Learning from the best

Age isn’t relevant when it comes to broadcasting, particularly in sports, so no matter how old or young you are, if you’re interested in trying out a full-time or part-time career in broadcasting, there’s a can’t-miss proposition waiting for you. The man with the booming voice announcing games on the public address system here and abroad is organizing the second broadcasting workshop at the Development Academy of the Philippines, San Miguel Ave., Pasig on April 5-7.

Noel Zarate, who also does his bit in boxing as a ring announcer, has formed what he calls the Newbies Broadcasting Academy (NBA) and he’s opening the doors of his factory to anyone, regardless of age, creed, gender and race. If you’ve got a reasonably acceptable voice, a good head and a passion for sharing information on the air with a preference for sports, this is right down your alley.

Noel’s first NBA batch listed 36 graduates including former PBA player Ali Peek, Spikers’ Turf analyst Mosh Cruz whose husband Jericho plays for TNT in the PBA and 2016 Miss Global Philippines first runner-up/event host C. J. Hirro.

“A handful of those who underwent the process have attained moderate success in the field with former FM DJ Chiqui Vergel now an anchor at OneNews, Ysa Chong now the first female court announcer in the PSL, Powcast’s Pow Salud now a boxing anchor with Solar Sports and a number who’ve boarded on livestream broadcasts of the CBA, M-League and other various sporting ventures,” said Zarate who did the call-outs for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila in 2016, making sure every player’s name was pronounced properly with the correct intonation.

This year’s second undertaking will gather a glowing cast of top-notch speakers from the industry. ESPN5 anchor, Inquirer sports columnist and Ateneo professor Sev Sarmenta, lawyer, ESPN5 anchor and ESPN5.com writer Charlie Cuna, ESPN5 anchor, SportsCenter host and the originator of “May Kasama Pang Foul” Magoo Marjon, ANC Gametime and Early Edition host Migs Bustos, ESPN5 anchor and ESPN5.com writer Chuck Araneta, ESPN5.com managing editor Sid Ventura, ESPN5 executive producer and director Coy Yupangco and OneNews anchor and PBA courtside reporter Rizza Diaz are in line to share insights, tips and words of wisdom with the enrollees. Of course, workshop master is Noel, the Academy’s moving spirit and founder who’s an international sportscaster and ESPN5.com writer. Noel’s “school” is known as the NBA and swears it has nothing to do with the league where Adam Silver is the commissioner.

Beyond learning from experts, the experience of attending the workshop with other “newbies” is enriching. You don’t only learn from the best but you also learn with the best. The interaction among participants is an exciting prospect and should lead to new friendships, new bonds and maybe, new partners on the air.

Noel said the workshop will accommodate up to only 36 participants and only a few slots are left before reaching the limit. Late entries will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis so hurry and sign up now. Noel said he’ll do his best to make room for those who are ready to take the big leap to the colorful world of broadcasting.

“It’s crunchtime,” Noel said yesterday. “We’re approaching 30 enrollees for our second batch which means we’re nearing our maximum of 36. For those who want to learn how to be a broadcaster from no less than the best in the industry, contact Troy Yaw at +63917-6366011. We’re all set to make a difference starting this Friday. Are you in?”