BY ABBY TORALBA
EXPECT fireworks when 13 teams do battle in the Inter-Scholastic Athletic Association’s 15th season hosted by Air Link International Aviation College which got going yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.
With the theme “Moving on, Stronger Together” ISAA kicked off its new season with the men’s and juniors’ cage wars with an opening festivity that included a parade and presentation of muses from each school.
Present in the opening day were the officials, players, and students from ALIAC, University of Asia and Pacific, La Consolacion College-Manila, Immaculada Concepcion College, FEATI University, Manila Adventist College, World City College, ICCT Colleges, Trinity University of Asia, Treston International College, St. Dominic College of Asia, Philippine Women’s University, and PATTS College of Aeronautics.
“It’s really a fantastic journey for our school. It took us 40 years to get here and for that, we would like to convey our appreciation to the ISAA management, its officers and board for giving our modest school the opportunity to showcase its abundant talent and skills,” ALIAC chairman and CEO Atty. Gomeriano V. Amurao said.
“When the news came (of us hosting), it was really a big rejoicing for the community because finally we come of age and we come out strong and the burden is really very strong for us to come out with a fantastic event today,” he added.
This season, ISAA will have Sinag Liga Asya as its broadcast partner with the goal to spread the exciting duels of the league to an even wider audience.
All the games will be aired on SLA’s social media platforms.
“We’re so happy and we congratulate ISAA for a grand opening and its 15th season, so it’s a new start for them,” SLA chairman Rocky Chan said. “So, with us, we’re starting as a new league, of course masaya kami at pinagkatiwalaan tayo to cover all their games for this 15th season.
“Hopefully, this will just be the start of a bigger partnership with ISAA.”
The ALIAC Phoenix scored a come-from-behind 74-71 victory over the UA&P Dragons.
Jovi Manlapig led the Phoenix with 19 points, while Sebastian Santiago added 16 markers.
John Allen Albit posted a double-double of 10 and 12 for ALIAC.
Val Mercardo and Travis Batino paced the Dragons with 25 and 20 points, respectively.