PBA launches TV show Jan. 7

The lighter side of basketball gets a refreshing treat as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) launches the new, 30-minute magazine show "iPBA (Ang Bagong Laro)" Jan. 7.

To be hosted by magazine columnist and lovely movie actress Asia Agcaoili, the weekly show marks the first venture of PBA Entertainment into TV production.

"I hope PBA fans will support this new undertaking of ours the way they’ve been patronizing the league the past 32 years," said commissioner Noli Eala.

The TV show offers inside stories, exclusive scoops and behind-the-scene features.

The latest scheme by the league is part of the mission vision set by Eala and the PBA board at the start of the 2006-07 season. The PBA made huge gains this year with increases in gross and net incomes.

The project, dubbed "PBA TV" (under PBA Entertainment), will have the league producing its own television show to compliment its main product, which is professional basketball.

The Board put up a P6-million budget for the new program expected to generate profits in the coming years.

"We want our huge presence in the market to be felt not only by our fans but also by advertisers. We’re positioning the PBA as a brand icon. We’re pushing our players to become iconic or be more recognizable. This is why we’re investing in this business," Eala added.

Features about the PBA superstars, stories behind the games, off-court activities and various other topics are among the things to watch out in the once-a-week basketball show over ABC-5.

Among the segments expected to click with viewers are "PBA Insider", an exclusive peek into the hottest intrigues and controversies around the league, "Eye PBA", a recap of the previous games complete with other related news and tidbits, and "Shocking Asia", a question and answer portion with top PBA players, mixed with the flair and humor remarks the sexy program host has always been known for.

Other portions of the program will have exclusive footages of PBA players doing off court activities, hobbies, favorite hangouts, charity events and other interests.

"iPBA (Ang Bagong Laro)" will air every Sunday, 3:30-4 p.m. on ABC-5.