Game 7 of the recently concluded PBA Fiesta Conference Finals between Ginebra and Air 21 was a milestone on many levels. The game not only concluded a phenomenal winning run by Ginebra all the way to championship glory, it also served as a fitting valedictory address for ABC Sports.

For close to five years, 9 conferences, 5 seasons and over 1,000 televised games, the Sports Division of the Associated Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) worked hand-in-hand with the PBA in delivering basketball games to living rooms all over the country. As such, it was only proper that ABC finished its commitment to the PBA with a Game 7 Ginebra victory. After all, the network began its relationship with the league with a Ginebra win back in 2004.

Standing behind the goalpost nearest to the South Gate, one could truly appreciate the massive attendance — over 20,000 fans — for Game 7. Every big moment on the hard court was welcomed with a thundering roar from the pro-Ginebra crowd. Kudos likewise to Air 21’s die-hard corps of fans, The UBE Republic. For any series that goes the distance, one has to salute the devotees of both teams who fight, scream and grin through the maddening pressure of 7 pulsating games.

You take in the spectacular view, inhale the wondrous smell of championship basketball and listen to the floor-pounding jet-plane murmur of a Game 7 crowd waiting for the big game to start. That’s when the realization kicks in.

The PBA is hardwired to the Filipino DNA. This is not to say that ALL Filipinos are die-hard fans of PBA teams. But we can all agree that ALL Filipinos know of the PBA and its integration, whether direct or indirect, in the fabric of Pinoy culture. Since the league is so ingrained in Philippine sports and entertainment, the PBA is thus, a shared commodity. Ownership of the league is a community matter. Run by professionals, top-billed by stars, Owned by the people. Owned by the fans.

And so ABC Sports passes the PBA torch to its next broadcast partner, Solar Sports (which begins its duties with the PBA Rookie Draft) and wishes them all the best. ABC, now TV5, a new network opting to go in a different direction, has shaken hands with the PBA and, like true sportsmen, thanks it for 5 seasons of highlights, championships and a shared legacy. For at the end of the day, those of us tasked to cover the games, especially the games that define what the PBA means to most Filipinos, are but caretakers of a shared culture, a sporting heritage, a long-standing tradition. 

The stars of UAAP basketball aren’t limited to the sweaty ballers from the participating schools. If you’re a fan of the league, the faces at the sidelines will also surely catch your attention. And one of these unforgettable faces is chinita Atenean Lia Cruz, the indefatigable former UAAP Courtside Reporter. And we here at FHM.com.ph were lucky enough to share a word with this TV host, commercial model, and deejay.

Check out our exclusive interview where she reveals what Norman Black is like, how it is working with George Rocha, and the perks of being a sportscaster.

Photo by Jesse Herrera

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