MANILA, Philippines—Love them or hate them, you can’t escape them. Depending on how you look at them, the UAAP Studio 23 courtside reporters are a blessing or a nuisance—a blessing if you can’t keep up with the game and need status reports, a nuisance if you’d much rather look at the sweaty ringside action instead of a perky, good-looking reporter.
The courtside reporters are prone to controversy. Filipinos, being rabid basketball players and watchers, do not take kindly to mistakes in commentary primarily because they think that they can do better themselves. Many a courtside reporter has been the subject of heated abuse because of supposedly inept reportage—stuttering and momentary lapses in concentration automatically render them stupid to know-it-alls. The smallest mistakes are pounced on with sharpened claws, while the girls who spend just a little too much time with the players off the court are often met with raised eyebrows.
It’s not easy being a courtside reporter; sure, they get the best seats in the house and freebies from different sponsors, but they also have to scramble for words throughout the entire game just to deliver a coherent report to an unforgiving audience.
“The worst part of being a courtside reporter is that if you mess up, even once, you have the whole world watching you,” said Aaron Atayde, reporter for the Adamson Falcons. “Not just the Philippines, because we do air on TFC. The pressure can be so big, that it could eat you alive. You feel like everybody is just waiting for you to forget a word and laugh at you. But we all have to clear all of that out and just report. It’s not the easiest thing to do, though.”
Plus, there’s also the matter of staying objective during a game. “The hard part of doing the job is that you have to report while sounding and looking energetic even if your team’s down by a big margin,” said Trish Roque, reporter for the season’s underdogs, the UP Fighting Maroons.
UST’s Diane Querrer added, “It’s unavoidable to feel down when the team is on the losing end. The task to deliver a substantial and credible report becomes tedious when my emotions get ahead of me.”
On the other hand, reporters for the winning teams have got it made; they get all-access passes to every game, which comes in handy whenever there’s an Ateneo-La Salle showdown. “I no longer have to line up and wait for hours just to get my hands on a ticket,” said Portia Silva, who used to camp out at the Ateneo Athletics Office at dawn just to be able to watch a game.
The reporters admit that they started out just to have a little fun-score free tickets and clothes, and earn a little fame on the side. No wonder that being a UAAP courtside reporter is one of the most coveted college jobs. But with the intensity of the UAAP season heating up, the reporters start waxing poetic about school spirit.
“I auditioned for this job because I wanted to give back to the institution that has given me so much all these years,” said Silva. “The least I can do is show the world what the Atenean is really made of. The media can do so much and my representation of who the Atenean is one of my ways of saying thank you to my school. Moreover, I’ve always been a big fan of basketball, but an even bigger fan of school spirit. The school spirit takes me to the games.”
E-mail the author at biancaconsunji@yahoo.com.
Kamae de Jesus, 20 Team reporter for: Ateneo Blue Eagles School and course: Ateneo de Manila University, BS Communications Technology
Why did you become a courtside reporter? Why not? It’s like hitting two birds with one stone-doing something I love (talking, well hosting/reporting in this case) and taking part in the awesome school spirit of Ateneo.
Other hobbies? Traveling with my friends, loved ones, hanging out with a special someone, cooking (and eating!), watching movies, lunch and dinner dates with friends.
What was your most embarrassing experience on the job? Prior to my actual reporting, we had a series of screenings. During my first interview, when they asked me why I wanted to become a courtside reporter, I told the panel about my ridiculous hopes of being a girlfriend of one of the varsity players during high school—which every single person in the room laughed hard at. To redeem myself, I said that that was back then and that I came to realize that I am so much better than that, and that I don’t need to be a player’s muse to take part in the UAAP action. I still blush every time I remember it.
What’s the best thing about being a courtside reporter? Watching all the games live and for free! Plus, we get the best seats in the house, even better than the patron seats! And oh, being Ateneo’s courtside reporter is the best thing about being a courtside reporter. Especially now that we’re number 1!
