Full-court press
MANILA, Philippines - Even before “the beautiful game” managed to conquer television airtime and many a girl’s hearts, before the hyper-real exposure and all other hereafter canine-related endorsement deals, there was basketball — and save for Pacquiao’s matches, it pretty much was the pulse of Philippine sports all year ‘round.
There’s a nostalgic quality attached to basketball, a sense of cohesion that goes beyond what, according to Pacific Rims author Rafe Bartholomew, is a “tall man’s sport.” Sure, the game’s inherently Western and incompatible with the Filipino build, but being that we put such a premium on shared experiences, the five-man plus a coliseum full of audience combo came natural to us — and therefore, popular (another translation: everywhere).
The culture of basketball is so deeply embedded in us in a way that a basketball court’s probably somewhere in the recesses of our childhood memories, and that milk or beverage brands could also be your favorite team. Growing up with it follows that we even take it to tertiary levels, and if you’re from around here, that could mean the NCAA, or the UAAP.
Stirring rivalries for the past 73 seasons, the UAAP has been fostering and indoctrinating school pride among all of its competing schools, and more recently, has set itself up as a breeding ground for the courtside reporters. For the times that we aren’t able to catch the games live, these are the folks who make sure that we get a seconds-long in on the teams’ huddles, post-game interviews and get our heads in the game. Following an already illustrious and well-loved courtside alumni, UAAP season 74’s new reporters are the new ambassadors of the beloved sport, the new young things to stand as pillars for love of the game’s sake—which, at the age of the Internet, will also mean their correspondence extends online too.
Consisting of both neophytes and year-long veterans, Young Star presents this year’s courtside reporters, (CSR) and — we don’t even have to say it — they’re inevitably coming to a TV set near you.
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BEA CORONEL, 19
University of the Philippines
Prep-schooled: I’m making it a point to attend the team’s practices, I’m brushing up on and refining my basketball and UAAP knowledge by squeezing in as much basketball talk I can with my dad and guy friends, and I’m constantly checking up on my manner of delivery by either boarding or just looking for random stuff to read out loud.
Smells like team spirit: After disappointing themselves and their supporters, the Maroons are looking poised and ready to achieve what they weren’t able to last season. With coach Ricky Dandan onboard and both the return and addition of key players, you can expect a stronger and more positive and determined State U.
It’s kind of a funny story: During the first round of auditions, we had to do a VTR, and I was told to talk about myself in Filipino. I forgot the exact sentence, but instead of saying “madali,” I ended up saying “malandi.”
Trials and errors: The CSR auditions are crazy; I really can’t think of any other way to describe them. After each round, you’ll get a call only if you’ve made it through to the next one, so we were basically made to wait nervously for our phones to ring or vibrate each time. The audition process lasted about a month, so you can imagine how insane some of us got at some points.
Pre-game ritual: I’m definitely one to pray before I plunge into something, so that will certainly be a part of my pre-game ritual. I’m also one to pace a lot. And one thing that always works for me before anything big or important (this has been tested on a number of exams, including the UPCAT) is to put an upbeat song in my head.
Show and tell: I’m secretly a pretty good rapper, just in case our reports can be done differently (laughs), and I’m a trained dancer too! So if a cheerleader is down, I’m there! Okay, I was totally kidding with that last statement.
Courtside formula of cool: Alessandra Ambrosio’s body + Lucy Hale’s hair + Samantha on the Phone of Magic 89.9’s voice + Ellen De Generes’ confidence + Riki Flores’ endearing personality.
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TIFFANY ATENDIDO, 22
De La Salle University
Prep-schooled: I try to attend practice as much as I can to watch the team play and also so I can be friends with the players and the coaches. I also try to talk to the coaches and players to get their insights and then research and ask around about the players. I read about basketball too and ask my boyfriend and boy friends things don’t understand. Sometimes, I also practice saying the halftime spiel or try impromptu reporting in front of the mirror before and after I brush my teeth, when no one is around.
Smells like team spirit: Expect a very strong DLSU team! We are in this to win it! The team is very positive, from the players down to the coaches. And as one of the archers told me, “DLSU will go all the way this year!” Also, in line with the centennial celebration of La Salle this year, we are hungry to bag that championship, not just in the men’s basketball, but also overall!
