PBA: Barrios bows out as Commissioner on Aug. 31
August 25, 2010 10:17 am
By Lily O Ramos
MANILA, Aug. 24 — One blockbuster season deserves another.
Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) officials, led by outgoing commissioner Sonny Barrios and chairman Rene Pardo, foresee another banner year for the league’s 36th season that begins October 3, coming on the heels of the success generated during the 2009-2010 playing calendar.
Reverting back to the old reliable three-conference format, a new, vibrant team in Meralco Bolts, fresh crop of talents, and the other usual activities of the league in and out of the court had Pardo beaming with pride that it can surpass whatever gains made during the recently concluded season.
To top it all, the league chairman from B-Meg Derby Ace announced in the weekly PSA Forum at Shakey’s U.N Ave. that Meralco will go head on against Barangay Ginebra, universally acknowledged as the most popular team in the PBA today, on opening day of the new season.
Unfortunately, however, Barrios will no longer be around that time as he’s set to be succeeded by Atty. Chito Salud once the PBA Board of Governors hold its annual planning session in Hong Kong next week.
“We’re all very enthusiastic about the coming season, although I would have become a PBA fan like you by that time,” said Barrios as he formally announced his decision to step down Tuesday in the session presented by Outlast Battery, PAGCOR and Shakey’s.
“But it was a very rewarding and very fulfilling stint for me. And I thank the Board of Governors for giving me that chance to serve as commissioner. In my three years, including my stint as OIC (Officer In-Charge), I have hurdled all controversies. We were lucky to have a Philippine team during my time, which was an entirely different experience for me as a commissioner,” added Barrios, who, nonetheless, was offered by Pardo to act as adviser to the league he has served for 21 years.
Both Barrios and Pardo proudly revealed the league earned P37 million in gross gate receipts for the Fiesta Cup alone, which Alaska won over San Miguel in six games.
For the entire season, the commissioner said total gross gate receipts from both Manila and provincial games earned P75.3 million, an increase of 6.6 percent from last year which earned P70.7 million.
“Based on those figures alone, we really exceeded our target this season,” Barrios added.
And the likelihood of even surpassing the numbers is quite attractive, considering that the league decided to adopt again its three conference format.
“We definitely hope that it will be different this season,” said Pardo, also B-Meg Derby’s representative to the PBA Board.
“Holding three conferences may be going over our budget, but, then again, what we noticed is that the crowd usually comes in during the playoffs. So that means, you will have three playoffs in one season alone, meaning you’ll be able to bring in more crowd and sponsors.”
Pardo added the Philippine Cup remains as the first official offering of the league for the season, followed by the import-laden Fiesta Cup, and then another import-spiced conference which the PBA has yet to be named.
“The rules have not yet been finalized, we're still refining them, although there are suggestions to make it a handicapping conference based on the results of the first two conferences,” Pardo said.
The 2010-2011 playing calendar officially begins this Sunday when the PBA holds its annual Rookie Draft at the Market! Market! Place in Taguig.
There will also be the formal launching of the Powerade Tigers team (formerly Coca-Cola) and the Meralco Bolts squad, the 25th anniversary celebration of the Alaska Milk franchise, the NBA Asia Challenge at the Araneta Coliseum, the Gawad Kalinga outreach program and even a fashion show involving PBA players and the Bb. Pilipinas titleholder.
“It’s actually going to be a very busy season for the PBA,” said Pardo. (PNA)
DCT/LOR
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