What’s the worst part of being one? I can’t think of any! I love what I’m doing, I love my team, I love my school!
Portia Silva, 18 Team reporter for: Ateneo Blue Eagles School and course: Ateneo de Manila University, AB Communication
Why did you become a courtside reporter? I was such a fan of the UAAP, that there were even games where I brought posters I made! Kirk Long was my star player last year and I had banners like “The road to victory is Long” or “Kirk, our Long-awaited hero!” That was how much I was into UAAP before I became a courtside reporter.
I auditioned for this job because I wanted to give back to the institution that has given me so much all these years. The least I can do is show the world what the Atenean is really made up of. The media can do so much and my representation of who the Atenean is one of my ways of saying thank you to my school.
Other hobbies? Writing has always been one of my passions in life. I’m also into theater acting, specifically Tagalog comedies. I love hosting events, especially concerts, general assemblies and other on-campus affairs. With my friends, I dine out a lot, watch movies and just hang out and catch up with each other’s lives.
What’s your most embarrassing experience on the job? During my opening report for our game against FEU, my override suddenly went dead seconds before my floor director gave me the cue to start. When I began with my report, I heard Boom talking on my override, so I stopped for a while, staring straight at the camera looking lost and baffled! Then my floor director signaled me to continue, but I was so confused with what just happened that I forgot the next few lines of my report.
What’s the best thing about being a courtside reporter? Getting in for free, any time, any game! I no longer have to line up and wait for hours just to get my hands on an Upper A or Upper B ticket.
What’s the worst part of being one? Not being able to cheer for your team while on the job! Initially, the hardest thing for me was detaching myself from my school. I’m such a supporter of the team that there is the danger of forgetting that I am watching the games to report, and not to cheer.
Since we’re two courtside reporters for the Ateneo this year, people can’t help but compare us. Kamae and I each have our own writing and reporting styles and we never really saw this as a competition.
Trish Roque, 20 Team reporter for: UP Fighting Maroons School and course: UP Diliman College of Mass Communication, BA Journalism
Why did you become a courtside reporter? I always thought that being a courtside reporter was really cool. I’ve been watching the UAAP since high school and I can’t help but feel envious of the ones reporting for the different schools. They’re working and enjoying the games at the same time. I knew I was capable of doing it, so when the opportunity came, I auditioned ... and the rest is history!
Other hobbies? Singing while listening to music, surfing the Net, reading books and newspapers.
What was your most embarrassing experience on the job? During my first report on my first game (July 6, vs. NU), I was really nervous and I couldn’t control my hand from shaking while I was holding my mic. I thought no one noticed, but after the game, one of the players said “Hay naku si Pat, takot.” I said, “Bakit?” and he replied, “Nanginginig kaya kamay mo habang nagrereport ka,” then we both laughed. Boom Gonzalez also pointed out that I was moving from side to side during one of my reports that day.
What’s the best thing about being a courtside reporter? Getting to watch all the action up close at courtside! Plus, it’s really nice to get to know the team. How they work during practices, seeing the effort they put from practices to the games and being part of it all; it’s really fulfilling. Though the Maroons haven’t won much, I don’t get tired of attending their practices, hanging out with them, and doing my job as reporter, because I feel like I’m part of the team now.
What’s the worst part of being one? It’s not the worst thing, but it’s one of the hardest things to do. Maybe it’s when you have to report while sounding and looking energetic, even if your team’s down by a big margin. I have to be optimistic all the time even if my team’s losing. I also have to restrain my self from cheering too much because I have to concentrate on my report.
Sharon Yu, 20 Team reporter for: De La Salle Green Archers School and course: De La Salle University, Advertising Management
Why did you become a courtside reporter? Because I’m too lazy to line up for tickets!