It’s kind of a funny story: During game three of the finals of UAAP’72, UE vs. ADMU, I was then reporting for UE. During the last minutes of the fourth quarter, I couldn’t contain myself anymore, I couldn’t watch the game seated, I was beside the players standing and crying when I knew ADMU already had the game. And I think the camera passed by and I was seen crying on TV! (I got really attached to the UE Red Warriors then, and it was so sad to lose that final game! I felt for them!)
When I covered a game before, for PCCL, I did a recorded interview with Justin Chua of ADMU, and I mistakenly called him Nico Salva. I didn’t even realize I got his name wrong, until Justin told me, “Hindi ako si Nico Salva.” When we did the retake, Justin couldn’t focus anymore (and it’s all my fault!). We had to do three takes before things went smoothly!
Trials and errors: I think it’s that a lot of different people can be your panel, and some of them may appear really strict and kind of mean, but they’re just doing their jobs and trying to bring out the best in you. But once you’ve got the job and really get to work with them, they’re the nicest people you could ever work with! And sometimes one reporter’s audition isn’t necessarily the same as another’s. Plus you can try every year, as long as you are eligible! I tried twice before I bagged the job!
Pre-game ritual: Back when I was UE’s CSR, I didn’t really have pre-game rituals, so probably that will apply for this season as well. But if you ask what I do before the game, I don’t know if this is a ritual, but I usually just spend my time with the players who are practicing on the court or I stay with them in the dugout, trying to feel the vibe of the team for that particular game day! I also do my interviews for my reports.
Show and tell: Uh-oh, I think none. (Laughs) I’m not really very talented! I’m a very talkative person, if that counts as a talent!
Courtside formula of cool: Miley Cyrus’ legs + Selena Gomez’ body + Toni Gonzaga’s hair + Dyan Castillejo’s voice and hosting skills + Jayvee Casio’s basketball knowledge + Gretchen Fullido’s Courtside Reporter Skills
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JAZMIN REYES, 19
Ateneo de Manila University
Prep-schooled: Ever since I got the assignment to report for ADMU, I have been reading (The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Basketball) watching, eating, breathing, thinking living basketball. I want to do the team and the station justice with the reports I give! Prayers also do wonders to my very jittery heart: helps calm me down and hype me up at the same time!
Smells like team spirit: Intense amount of passion and energy from all the players this year as well as strong rookies that are backed up by the most supportive team I have ever met. Everybody is focused to play their hearts out this season, so watch out for the Ateneo Blue Eagles as they score and soar higher than ever.
It’s kind of a funny story: I have not been on camera yet but during one of my VTR’s I had to do a mock report. Instead of saying “Take advantage of every shooting opportunity” it came out as: “ Take opportunity of every shooting opportunity!” Mortifying. I know.
Trials and errors: The CSR auditions are extremely tough yet fun at the same time. And I think I speak on behalf of the CSR auditionees that it’s quite the mental and emotional test! But all in all a great experience where I met a lot of wonderful people.
Pre-game ritual: Take a good minute or two with myself to pray, psych up, throw my inhibitions, worries and nervousness aside and “Jaz Do It.”
Show and tell: It’s strange but I tend to function and work better under stress and pressure.
Courtside formula of cool: Emma Stone’s wit + Jamie Chung’s ferocity + Diana Agron’s eyelashes+ Jessica Mendoza
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STEPH SY, 21
National University
Prep-schooled: It’s all a matter of working hard, maintaining focus and knowing my priorities. For UAAP Season 74, I’ll make sure to do my best and to enjoy my job — of course, it’s also important to love whatever I’m doing.
Smells like team spirit: Underdogs no more; National U has a lot of innate talent and they are ready to dominate UAAP 74. Coach Eric Altamirano together with Bulldogs will definitely be a tough team this season and they may just have what it takes to break it into the Final 4.
It’s kind of a funny story: Since this is my second year of reporting; I’ve had several on-cam bloopers. But there’s really one funny and embarrassing moment that I can’t seem to forget. I was covering one of the games for FEU and it was during that time when coach Glenn Capacio had to leave the court because of his blood pressure. So I had to talk about the situation but instead of saying “his blood pressure increased;” I ended up saying “his high blood increased.” (laughs) Talk about over-emphasizing that report!
