ASAP Mania to spice up PBL opener

ABS-CBN’s top-rated variety show, ASAP Mania, will provide the perfect appetizer to the opening of the PBL Unity Cup on Sunday at the Makati Coliseum when it stages a mini-concert that features some of the network’s popular stars.

The segment is part of a package of surprises being arranged by Studio 23, the league’s official coveror that is leaving no stone unturned to make the opening a resounding success and worth remembering.

Among the network’s stars who are expected to provide fun-filled entertainment to the fans are gorgeous Rica Peralejo and some of their rising performers who will surely be a big hit among fans of the league.

The ASAP segments, which will also be shown live on Channel 2, will begin at 12 noon meaning fans are advised to go to the venue early to have a better view of the bonus show. And as always, admission will be open to the public.

"We in the PBL and our new partner, Studio 23, are doing everything to make the opening a big success. I have no doubt in my mind about the capabilities of Studio 23, so I’m sure the fans will have a great time during the opening," said commissioner Chino Trinidad.

For their part, Leo Katigbak, managing director of Studio 23 and Peter Musngi, head of the ABS-CBN Sports Division, promised to give all-out support to the league in terms of TV production, with images that will infuse further excitement to the games.

Veteran director Abet Ramos, who will handle the TV coverage, disclosed that they will use state-of-the-art equipment to capture all angles and color of each game for the benefit of the league’savid televiewers.

"We will try to improve the production through graphics, parang pang-international ang coverage namin dito," said Ramos.

Viva Mineral Water-FEU, touted as one of the teams to beat in the season-opening tournament, will test the mettle of newcomer Toyota Otis-Letran in the curtain-raiser at 1 p.m. while Lee Pipes-Ateneo, another newcomer, battles Sunkist-UST at 4 p.m.

Defending champion Hapee Toothpaste starts its defense on Tuesday next week against Montana Pawnshop, a team raring to shed its image as poor finishers.