Gone are the games when the likes of Patty Laurel and Gretchen Fullido did courtside for Ateneo and UP, respectively. They were eye and ear candies for both the French fry-holding college kid and his spectating tito, exuding an onscreen cool that eventually propelled them to various gigs in broadcasting. More recent ones like Andi Manzano for FEU and Riki Flores for UP can attest to this bright future, as Andi went on to do radio good as a DJ for Magic 88.9 and Riki ended up imprinting her petite frame on every basketball TV fan’s mind.
And no one can really eschew the idea that the courtside reporter is a cool thing to have around, as it supplies TV viewers with information to the actual college basketball game, fresh from the huddles of either coach Pido “The Fireman” Jarencio or Norman “Norman Black” Black. Thanks to courtside reporting, you weren’t just blindly cheering for or hating on your opponent’s “ugly fans,” you also ended up understanding each quarter of every game from the team’s point of view. It’s like having our own little sports spy pop up on TV, sharing intel with us just when we were confused the most.
This week, we look to the future. All eight of UAAP season 75’s courtside reporters go over their hard and oftentimes funny roads to courtside glory. Fitted in Ellesse’s Italian-inspired sports apparel, these girls also prove that style doesn’t have to dumb down for function. These girls are here to stay, so keep your eyes peeled and get acquainted with the chosen eight.
Billie Capistrano, 20
De La Salle University
Background check: “I’m a half-south, half-Makati girl. I lived in the south until freshman year of high school, then moved to Makati. Right now I’m a college junior taking up Organizational Communication at DLSU.”
Dare to prepare: “I go to team practices, talk to Coach Gee and the coaching staff, and the players as well. I have an accordion folder where I keep my reports, scripts, and team info. Oh, and I have a notebook that contains all my courtside notes. If I lose it, well, goodbye life! (Laughs) And I’ve been asking for tips from last season’s DLSU courtside reporter, Tiff Atendido. She’s been so helpful and nice.”
It’s kind of a funny story: “One time I had to say a report in front of the camera, and I was so nervous! I kept stuttering, and I really couldn’t get it right. I thought I was pretty hopeless. They had to make me go out of the room, compose myself, then come back and say it again. They also like to poke fun of my chunky gold watch and gold loafers! Agimat ko daw yun (They say it’s my lucky charm). They’ve called me “golden girl” once or twice cause of it. (Laughs)”
Courtside formula of cool: “Emma Stone’s everything! Emma Stone’s wit + her humor + her charm + her face + her hair + her body + her sense of style + her boyfriend. Joke lang (Laughs)”
Tina Marasigan, 24
University of Santo Tomas
Background check: “I graduated from UST with a degree in Psychology, and I worked in San Miguel Corporation for two years. Then, I joined Bb. Pilipinas 2011 and reached the top finals. After which, ABS-CBN opened a series of auditions for sports, music, and news fields. I was able to get into sports and news. Now, I’m working in DZMM teleradyo as a traffic and news reporter. Sometimes I also do news on Studio 23 for Bilis Balita, aside from doing courtside reporting.”
Dare to prepare: “Since this is my second year already, I review my recorded reports last season to improve my reports and delivery. I also ask pointers from Boom Gonzales to refresh my skills since I took a break from doing sports news after UAAP season 74.”
Smells like team spirit: “Coach Pido will rely on his bench more this season. Key players are back and his lineup is stronger. It’s the last playing year of their team captain, Jeric Fortuna, so for sure he will try to make his last year productive. They are all practicing every day, preparing for every game.”
Courtside formula of cool: “Voice and delivery of Joe Cantada + Confidence of Stephen A. Smith + Physique of Milla Jovovich + Face of Audrey Hepburn”
Muriel Orais, 20
National University
Background check: “I’m a Cebuana and a shy type since way back. I recently transferred to National University as a fourth year student, but before that I studied nursing for three years in Velez College, Cebu.”