Trials and errors: It’s not as easy as it seems! The whole audition process doesn’t happen in one day; it actually takes around two months because the screening process takes time. It’s actually very challenging but at the same time you get to meet a lot of new people (which also makes it a fun experience).
Pre-game ritual: Other than interviewing coach Eric and talking to my team; I’d probably be writing my report. In addition to that, I would also talk with the players and go to the court in order to get a feel of the game.
Show and tell: Back in high school and even during my first few years of college, I was into theater. And through my acting experience; I learned how to have good diction and stage presence, which are things that I find really helpful. I was also into hosting a lot of events during my senior year in high school and all throughout my college years. It’s because of that, I was able to practice thinking on my feet and thinking fast.
Courtside formula of cool: Leighton Meester’s Hair + Jessica Alba’s sex appeal + Katy Perry’s swagger + Any NBA analyst’s basketball knowledge.
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VICTOR LOPEZ, 20
Adamson University
Prep-schooled: Doing a lot of research! Watching YouTube videos, asking for help from friends who are also fans and of course playing a ton of 2k.
Smells like team spirit: Adamson is always considered the dark horse when it comes to the UAAP season. This year they look to be a contender once again. That being said, this season is the last year of Adamson veterans Lester Alvarez, Jan Colina, Jerick Caada and Janus Lozada so look for them to end their final season with a bang. Fellow team mates Alex Nuyles, Austin Manyara and Roider Cabrera are also back to make up the core of the Falcons. Look for big things to come from the Adamson Falcons this season 74 of the UAAP
It’s kind of a funny story: I guess one of the funniest things for me was during one of the workshops where we were asked to use nursery rhymes, pop songs, commercials as a report. You could make an entire gag reel out of our reports. The combination of nerves, worry and everyone watching you made the nursery rhymes seem like the hardest spiels we had to do but it was all great fun in the end. FYI I did the old spice commercial. Huzzah!
Trials and errors: Coming into the CSR auditions I expected it to be just like any other VTR. Little did I know that I’d build so many good relationships with the people that I auditioned with and the people who held the auditions. The fact that this job involves two things that I love (public speaking and basketball), then there is no question that the people involved share the same passion and through that a natural chemistry is going to develop between all of us.
Pre-game ritual: My pre-game ritual will probably be the same thing I do prior to anything big that I have to do. I start by taking hold of my nerves and taking a deep breath, then I do a couple of high jumps that finally end in my shouting and clapping my hands to signify that I’m ready.
Show and tell: It isn’t really a talent but I think I stand as the tallest courtside reporter the UAAP has ever hired. Standing at 6’4”, I’m sure I won’t be smothered in huddles or have trouble interviewing tall players so the height just helps me do my job more efficiently.
Courtside formula of cool: Ed Westwick’s voice + Chace Crawford’s hair + Francisco Lachowski’s face + Jared Leto’s eyes + Christopher Reeve’s superman swag + Robert Downey Jr.’s wit and then you name me Aaron. That is the total package right there!
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TINA MARASIGAN, 23
University of Santo Tomas
Prep-schooled: I’m trying to study a number of facts about my own team and other teams.
Smells like team spirit: I believe that there shouldn’t be any expectations in any game. More than being a hard-working team, what should be highlighted is their spirit and their vision as one family. And with that, allow me to quote our beloved coach with the team’s vision: “There is no way but up.”
It’s kind of a funny story: I had to do spiels one time on a certain program. Since I stand too tall to fit in the frame and to get a good lighting, I had to remove my shoes (with heels) and deliver with bare feet.
Trials and errors: People may think that CSRs are 100 percent experts on the court. We’re not. The weapon that we have before, during and after the audition was our willingness to learn more things from the experience without being too proud of what we can do. Also,the passion to sharpen our potential in giving relevant, reliable, and the most recent updates about our respective teams. It is practically having the mind-set that the job is not about us but about the team and our school.
Pre-game ritual: One of my principles is that, in any event that showcases diligence and genuine hunger for victory, a heart that is humble would always be blessed. Before any game, it is a must for me to talk to my Creator first before facing the cam to talk with thousands of people. And I think my team would apply the same practice before a game starts.
Show and tell: I can look (or maybe act?) like a tigress if they would require me to dress like one.
Courtside formula of cool: Diane Castillejo’s knowledge to make and deliver a report on any sport + my own self! (Laughs)
