Team Philippines stars take center stage as the PBA unveiled the list of teams’ muses a day before the much-awaited Season 49 opening ceremonies.
Gymnast Aleah Finnegan, karateka Jamie Lim, and spiker Jema Galanza are among the notable names set to grace what should be a grand curtain-raiser scheduled at 4 p.m. on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Fresh off her Olympic Games Paris 2024 campaign, Finnegan will be representing Meralco as the MVP Group-owned ball club continued its tradition of bringing over accomplished athletes to join the team in the annual parade.
The Bolts went with many-time Southeast Asian Games triathlon gold medalist Kim Mangrobang in Season 47 and then had Kaizen Dela Serna, winner of silver in the 2023 SEAG 100-meter obstacle course, the following season.
“As we gear up for another exciting PBA season, we are honored to celebrate the achievements of Filipino athletes like Aleah Finnegan,” the team said.
“Her journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the relentless spirit that drives us all. The Meralco Bolts look forward to standing alongside Aleah as we continue to electrify the court and inspire our fans,” Meralco added.
Lim, a two-time SEAG champion, will be with San Miguel, which couldn’t get any more fitting as she will accompany the same franchise that his father, the late, great, Samboy, helped win eight PBA titles, including the 1989 Grand Slam.
On the other hand, Galanza, outside hitter for the Creamline Cool Smashers of the Premier Volleyball League, will be with Phoenix.
Skye Chua, a member of the Philippine figure skating team who has also dabbled into television, will be parading with NorthPort.
Show business personalities are, of course, part of the festivities as well, with TNT going with Atasha Muhlach for the second year in a row.
Julie Ann San Jose is back, too, this time with Ginebra after representing Magnolia last season. Joining the Hotshots this time is Rere Madrid.
Myrtle Sarrosa will be with Converge. The actress and cosplayer is also a returnee after being with the Gin Kings back in Season 43.
Beauty queens and pageant contestants are in the opener, as usual, namely Miss World 2024 Krishnah Gavidez (Blackwater), Sophia Bianca Santos (Rain or Shine), Annabelle McDonnell (Terrafirma), and Inday Fatima (NLEX).
