PBA to evaluate opener

by Ronnie Nathanielsz
Manila Standard
October 18, 2007

Philippine Basketball Association marketing director Rico Meneses has been tasked to evaluate last Sunday’s opening ceremonies, regarded as a flop and possibly the worst in the history of the pro league.

PBA comptroller Jimmy Sunglao disclosed that Solar Sports, which was chosen by chairman Tony Chua to handle the opening ceremonies, has not been paid the P1.4-million contract price. The opening ceremonies for the past five years were produced by the established outfit Event.Works, which handles all the National Basketball Association presentations in the Philippines.

“We are going to evaluate. The marketing director was tasked to evaluate the performance compared to what is contained in the contract,” said Sunglao.

The PBA official said Solar Sports hasn’t been paid as yet because “they should meet with our marketing director to evaluate the opening ceremonies.”

It was noted that the PBA marketing director was not even taken to Macau when the PBA board flew to the gambling enclave for its annual meeting and planning session and didn’t negotiate the contract for the opening ceremonies, but is now being held responsible.

Sunglao noted that there is a signed contract and “there are values about things that had to be done and now he is tasked to compare things to be done under the contract and what actually transpired in the actual occurrence of the event.”

Former Pasig City Mayor Mario Raymundo said the opening ceremonies “left much to be desired” and was detailing some suggestions to the PBA as a genuine fan and supporter.

Among the issues likely to be raised is the fact while Kyla, who was applauded for her rendition of the Philippine National Anthem in the Manny Pacquiao-Marco Antonio Barrera rematch and was advertised as the one chosen to perform, the one who actually sang the National Anthem was Karylle.

The invocation was originally supposed to be delivered by Bro. Mike Velarde of the El Shaddai, but instead, it was Ray Vargas, who couldn’t match the charisma and popularity of Bro. Mike.