By BusinessMirror
October 9, 2020
THE country’s love for the game comes front and center this month as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games return live via IBC 13, TV5, One Sports and in high-definition via PBA Rush on Cignal TV.
TV5, IBC and Cignal TV are proud partners of the PBA—which serves as pioneer in returning live local sporting events—and paves the way for other local leagues to resume play given the “new normal,” delighting generations of its loyal followers.
During the 45th season kick-off of the league last March, the campaign “Tayo Ang Bida” emphasized the fans and those working behind the scenes as the true MVPs—inspiring an insightful look at the PBA, going beyond the star power of the iconic teams, renowned players and coaches, and giving the spotlight to the crew and avid fans who make the games more meaningful and enjoyable.
The meaning of “Tayo Ang Bida” has since evolved given the current health pandemic.
“Just as the PBA was gaining momentum, the world stopped. Yet in the midst of a pandemic, we try our best to be heroic—because we, the PBA community, aren’t just players, coaches, staff, or fans,” Robert Galang, Cignal TV and TV5 President and CEO and Robert T. Rivera, IBC President and CEO, said. “We’re also families who hold on to each other for love, and friends who continue to lean on each other for support.”
Various content from within the PBA Bubble will be released on a daily basis on top of the live games across TV, digital and various news platforms. Exclusive daily updates from inside the bubble and messages from some of the top players will be available online to give the people a glimpse into the life of their favorite teams and players within the bubble.
In addition, it has created new opportunities allowing the audience to feel as if they were watching the game live in the arena. Fans will be present in the game virtually through a virtual mural flashed on an LED screen, giving players on the court the chance to see and hear the fans live.
All games will be played at the Angeles University Foundation gym in Pampanga adjacent to the Clark Freeport.