team captains took the Oath of Sportsmanship, led by CEU Menโs Basketball Team Captain Dylan Darwin.
The opening ceremony then transitioned into the Mr. & Ms. UCAL competition, where representatives from each participating university graced the stage. CEU representatives, Duane Ile Dondoyano and David King Escio, impressed the crowd as they neatly showcased their poise, confidence, and charisma.
After a stunning showcase, the judgesโCol. Edison Nebrija, Mr. W***y L. Chan, and Mr. Bernardo O. Yangโdeclared James Martin Paco of Lyceum of the Philippines University - Batangas (LPU-B) as Mr. UCAL and Zach Rhina. Soriano Schell of Philippine Christian University - Dasmariรฑas (PCU-D) as Ms. UCAL.
This excitement was followed by the Street Dance Competition, with dynamic performances from the competing schools. Both group and solo performances delivered electric energy on stage, with the judgesโall notable local and international dance personalities, such as Dhztine Bernardino, Jesse Rafael, Jimloyd Tambot, Jobert Lachica, Mavy Marquez, and Jigoro Gragasin โ themselves later doing a thrilling number.
After an intense showdown, LPU-B was finally declared the Street Dance Champion, with CEU as first runner-up, and PCU-D as second runner-up.
The opening of UCAL Season 8 marks an inspiring start for all the athletes and performers competing in the league. Support them through their respective pages, and stay updated on upcoming UCAL games via their official social media pages.
Written by Fatima Balahim
Photo by Mia Shin Mercado