Dare to prepare: “Honestly, I am not into sports and I’ve never watched the UAAP before. I just heard about it. Everything was new to me. So the big challenge for me was starting from scratch, having no input about basketball. I started to learn by watching basketball games, talking to my guy friends about the positions and players. I also read books and articles about basketball and the NU Bulldogs. It broadened my knowledge and now I can see the difference between just cheering and knowing basketball.”
The challenge: “I faced my greatest fear talking in front of many people when I joined Miss Philippines-Earth 2011 and won as Miss Philippines-Water 2011.”
Pre-game ritual: “I feel confident if I am prepared with my reports. I always pray and ask for guidance in every aspect that I am doing.”
Show and tell: “I’m a ramp and commercial model, and endorser. I also love karaoke with friends.”
Apple David, 19
Adamson University
Background check: “I was born and raised here in Quezon City but I’m a full-blooded Kapampangan. Growing up, I was a bibo kid. I would sing, dance, declaim, and act in front of my relatives. I’m also a little boyish. I remember when I was younger, nakikipaglaro ako ng (I would play) basketball on our street with my guy neighbors, nakikipapustahan ako sa bilyaran (I would bet in billiards) in our province and wherever I go, I’m usually with my guy relatives. That’s why I learned to be tough and act like a boss. When I started to be around girls, they tend to get the impression of me being bossy. (Laughs) But then I’m not. Maybe it’s just that I have this assertive aura.”
Smells like team spirit: “Fans can expect a team that will continue to contend. The Falcons are known for their execution of plays and they’ll stick to that system. The boys are determined to reach the final four and I think that’s not an impossible goal for us.”
Show and tell: “My acting skills. (Laughs) I’m not sure if it’s just me being dramatic or I really have this thing for acting. I cry easily and I love portraying roles. I also create my own music videos. I direct, act, record, and then I edit it — all by myself. (Laughs) I actually made a music video for Call Me Maybe. (Laughs harder)”
Courtside formula of cool: “Marian Rivera’s face + Georgina Wilson’s body + Iya Villania’s voice and accent + Anne Curtis’ smile, swag, and wit + Bianca Gonzalez’s intellect. Perfect combination.”
Bea Fabregas, 20
University of the Philippines
Background check: “I grew up in Quezon City. I went to Miriam College for grade school and high school. I was home-schooled in second year high school, though, to train competitively for tennis. I started playing tennis when I was eight, because my dad played collegiate tennis in the States, so he played a big influence on getting me hooked on the sport. My mom tried to get me into ballet but I don’t think ballet liked me very much. I was horrible. (Laughs)”
Dare to prepare: “I regularly attend the practice of the boys. But that’s standard procedure. Of course, what I do on my own, even when I’m playing tennis, is I practice my reports out loud. My teammates would get surprised, nagsasalita na ako sa gilid (I would be speaking in a corner by myself). When I have random ideas for reports I also write it down immediately, and I practice when I drive.”
It’s kind of a funny story: “During the second round I had to talk about traveling and after I did my interview Ms. Diana of ABS-CBN said, ‘I’m sorry but we are not interested,’ my face flushed red and I thought it was the end. I was about to cry na talaga, tapos she followed it up with ‘…in your travel plans.’ (Laughs)
It’s kind of a funny story, part two: “Then probably the worst moment was after I gave my sample report, out of so much stress I said “Bongga!” with matching facial expression because I’m super expressive like that.
Courtside formula of cool: “Natalie Portman’s face + Ellen DeGeneres’ witty humor + Ryan Seacrest’s pronunciation and articulation + Craig Sager’s interview skills = best court side reporter ever”
Selina Dagdag, 19
Ateneo de Manila University
Background check: “The more you know, the less you’d understand. (Smiles)”
Dare to prepare: “I read a lot, attend team practices, play NBA video games (laughs), and listen to my ABS-CBN mentors. I also learn a great deal from the players and the coaches of Ateneo.”
It’s kind of a funny story: “One time my friend had to talk about K11 during the auditions. In my attempt to help her out, I told her she can speak of the dog’s heroic deeds — how they can save lives and be better off in moral character then some men could. Some of the kids started looking at me in the most peculiar way! (Laughs) Apparently, I was talking about the K9 canine dogs. Thank God I wasn’t given that topic, or I probably wouldn’t be right where I am right now. (Laughs).”
