Benildean student-athletes rallied together with the Benildean community at the BACK2BLAZE: BLAZERS PEP RALLY 2026, held on Sept. 9 at the 2/F Benilde Sports and Dormitory Complex, as they make gear up for the upcoming NCAA Season 102.
Opening the event, athletes from different sports carried the pride and honor of Benilde as they took center stage, receiving their own moment in front of the Benildean crowd. The Benilde Blazers went on last, unveiling their official lineup led by newly appointed team captain Justin Sanchez.
Following the Pep Rally’s introduction ceremony, Coach Stephen “Pen” Fernandez, Director of the Center for Sports Development (CSD), delivered the opening remarks followed by messages from Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC and Chancellor Benhur Ong, “We are here [for] one purpose, to send our athletes [off] as they begin their campaign for NCAA 102.”
Coach Fernandez further highlighted the community’s hopes toward victory, along with a reminder that they will not face this season alone, “Remember, you do not compete alone. Behind you stands the entire Benilde community, believing, cheering, and fighting with you.”
Benilde’s partners and sponsors also showed their support for the Blazers as the new NCAA season approaches. ANTA PH, the official partner of Benilde Basketball, was represented by Miko Abello, Head of Marketing for ANTA PH. Abello expressed his gratitude to the community for continuing to provide ANTA with opportunities to give back to the College.
He also highlighted the collaboration behind the Blazers’ jerseys, which were designed by students from the Design and Arts (D+A) Campus, emphasizing how the partnership created a meaningful impact within the community.
The Pep Rally continued with more activities, including a step-by-step tutorial from the Green Machine Drum Corps on the different Benilde cheers. Benildean sports teams also took the spotlight for the “Straight into the ’80s” dance performances. Each team showcased retro-themed performances, with the Benilde Blazing Pep Squad capping the segment with a cheer routine that kept the crowd energized.
Benilde Blazers Men’s Volleyball Season 101 Finals MVP Reymark Betco shared in an interview with The Benildean the role of the community in fueling the athletes’ performance. For Betco, the support from the stands motivates the Blazers as they prepare for another NCAA campaign. “Sa kanila kasi kami kumukuha ng lakas, [kaya] mas kailangan namin ng full support nila,” Betco said.
In an exclusive interview with The Benildean, Atty. Maria Armee Javellana, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's representative to the NCAA Management Committee, acknowledged the challenge of defending the title while keeping another championship within reach. “It is not easy to get back-to-back championships. But I still want to see us win another championship. So, that is the goal,” she said.
She also recognized the work Benildean student-athletes have put in during the preseason and challenged them to give their best as they step onto the new season, “I know they have trained hard in the preseason, and with the proper guidance of their coaches they will surely achieve their goal,” she added.
In the event’s closing remarks, Javellana further reminded the Blazers of their responsibility to represent both their faith and the College, “To our dear Blazers, please always remember that you are, first and foremost, playing for God and also you’re playing for Benilde. You also have to be the best example of a Benildean.”
Javellana closed the celebration by reinforcing the values, responsibility, and community support behind the Blazers as they set their sights on another championship run in NCAA Season 102.
Catch the Benilde Blazers in action as they open their NCAA Season 102 campaign against the San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions, on Sunday, Sept 13 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, with a live telecast on PilipinasLIVE on CignalPlay and NCAA NXT on Cignal TV.
