Student-athletes lead host university MCU’s purple-and-gold delegation, joined by OPM acts Matthaios and Lola Amour in kicking off this season
SAN JUAN CITY, PHILIPPINES (September 19, 2026) — Music, dance, and thunderous school chants took center stage as the Manila Central University (MCU) community, led by its student-athletes, unleashed the “Supremo Spirit” at the opening of the Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) PG Flex Linoleum Season 9 at the Playtime FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan.
MCU’s student-athletes led this year’s festivities as the university’s opening delegation, marching around the arena in their signature purple and gold while rallying the crowd with beloved battle cries. For the Supremos, the ceremony marked not only the start of the season but also their monumental status as host this year, allowing them to showcase their grit, passion, and “Supremo Spirit” on the UCAL stage.
“It feels exciting to see the entire MCU community come together and show their support. This year’s event is truly bigger and bolder. We’re not just playing for ourselves—we carry the whole MCU community with us. We are proud to be Supremos and ready to show what we can do,” said Ralph Justine Tadeo, MCU Supremos Guard of the basketball team.
Igniting further the energy of the community is MCU’s very own Ritmo Centralino, which demonstrated groove, rhythm and agility in this year’s street dance competition to clinch . The group went head-to-head with eight other schools, delivering a performance months in the making and landing the much coveted 1st Runner-Up spot this season. Their comeback is a testament of their training and hard work under the university’s fortified athletics program.
The festivities culminated with performances from prominent OPM acts Matthaios and Lola Amour, whose music further amplified the excitement and set the tone for a highly anticipated new season for the MCU Supremos and the wider university community.
MCU is among the youngest members of UCAL, with Season 9 marking only its fourth season in the league. Speaking on the sidelines of the opening ceremony, Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco, Jr., MCU President, said this year’s UCAL season presents an opportunity for the university and its student-athletes to push their potential and deliver exhilarating moments on the court.
“The UCAL PG Flex Linoleum Season 9 opening ceremony brought the MCU community together. Our student-athletes have sparked something special as they have strengthened our bonds, inspired human expression and athletic exploration,” said Dr. Tanchoco.
Meanwhile, Javier Lopez-Sanz Chulvi, MCU Strategic Advisor for Athletics, shared that this year’s games mark the beginning of a meaningful athletic journey for both coaches and student-athletes as they take on the challenge across multiple sports.
“This year’s opening ceremony highlights the MCU flavor we want to bring to the court. It’s all about determination, hope, and unity. As a community, we have been working more closely, more ambitiously, and with greater discipline to deliver performances that will redefine the UCAL experience,” remarked Lopez-Sanz Chulvi.
With the Season 9 games officially open, the MCU Supremos are set to carry the energy of the opening ceremony into the competition, bringing the “Supremo Spirit” to every game and every challenge ahead. (Merci Garcia)
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