1998 Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) Opening

The new league, which was hyped as the future of Philippine profes- sional basketball, was celebrated by a number of actors, teenage sensations and culminated by an electrifying dance number by Anjanette Abayari at the full house Narciso Ramos Sports Complex in Lingayen, Pangasinan last March 1. On hand to join the fever pitch , Despite occupying the 'minor league' image due to the huge number of unknown cagers and former PBA players, the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) managed to deliver the goods it has promised. 

If there was one quote that stood out when the Metroprolitan Basketball Association kicked off its first season in Lingayen, Pangasinan last March 7, then that should be it coming straight from no less than President Fidel V. Ramos. Depending, of course, on your inclinations, the Chief Executive's expletives could either be sweet music to the followers of the MBA, or, a biting criticism in itself. For coming straight out of the President's mouth, the per- ception that the fledgling MetroBall is the greater league is given an aura of authenticity. But at the same time, this very same great perception by the President appears to be the MetroBall's very weakness because it is just that, a mere perception or a balita existing on FVR's mind.

Graphics of the 12 teams' logos flashed on a giant screen. On the other hand, actor-sportsman Richard Gomez with Anjo Yllana, Cesar Montano and Philip Salvador played against MBA commis- sioner Ramon Fernandez, executive director Chot Reyes, Willie Generalao