PBA gathers rookies, sophomores

It’s a red-letter day for PBA rookies and sophomores today as the PBA has organized a comprehensive orientation program that will touch on relevant topics to enhance their journey in the pro league. Last season’s rookies, now sophomores, didn’t get a chance to join an orientation because it was postponed due to the pandemic but PBA commissioner Willie Marcial made sure the first and second year players won’t miss the gathering this time.

The orientation is part of the PBA Player Development Program and it’s co-presented by FWD Insurance and the PBA. “FWD is a brand that believes in living life with less worries, where living life means pursuing a passion and reaching goals,” said Marcial. “We’ve partnered with FWD Insurance because we share the same beliefs, that we want people to be inspired to pursue their passion in life and to pursue their passion in excellence.” In the orientation, FWD Insurance will be represented by Ms. Sonia Pascual, director for corporate communications and product marketing.

Marcial conducted two dry-runs to guarantee that things will go smoothly in the zoom session that starts at 10 a.m. He expects 55 freshmen and sophomores to attend. The second-year batch includes Roosevelt Adams, Mike Ayonayon, Barkley Eboña, Adrian Wong, Clint Doliguez, Prince Rivero, Sean Manganti, Aris Dionisio, Arvin Tolentino, Kib Montalbo, Richard Escoto, Will McAloney, Aaron Black, Vince Tolentino, Wendell Comboy and Renzo Subido. The rookies include Joshua Munzon, Jaime Malonzo, Calvin Oftana, Santi Santillan, Larry Muyang, Alvin Pasaol, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Brian Enriquez, Josh Torralba, Aljun Melecio, Anton Asistio, Andrei Caracut and Andre Paras. It will be like an assembly of future All-Stars.

A lot of relevant issues will be discussed during the orientation from investing to imaging to wellness to social media interaction to relating with media to branding to endorsements to the PBA’s policies on contracts, operations and benefits. A solid lineup of speakers was selected to cover the topics. The cast lists 2016 Ten Outstanding Young Men nominee and Homeschool Global Learning, Inc. chairman Edric Mendoza, one of only two psychologists in the Philippines to receive the distinction of an International Diplomate on Cognitive Behavior Therapy Papo Ong Ante, stylist and imaging consultant Miakka Lim, TV anchor and sports commentator Migs Bustos, PBA Properties head Jo Francisco, PBA deputy commissioner Eric Castro and his technical assistants Rosc Teotico and Joey Guanio and PBA legal counsel Atty. Melvin Mendoza. The PBA Media Group will also present a video on social media interaction and I will speak on how relating with media could be a boost to a player’s career.

Miakka, who was once a PBA courtside reporter on TV, and Migs will tackle imaging and grooming as they relate to impacting a player’s persona in the workplace or any engagement. They’ll take up the secrets of styling, the business of confidence and economies of wardrobe versatility. My topic will cover the responsibilities of a player as a public figure, influencer and an example to the youth. I’ll discuss attitudes on and off the court, tips on how to deal with media and The STAR concept of Sincerity, Truth, Accessibility and Respect.

A key rule of attendance is the video of every participant must be on at all times. A still image or the name of the participant on the attending box won’t do. The PBA will fine or suspend anyone who doesn’t turn on his video. While talks are ongoing, participants may take snacks or their favorite health drinks. “We want to see your faces so keep your video open,” reminds the PBA. “Listen and learn as much as you can, participate if and when necessary.” The orientation should take about 1 1/2 hours, excluding a brief intermission and as Marcial said, the program is for the rookies and sophomores so “stay with us as we bring you up to speed on everything about your PBA career.”