PBA should "Go5"

Imagine Kidlat's new foes:
Calvin Abueva, Ronald Tubid
and Beau Belga

We ask all our readers to bear with us as we write about a topic probably as PBA-related as a Kris Aquino-James Yap story or a "who's he sleeping with" piece if only because it doesn't directly review/ criticize a certain player or game.

Today we want to discuss AKTV (and TV5) chair Manny V. Pangilinan's decision to not renew their block time (think Eat Bulaga's owning company- TAPE's relation with GMA 7) agreement with IBC 13 once it expires this May 2013. As of press time, AKTV has officially sought the PBA Board's approval in airing the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals on the "mother ship" TV5 much like they did for the NCAA just a few months back.

To that, we say "do it."

Wowowillie, which is the biggest timeslot-hogging show (and arguably the only one that makes a dent on the local rating wars), has been moved to the noon slot which pretty much opens things up for the PBA games which airs Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from roughly 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Though TV5 has a couple of b-level soaps running (the one with the "other" Abrenica and Nora Aunor, plus Derek Ramsey's "could've been awesome but lost its luster mid-way" Kidlat series), we argue that true money and ratings can come by way of the PBA. At the moment, AKTV's not making a lot through commercials for some reason. But for every woman and teen that is hooked on to tearjerkers, there are those who prefer watching competitive sports-- none better than the PBA.

This way, our dream for the PBA could also be realized. The league has 10 teams, with over 12 players each all with different personalities. This is a breeding ground for showmen. When the game's over, we believe that you can build a valid sitcom with Benjie Paras and Willie Miller. Chris Tiu's already got the hosting gig down pat. There are other showmen in the PBA as well who can do a bunch of things in different genres.

Hell, if they can't host, then at the very least they could be Kidlat's next muscle-bound, tall and athletic villain (Alex Crisano FTW).

See, if AKTV only does this for the PBA Finals then it would be moot. If they're not going to renew with IBC 13 that leaves them with RPN9 and NBN 4 as local channels. It's hard to imagine TV5 partnering with ABS CBN (via the UAAP channel Studio 23)-- who could very well make cash cows of the PBA by way of the AFC. A deal with GMA 7? They'll be undoubtedly sent to the GMA News channel 11 which isn't as strong in other areas.

A move to RPN 9 or NBN 4 would be ill-conceived since this would be a lateral move to an even "weaker" station that no one bothers to even watch.

So yeah, AKTV should just "come home" and air the games full time on TV5.