From spectator to commentator

The Mikeside Guys are back to spread the word that making the transition from spectator to commentator isn’t as difficult as it sometimes appears to be.

For sure, the jump is a lot of fun.

If you love sports, if you talk sense, if you’re articulate, if you understand the game, if you’re resourceful, if you work hard and if you’re a team player, let the Mikeside Guys — also known as the MGs — introduce you to the world of sportscasting.

The MGs are I-Sports Action TV president and TV broadcaster Mon Liboro, journalist and TV sports analyst Barry Pascua, basketball radio and TV anchor and San Miguel All-Stars touring host Benjie Santiago and National Basketball Conference (NBC) director of operations, former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) barker, radio and TV sports anchor, radio’s "In The Zone" executive producer and Southeast Asian (SEA) Games broadcaster Noel Zarate.

In 2001, the Fab Four thought of organizing a sportscasting seminar in response to a popular clamor from fans of all ages, genders (there are three) and persuasions.

They pooled their resources and gathered the country’s top mikeside exponents to share their insights on how to get ahead in sportscasting.

The first seminar was a huge success.

Among the graduates were Boyet Sison (now PBA radio’s executive producer and broadcaster), Benji "BM" Manalang (now PBA radio anchor), Tin-Tin Gamboa (now PBA radio courtside reporter and "In The Zone" co-host), Maya Montecillo (now Champions‚ League courtside reporter, Mark Zambrano (now NBC TV panelist and former PBA TV anchor), Anthony Servinio (basketball writer and former National Basketball League TV panelist), Yvette Katigbak (now PBA senior TV producer) and Monsi Corpuz (now NBC venue announcer).

The MGs went on to organize four more batches.

Today, they list 132 graduates, including PBA venue announcer Edwin Logina, Parliament Syndicate bassist and 22nd SEA Games wrestling and taekwondo TV panelist Kim Lesaca, PBA radio analyst and NCAA TV panelist Allan Gregorio, NCAA TV analyst and Coca-Cola assistant coach Nash Racela, PBA radio analyst Potit de Vera, UAAP and Philippine Basketball League (PBL) TV courtside reporter Jun Alindogan, NCAA courtside reporter and Philippine Badminton Tournament co-anchor Anne "AY" Yusuico, Philippine Professional Boxing League (PPBL) interviewer Gabe Mercado, Universal Reality Combat Championships referee and mixed martial arts practitioner Del Bacho, UAAP TV analyst Charlie Chua, NBC TV panelist and marketing director Jude Roque, "The Basketball Show" senior producer Neth Ngo, PBA TV floor director and senior producer Khalil Manubay, NBC venue announcer Mike Reyes, Sports Mix magazine writer Dinjo Constantino, mall tour sporting events venue announcers Wilbert Sy and Ted Penas and Nancy Sio of the NBC front office.

And the MGs are far from finished.

They’re committed to pave the way for more fans who want to try their luck in a sportscasting career. It’s their way of giving back.

Starting tomorrow, the sixth sportscasting seminar gets underway on the third floor of the Parc Chateau Condominium, Onyx Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

PBA commissioner and former radio and TV sports anchor Noli Eala will deliver the opening remarks.

The "investment" fee is P4,000 which covers lunch, snacks and seminar materials for three days — Monday to Wednesday, May 5.

If you ask me, the fee’s a steal.

Noel says payments are being accepted at the NBC front office, Unit 712, MCS Towers, Makati Cinema Square, Pasong Tamo, Makati.

For details, contact Noel at 0922-3021558 (text only) or 0917-8156635.

Seminar participants are in for a big treat because the MGs have lined up an all-star cast of speakers. Benjie — who is one of the country’s most sought-after voice talents — will take up voice and tone color. Barry, a former Sports Weekly Magazine editor, will discuss sportswriting.

Star sports columnist and "The Basketball Show" producer Bill Velasco will speak on broadcast writing and alternate careers in broadcasting. Noel will delve in sports aptitude and listening.

Basketball TV director Abet Ramos‚ topic is the technical aspects of a sports TV coverage. PPBL founder and TV director Jeff Manibay will talk on creative sports directing.

Basketball TV anchor, sporting events host and Adidas SportsKamp general manager Anthony Suntay will share his views on and experiences in broadcasting stand-uppers.

Mon will cover the various aspects of a sports radio coverage.

Basketball TV anchor and Ateneo professor Sev Sarmenta will take up TV anchoring.

And I will discuss sports journalism and TV sports analysis.

It’s a three-day program that promises to be not only enlightening but also enriching. The MGs are making sure the participants get more than their money’s worth. Their 132 satisfied graduates can’t be wrong.

They’re living proof that the MGs‚ sportcasting seminar is the way to a fulfilling career in sportscasting.