Proud daughter toasts PBA

There couldn’t be anyone prouder than Karissa Marcial when her father, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, went on stage to thank the league’s family and announce the new catchword “Solid” during the presentation of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players on its Golden Anniversary at a gala event in Solaire North last Friday.

“One trait I admire most about Papa is his ability to stand his ground while still keeping things light and humorous, never forgetting to nurture the relationships he’s built with everyone around him,” said Karissa, a certified Human Resource professional.

Marcial was a PBA statistician in 1983 and worked his way up the ranks to become a TV floor director, co-head of the PBA’s statistics department then PBA media bureau chief, special assistant to the PBA commissioner and in 2018, PBA commissioner. He is serving an unprecedented second three-year extension term as the league’s 10th commissioner. Under his watch, the PBA has grown exponentially in terms of revenues, viewership, media impressions, sponsorship and outreach beyond national borders. Marcial has galvanized the PBA into a league that cares for its fans.

“Papa is the epitome of dedication, resilience and the power of having great mentors,” said Karissa. “I’ve witnessed the PBA’s journey first-hand – its triumphs, challenges and growth – since I was a little girl, tagging along with Papa and my grandfather to games as early as kindergarten. I was raised in the heart of it all, taught to stay neutral, to respect the game. What an honor it is to celebrate this Golden milestone during my time back home.”

Karissa was the HR manager of Courtyard Marriott in Markham, Canada and is now involved as a business partner with the Toronto company Bright Label Kreative Productions, Inc. which specializes in crafting innovative and memorable entertainment experiences, focusing on the staging of concerts, live events and multi-media content. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Assumption Makati and a post-graduate diploma in Strategic Management at Centennial College in Scarborough, Canada. She’s in town until early next month.