Incoming PBA chair urges hi-tech, web-based games

MANILA, Philippines – GlobalPort owner and party-list Rep. Mikee Romero (1Pacman) said the PBA should not be contended with the success of the recent Governors’ Cup Finals as he called on league officials to strengthen the web-based platforms or electronic media in order to gain more following.

“PBA has to be a habit again,” the incoming league chairman said in his speech during the PBA Press Corps Awards Night at Gloria Maris inside Gateway in Cubao last Saturday.

Romero, 44, will assume the league chairmanship next month during the annual planning session of the Board of Governors in South Korea.

He will replace San Miguel Beer governor Robert Non, who he said has done a great job.

“Mr. Non is a tough act to follow, so I hope I can also get the support of all team owners and their representatives,” said Romero.

While he was elated with huge turnout of fans during the classic title series between eventual champion Barangay Ginebra and Meralco, Romero said all platforms must be ready and available not only for the fans in the country but also for 11 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Ginebra’s title-clinching win drew a crowd of 22,528 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We have to go high-tech, that’s the only way we can bring PBA back to the consciousness of every Filipino whether they are in the country or working abroad,” added Romero.

“PBA games should be available to everybody because that’s also one way of promoting our country,” said Romero, noting that PBA has also a big number of fans from Taiwan.

Romero also emphasized the importance of social media, saying it’s the easiest way to promote the league and its bunch of exciting players.