Purple and gold took over San Juan as the Manila Central University (MCU) Supremos led the opening of the Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) PG Flex Linoleum Season 9. Chants, dance and OPM music turned the arena into a Supremo celebration.

The ceremony took place on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan. MCU marched in as the opening delegation and stood out as this season’s host school.

The league’s theme this season was “Unstoppable Together,” and nine member schools joined the show. MCU brought its own rallying call, the “Supremo Spirit,” to the floor.

MCU Supremos Bring the Supremo Spirit to UCAL Season 9

Student-athletes marched around the arena in their signature purple and gold. They rallied the crowd with familiar battle cries as thunderous school chants echoed through the venue.

MCU Supremos guard Ralph Justine Tadeo said this year’s event felt bigger and bolder. “We’re not just playing for ourselves—we carry the whole MCU community with us,” he said.

“We are proud to be Supremos and ready to show what we can do,” Tadeo added. MCU is among the youngest UCAL members, and Season 9 is only its fourth season in the league.

MCU President Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco Jr. said the ceremony united the school community. “Our student-athletes have sparked something special as they have strengthened our bonds, inspired human expression and athletic exploration,” he said.

Ritmo Centralino and OPM Acts Light Up the UCAL Season 9 Opening

MCU’s Ritmo Centralino also earned cheers in the street dance competition. The group finished as first runner-up among the nine participating schools, a result built on months of preparation.

The festivities closed with concert-style sets from OPM acts Matthaios and Lola Amour. Their music kept the crowd energized as the league turned toward a new season.

Javier Lopez-Sanz Chulvi, MCU’s strategic advisor for athletics, said the ceremony shows the “MCU flavor” the school wants on the court. He described it as “determination, hope, and unity.”

“We have been working more closely, more ambitiously, and with greater discipline,” he added, pointing to performances that will “redefine the UCAL experience.” His remarks looked ahead to a busy year of games across multiple sports.

With the ceremony in the books, UCAL moves on to volleyball, esports and badminton in the first semester. The Supremos are set to bring the Supremo Spirit to every game ahead.