The challenge: “The greatest challenge lies in making the next report better than the last one. As Boom Gonzales said, ‘You can’t wing it.’ You have to think on your feet and know the game.”
Show and tell: “I can bend my thumb all the way until the back of my wrists! And well, I’ve been playing the piano since the age of six. Yes, if all else fails, being a pianist can be my back up plan.”
Courtside formula of cool: “Miranda Kerr’s charm plus Morgan Freeman’s composure. Oh! Plus Boom’s formidable voice! Hmm. But that would be strange on me though since I’m a girl! (Laughs) More than anything though, I want to be my own courtside formula of cool.”
Katz Salao, 22
University of the East
Background check: “I came from Poveda. I was the cheerleading captain in fourth year high school, and always thought I’d dance forever. But dancing took a step back in college, as I focused on other forms of media and ‘found myself.’ I never actually thought I had the chops to host or be in front of the camera, but I knew if I didn’t try and get rejected I would regret it. As my first ever sabak sa industriya (endeavor in the industry), I auditioned to be a Magic 89.9 Junior Jock in 2011 and God granted me that blessing. His next one is courtside reporting, which I think, even if I just started, is the best experience I could ever ask for in terms of learning how to report well and getting myself used to the camera.”
Dare to prepare: “I’d watch previous videos of courtside reporters, most especially of my favorite Riki Flores. When Boom Gonzales or anyone in the team gives feedback, I try to apply it to my next quarter report. I talk to myself a lot, too. It helps loads! (Laughs) I also train myself not to dwell on my mistakes nor the negativity. I’ve accepted that not everyone will like my voice, or find me attractive, or even appreciate what I’m talking about, and that’s okay. As long as the team is happy with me, I’m a happy Warrior.”
Smells like team spirit: “Pwede naman maging (You can be a) fan of more than one school. But this season, when the UP Maroons go against my UE Warriors, all my bets are on UE only.”
Courtside formula of cool: “KC Concepcion’s smile and ease + Luis Manzano’s wit + Toni Gonzaga’s impromptu skills + Riki Flores’ charm + Boy Abunda’s magical way to get anyone to trust him and tell him anything + My brother Colin’s basketball knowledge (yes, he impresses me more than any sports guy right now) + Oprah’s conviction. It’s a weird formula, but right now those are my goals as well. To me, that makes one super courtside reporter.”
Judy Saril, 18
Far Eastern University
Background check: “I’m from the town of White Mountains, Rodriguez, Rizal – a place that probably most of you don’t know. I’m currently on my third year taking up BS Tourism Management at FEU. On the side, I modeled for certain brands like Manels, Get Laud, and Kyobe Watch. I also had an appearance in a local movie Way Back Home and Budoy, a primetime teleserye on ABS-CBN. Right now, I have a mini-series on Hero TV, where I play the lead role.”
Smells like team spirit: “The Tams have a realistic chance of winning the UAAP title this season. We will do nothing but fight!”
The challenge: “The flow of the game. Everything happens so fast during the game. We have to get information and make a report as fast as we can. During the FEU-UST game, medyo kabado ako kasi ang hirap pala mag-focus (I was a little nervous because it’s so hard to focus) when you’re hearing loud drums, screams, and cheers. I think another challenge is refraining ourselves not to cheer loudly and passionately for our teams. It’s so hard to not show excitement and emotions, especially ‘pag maganda o mahigpit ang laban. (if it’s a good or close game)”
Show and tell: “I can sing a bit. I used to be part of the music team in our church. I can also dance and act. I’ve always really loved acting since I was a kid. During vacation, I’m also busy with some acting projects like theater and TV appearances on the side.”
Courtside formula of cool: “This is kinda hard but maybe Leighton Meester’s smile and face + Toni Gonzaga’s quirkiness + Anne Curtis’ confidence + Bianca Gonzales’ speaking skills.”