THE Liga Baseball Philippines (LBP) will open its second season in spectacular fashion, where prominent celebrities in the country will grace a star-studded ceremony at the Felino Marcelino Baseball Stadium slated on May 23 in Taguig City.
After its huge success in last year’s maiden edition, the LBP’s leadership is presenting a different kind of baseball spectacle on opening rites as top club, collegiate and commercial teams show their wares to capture the prestigious LBP crown, patterned after the legendary Manila Bay Baseball League of the 1960’s.
Billed as 2026 LBP Celebrity Cup, the tournament will formally open at night time with bright lights and spotlights centered at the baseball diamond’s real stars, celebrity guests and enthusiasts, adding excitement to the much-anticipated ceremony at the state-of-the-art Taguig venue in lieu of the historic Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila, where refurbishing and renovation is in progress.
“It will be a grand night of celebrities in the opening ceremony where rich and famous from sports, showbiz, business personalities and public servants as well who are enthusiastic in supporting the real stars of the tournament, the baseball players themselves,” LBP chairman Wopsy Zamora said.
“So, it’s all roads lead to Taguig’s Marcelino Diamond to witness the grand night opening and the night games ahead.”
In a joint effort, the LBP Celebrity Cup is being organized and managed by Zamora, president Jose Pepe Muñoz, director general Ping Remollo, commissioner Mike Zialcita, and directors Ricky Palou, Anthony Suntay, Raymond Tolentino, Nats Faustino and Revo Saguisag, among others.
The reigning 3-time UAAP champion National University is favored to win the LBP title this season but is expected to draw resistance from De La Salle University, Katayama Baseball Academy (KBA), Muralla Dawgs, Taguig IX, Ateneo, University of Santo Tomas and Rizal Technological University.
Last year’s champion IPPI of Japan will not be competing in season two.