MPBL Sixth Season unwraps Saturday

MANILA, Philippines — The MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) goes to the Calasiao Sports Complex in Pangasinan for the opening of the MPBL Sixth Season on Saturday.

Inaugural games pit Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines against Valenzuela at 6 p.m., followed by the 8 p.m. tussle between newcomers Abra and Pangasinan.

MPBL founder Manny Pacquiao will grace the opening ceremonies of the country’s top regional league. Expected to join boxing’s only eight-division world champion are Pangasinan’s key officials, including Gov. Ramon Guico, Alaminos City Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste and former Bayambang mayor Cezar Quiambao.

On April 8, the MPBL follows its regular six-day weekly schedule with a tripleheader at the Kamalig Coliseum in Orion, Bataan. Bicol battles Mindoro at 4 p.m., Marikina tests Negros at 6 p.m. and Sarangani battles Bataan at 8 p.m.

The 30 teams, led by reigning MPBL national champion Pampanga, will be represented by their muses and key personnel in the parade of teams ushering the welcome program starting at 4 p.m.