The muses of PBA

TV5 marked history when it covered the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) 40th season opening with a record crowd of 52,612 fans and spectators, the biggest attendance ever for a Philippine sporting event in the country. Held at the newly-built Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, the Oct. 19 kick-off also saw the league officially honoring the gallant Gilas Pilipinas squad that brought pride for the country in the recently held FIBA World Championship in Spain.

The opening ceremonies burst with a cavalcade of color and energy as more than 100 dancers performed in a burst of sounds and lights, with PBA watchers growing nostalgic over a special video presentation that chartered the league’s journey in the past 40 years. TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva was present to represent Pres. Noynoy Aquino in the historic occasion, which was also graced by some of the country’s leading movers and shakers, including the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, who also chairs TV5.

There is also one tradition that the opening ceremonies followed that traces back to the early years of the league — the much-awaited presentation of the team muses. All 12 teams paraded in front of the excited audience, who cheered for their favorite squads and strained their necks to get a better view as each team’s muse was introduced (some teams actually had more than one). We were able to talk to some of the team muses and here is what they have to say about their being part of the grand PBA 40th season opening ceremonies:  

Jinkee Pacquiao, Kia Sorento: “Exciting yung mga nangyayari dito, para ring sa boxing. This is exciting because this is my first time and I enjoyed it. I’m here to support Team Kia and I would like to say good luck to them, and I’ll pray for them na manalo sila. Sa lahat ng sumusuporta kay Manny (Pacquiao), sana hindi lang natin siya suportahan sa boxing kung hindi sa basketball na rin. Kasi mahilig rin siyang mag-basketball. Of course, first talaga sa boxing.”

Alice Dixson, San Miguel Beermen: “Two years ago, I was with Talk ‘N Text. And many years ago, I was with Alaska, Crispa and Crispa (again). Taun-taon hanggang 50 years, nandito ako.  With the 40th year of the PBA, please watch us. We’ll always be here. Just play with your hearts. We want everybody to support our teams. Good luck to all the teams. We believe in sportsmanship. Just play with your hearts and be passionate.”

Ritz Azul, Meralco Bolts: “Of course, I’m very happy. I didn’t really expect that I’d become a muse, especially that I’m a big fan of PBA. This is my first time; sana umulit. Siyempre, unang-una, good luck sa lahat ng mga players. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng walang sawang sumusuporta sa PBA.”

Ellen Adarna, Barangay Ginebra: “Kung hindi ka masyado nakakapanood, after seeing the opening ceremony, malamang maging PBA fan ka na rin talaga. I used to watch before, but that was a long time ago. Now that I’m the muse and the endorser for Barangay Ginebra, hopefully I’ll be able to watch the games.”

Cha Cruz, GlobalPort Batang Pier: “Yes, this is my first time to be a muse. Of course, I feel overwhelmed and flattered that they got me as one of the muses for GlobalPort. Nakakatuwa. The first time that Sir Mikee (Romero) told me I would be the muse for the team, I got really shocked. My goal for the day was not to trip because I’m not really comfortable wearing high heels, especially for a long time. Actually, nung pa-upo na ako sa seat, muntik na ako matapilok. Buti na lang wala na yung camera.”