PBA Opening 1991

PBA Opening 1991
Date : February 17, 1991
Location : University of Life Theater and Recreational Arena (ULTRA) in Pasig

List of PBA teams participated : 

Alaska Milkmen(General Milling Corporation) Wilfred Steven Uytengsu
Ginebra San Miguel(La Tondeña Distillers, Inc.) Carlos Palanca III
Pepsi Hotshots(Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.) Luis Lorenzo, Sr.
Diet Sarsi(Republic Flour Mills Corporation) Elmer Yanga
Presto Tivolis(Consolidated Foods Corporation) Lance Gokongwei
Purefoods Hotdogs(Purefoods Corporation) Renato Buhain
San Miguel Beermen(San Miguel Corporation) Nazario Avendaño
Shell Rimula X(Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation) Ric Lara

1990 was quite lean for the PBA in terms of crowd turnout at the UL Arena, more so, late in the season. But the PBA, a growing institution that it is, isn't disheartened by a lean season. In fact, the pro league has gone through harder times and still succeeded in moving the graphic curve of attendance and popularity upwards. This is again the objective of the PBA this year. To regain popularity and inculcate in the minds of the people that during hard times such as these,there is more need for an entertaining interlude like the PBA.

The turnout at the UL Arena last February 17, opening day of the 17th season of the PBA, was heartwarming. After all, it has been a long time since the PBA had played to a fullhouse! It is the hope of PBA officials that such a trend will continue. Said legal secretary Atty. Butch Cleofe," Of course, we can't use this opening day crowd as a basis for predicting one fullhouse after the other. Traditionally, opening day draws a fullhouse. Now, if we have a jampacked stadium on the second playdate, that will really be something. That would mean that the PBA has fully regained its popularity and the trend will continue." And emcee Joe Cantada reasoned out, "This is for our less fortunate brothers in the Middle East where a different kind of shootout is going on."

And as an exclamation point on the inaugurals signifying that the PBA is also concerned with the future not only of the country, but of the world, a dance num- ber revolving on the theme 'PEACE AND UNITY was performed by the Ral's Danc- ers. After which, a group of children collectively known as "14 K sang "IKAW AKO TAYONG LAHAT MAGKAKAPATID. And then it was on with the PBA road- show, as all eight participating teams went on with the traditional parade showing off their respective muses. First to enter was Pepsi in familiar blue and white uniforms. Alberto Guidaben, who signed a fresh two-year contract with the Hotshots and who is now the team captain, escorted muse Emily Artadi, a fashion model. Sarsi came in next with real life sweethearts Joey Loyzaga and Gretchen Barretto leading the pack. Loyzaga was named skipper of the Sizzlers. Barretto had just left the hospital. Alaska Milk, with skipper Jojo Lasti- mosa, a transferee from Purefoods, entered third.

The Air Force had as muse one-time national swimmer and now Channel 4 newscaster, Christine Jacob. San Miguel drew the loudest cheer because the Beermen had screen siren Nanette Medved as muse walking alongside team captain Hector Calma, Ginebra's muse Shirin Ledesma was escorted by team captain Chito Loyzaga. Playing coach Robert Jaworski was nowhere in sight. For the first time, Purefoods did not opt for a movie star as its muse. Instead, the Hotdogs had Sophia Zobel de Ayala, daughter of team owner Don Jaime as muse. She was escorted by Alvin Patrimonio. Shell came in with Maricel Laxa as muse. Of the eight beauties who served as inspiration for their teams on opening day, Maricel was the only one who came in simple attire. Last was Presto with Carmi Matic as muse. Matic, it will be recalled, is that little girl in the Tivolis commercial saying "Ay, ubos na" to superstar Allan Caidic. As usual, Cantada, known as the opening day kissing bandit, bussed the muse of his choice no end. This time, Jacob had the most number of kisses.

List of Muses 
Alaska Milkmen - Christine Jacob
Diet Sarsi Sizzlers - Gretchen Barretto
Ginebra San Miguel - Shireen Ledesma
Pepsi Hotshots - Emily Artadi
Presto Tivolis - Carmi Matic and Jane Ashley
Purefoods Hotdogs - Sofia Zobel
San Miguel Beermen - Nanette Medved
Shell Rimula X - Jennifer Pingree and Maricel Laxa

First Conference Champion : Ginebra ( 4-3 ) coached by Robert Jaworski
First Conference Runner-up : Shell

All-Filipino Conference Champion : Purefoods ( 3-2 ) coached by Ely Capacio
All-Filipino Conference Runner-up : Sarsi

Third Conference Champion : Alaska (3-1 ) coached by Tim Come
Third Conference Champion Runner-up : Ginebra