Kapuso viewers abroad who are avid basketball fans can now watch the games of National Basketball League (NBL) Philippines on GMA News TV International (GNTV-I) beginning today, March 14.
GMA International (GMAI) recently inked a partnership with NBL, the newest community-based league which showcases homegrown talents, to air its second conference abroad via GNTV-I, the Philippines’ most trusted news source which provides Filipinos overseas the latest, most comprehensive and credible news from home.
The signing was led by GMAI First Vice President and Head of Operations Joseph Francia and Assistant Vice President and Programming Head Cheri Domingo, together with NBL Pilipinas Corp. President and Chairman Celso “Soy” Mercado; Executive Vice President Rhose Montreal; and Vice President and Basketball Operations Head Edward Aquino.
Francia shared how Pinoys abroad look forward to watching local basketball games and how much they enjoy playing basketball in their communities. “Hinahanap talaga ng mga Kapuso natin sa abroad ‘yung basketball and according to our Kapuso values that ‘the viewer is boss’, we follow what the viewer wants. If the viewers want sports, specifically basketball, we have to give it to them.”
“On behalf of GMA Network, it’s an honor for us to be able to take your [NBL] games to your relatives and friends abroad. Hopefully, through this little effort of ours, muling mabuhay yung pagmamahal ng mga Pinoy sa sports lalo na sa communities abroad,” Francia added.
On the other hand, Mercado said that this will be their league’s platform to show their fellow Filipinos how much they take pride on their players’ skills.
“GMA is NBL’s first-ever local TV partner and we will join forces to emphasize na maraming mahuhusay na homegrown players and talents na hindi nabibigyan ng pagkakataon to play with other leagues. Sa season na ito, sana mabigyan natin ng kasiyahan ang mga kababayan nating nasa ibang bansa dahil ito yung larong Pinoy.”
Also present during the signing were Kapuso celebrities and basketball enthusiasts Benjamin Alves and Gil Cuerva as well as representatives from various teams.
Participating teams for NBL’s second conference are Bulacan Starks, Cainta Titans, Camarines Sur Express, Dasmariñas Ballers, Imus Bandila, Iriga Oragons, Laguna Pistons, Nueva Ecija Ricemaker, Pampanga Delta, Pasig Rios, Parañaque Aces, Quezon City Rising Stars, Rizal Nationals, Taguig Generals, and Zamboanga Valientes.
Catch the airing abroad of the National Basketball League’s second conference beginning today, March 14,only on GMA News TV International. To subscribe, visit www.gmanetwork.com/international/subscribe.