Other hobbies? Graphic arts, cooking healthy but edible meals, karaoke, playing the piano, burning calories
What was your most embarrassing experience on the job? This story never gets old. I think it will be passed on from courtside generation to courtside generation. I was terribly sick during the UE DLSU game round two last Season 70, but I couldn’t miss that game! At the first quarter, I was wondering why my hands kept shaking, considering I wasn’t nervous at all. Turned out I was already hyperventilating and when the game went into overtime, I couldn’t feel anything anymore (good thing my job was done). I had an anxiety attack and I still kept inquiring if we were winning! Next thing I knew, a bouncer carried me off to a stretcher.
What’s the best thing about being a courtside reporter? You get to go inside the dugout while the players are dressing up. I’m kidding! My parents will read this.
What’s the worst part of being one? Deep inside my heart, I can’t take it anymore. Why do some people have to be so mean? I cry at night when they make me realize more than ever, especially after every single game date, every time I watch the team practice, or when I’m seen with the players … that I am indeed vertically challenged.
Alexis Go, 20 Team reporter for: UE Red Warriors School and Course: University of the East, Dentistry
Why did you become a courtside reporter? I wanted to try broadcasting and use my talking skills, so I auditioned. Luckily, I got the job.
Other hobbies? Singing and dancing.
What was your most embarrassing experience on the job? OMG. I was on standby already, ready to report. When my team scored, I jumped! My override fell on the floor and I couldn’t hear anything. When Eric said, “Lets hear it with Alexis for our UE Samsung Courtside Update,” I didn’t hear it. Nobody was on cam. It was a disaster.
What’s the best thing about being a courtside reporter? You get to be part of the team in glory and in despair. I am not just a reporter but also their friend and most importantly, a Warrior! I love the Warriors!
What’s the worst part of being one? This is the first time I got myself into something really sporty. The worst part of it is, I can’t wear heels. All I’ve been wearing are my sneaks. I miss my heels so much.
Krystel Filart, 21 Team reporter for: FEU Tamaraws School and course: Far Eastern University Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, graduated BS Nursing last March. Just passed the June 2008 nursing licensure exams.
Why did you become a courtside reporter? Three things: 1. It intrigues me and there’s just something about it that I know would really be fun and exciting. 2. I love the school spirit and how the students and alumni support their respective teams. 3. I simply love basketball—the adrenaline you get from a game, especially if its a close one.
Other hobbies? Sleeping! I’m so lazy, sometimes I just want to stay home all day and sleep.
What was your most embarrassing experience on the job? It was after we won against UE in the first round, and everyone was so emotional because it was the first game we had without Baracael and everyone was running on the court, including me. So as I was approaching the team, and I saw the cameraman’s footstool in front of me and I tripped! Good thing I didn’t fall on my face and I was able to recover my balance!
What’s the best thing about being a courtside reporter? Getting freebies!
What’s the worst part of being one? I don’t think so that there is a bad part in being a courtside reporter. Right now, I’m enjoying it a lot, and the FEU team has been great to me. Probably the only thing that would be bad is that I cant cheer as much as I want, because I need to be observant of the team and write my reports. I have to remember that I am reporting and not merely a fan.
Rizza Diaz, 24 Team reporter for: National University Bulldogs School and course: Emilio Aguinaldo College, graduate of B.S. Customs Administration
Why did you become a courtside reporter? Why not? I’ve always dreamed of being a broadcaster someday, or maybe a host for a variety show or a lifestyle show. And since I was born a basketball fan, I know I can be good at this and hopefully this stint would get me to where I’ve always wanted to be.
Other hobbies? It’s been a while since I had time for hobbies. School and work had my time then. Now, that I have lots of free time you’ll find me in the mall in line for the hottest flick. I’m an addicted shopper too.
What was your most embarrassing experience on the job? I covered for UAAP volleyball last season; I’m bad in remembering names, so I called the head coach of DLSU by the name of another. Head coach pa ng ADMU ‘yung nasabi ko!
