The ninth season of Filipino basketball got underway with much hoopla Saturday night.

The popular Yukon Pinoy Basketball League kicked off with an hour-and-a-half long opening ceremony in the gymnasium at F.H. Collins Secondary School.

The ceremony included a players’ parade, introduction of all 12 teams and a prayer of blessing and protection from pastor Merlyn Maningas.

Adding pizzazz to the ceremony were both the Forty Below Zero band – who performed several numbers – and the Lamtay Dance Group.

Mayor Dan Curtis and Yukon Liberal Leader Sandy Silver both spoke at the ceremony, both marvelling at how much the Filipino community has added to the Yukon capital over the past decade.

City Councillor Jocelyn Courteanu threw up the ceremonial toss.

Following the festivities, action got underway with Triomni Property Management downing Tim Hortons 107-78 thanks to 30 points from Ian New.

Tim Hortons’ Brian Hermosa turned in a lion-hearted performance with 43 points in a losing effort.

The second game of the night saw Viernes Janitorial top Talk of the Town 99-86. Juwie Pagobo led Viernes with 15 points.

Two more games were held Sunday night, with MediChair edging KFC 97-91 thanks to a game-high 32 points from John Lyndon Pagobo.

Estrada Tan and Co. also got off to a good start with an 87-73 victory over Sun Life Financial. Estrada’s Emman Aguinaldo had a game-high 18.

The league will include an over-40 division this season, featuring three teams.