What’s the best thing about being a courtside reporter? Too many! Courtside reporters get the best seats in the house. We get inside dugouts where you hear and see everything! It’s very hard for the media to penetrate that. You talk to people that other people idolize! We get to sit right in front of the action! Just be careful kasi baka tamaan ka ng bola or diving players (pero pag cute ok lang)! We get free stuff from Nike!
What’s the worst part of being one? Critics, though I try my best to screen them and take only the constructive ones. And since many would want the job, many just wait for you to make a mistake. You have to live up to great expectations, especially in my case, since I’m not supposed to be eligible considering I’m not from any UAAP school. I really have to prove them that the reason they got me is because I’m one of the best in this.
Diane Querrer, 19 Team reporter for: UST Growling Tigers School and course: University of Santo Tomas, BS Accountancy
Why did you become a courtside reporter? Considering that I joined only on the last day of auditions, I was unsure of the reason why I wanted to become a courtside reporter. Being a self-confessed TV-personality wannabe, perhaps exposure would be one reason why I tried. But I realized that the job is not just about TV exposure. In every game, I learn about that the pride of reporting for the UST team and carrying the name of the school.
Other hobbies? One of my passions is singing (inside and outside the shower). I consider myself a frustrated singer. I also love hosting events, especially beauty pageants (where I used to join in our university back when I was still in my first year).
What was your most embarrassing experience on the job? Just charge my first-day injury on my first-day jitters.
What’s the best thing about being a courtside reporter? I think the best thing about being a courtside reporter is having the privilege to occupy the best seat every UAAP fanatic would die for. More so, getting it for free and without the need to fall in line.
What’s the worst part of being one? The worst part of the experience is sometimes it becomes unavoidable to feel down when the team is on the losing end. The task to deliver a substantial and credible report becomes tedious when my emotions get the better of me.
Aaron Atayde, 22 Team reporter for: Adamson Falcons School and course: De La Salle University Manila, Communication Arts
Why did you want to become a courtside reporter? Every kid who played basketball when he was growing up had dreams of playing professional basketball. Then at some point, we realize that not everyone is good enough. But I always had a Plan B. I grew up watching sports and I always told myself that if I don’t make it as a professional basketball player, I want to be part of the broadcast team. Listening to people like Chick Hearn, Johnny Most, and Marv Albert, I knew that this was something that I wanted to get into. So I decided to try out as a courtside reporter, and the rest is history.
Other hobbies? I love music. I love it so much that I used it to get my other job as radio DJ for Magic 89.9. This also led to me enjoying dancing. I might not be the best dancer in the world, but no one can stop me from dancing in the bathroom. I also like videogames. This is where the kid in me stays.
What was your most embarrassing experience on the job? My most embarrassing moment happened last season. Right from the get go, it wasn’t going to be a pretty one. I stumbled all though out the entire report, and at the last word, I blacked out. I couldn’t think of the word “baseline” even if my life depended on it. That was horrible.
What’s the best thing about being a courtside reporter? We get to see everything that goes on in the game. Getting the chance to listen to the huddles, being on the court and getting to know all the players is one crazy experience. The free passes to all the games, even to an Ateneo vs. La Salle game, without waiting in line for hours: priceless.
What’s the worst part of being one? The worst part of being a courtside reporter is that if you mess up, even once, you have the whole world watching you. Not just the Philippines, because we air on TFC. The pressure can be so big that it could eat you alive. You feel like everybody is just waiting for you to forget a word and laugh at you. But we have to report like it was nothing to us. Not the easiest thing to do, though.
Do you get recognized by total strangers? How do you react to this? I do get recognized sometimes, but not as much as the girls. When people notice me, I hear, “Hey! It’s the ’guy’!” I’m totally cool with it though. I was never really an attention freak. If that’s how people know me, at least they still know me and don’t just shut me off when I report. It is still extremely flattering though that I do get recognized.
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