MOA Arena Management to Replace Meralco Items as they Promise

Management of the SM Mall of Asia Arena has promised to replace the items stolen from members of the Meralco Bolts after a locker room theft last Wednesday, according to a PBA official.

“Officers of the MOA Arena want to keep their strong relationship with the Meralco Bolts, who have a corporate box in the venue, and the PBA,” Rhose Montreal, the league’s licensing manager, told InterAKTV. “That’s why they committed to replace all the losses of the victims which include cash, iPads, credit cards, and other valuable belongings.”

Montreal added that MOA Arena management will meet with the league to ensure that the incident will not be repeated. Arena management, according to Montreal, has decided to increase security at the venue by about 40 percent.

“This is to ensure tighter security and to make sure that everything will be under control in the remaining two play dates the PBA will have in this arena in the elimination round. If you will notice, there are exit doors for specific teams while previous doors were bolted down already while 30 to 40 percent additional securities were deployed,”

Despite the unfortunate incident, the PBA doubleheader at the MOA Arena venue drew a standing-room-only crowd in the lower box and general admission sections.

“There will have a series of meetings between the PBA and MOA Arena regarding the possibility of holding semis and finals games here,” said Montreal.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Meralco Bolts , PBA , SM MOA Arena

'Problema namin yung third quarter', LA Tenorio Reason for Ginebra’s losing streak

LA Tenorio is the newest member of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, but he isn’t afraid to point out problems with the team this early in his tenure.

The spitfire guard, acquired in the offseason in a five-team blockbuster trade, said the team’s sluggish performances after the halftime break is the reason behind the Gin Kings’ three-game slide.

“Problema namin yung third quarter. Doon kami nagiging matamlay. Doon kami napag-iiwanan. Kailangan maglaro kami ng strong third quarter para hindi kami laging naghahabol,” said Tenorio.

Ginebra was outscored by Petron, 26-19, in the third period of the Gin Kings loss last Sunday. In its first defeat at the hands of Meralco, the Bolts outscored Ginebra, 32-21, in the third period.

Curiously, Ginebra edged Barako Bull, 25-20, in the third quarter of their game, although the Energy Colas won the fourth quarter of that game, 24-13, to notch the victory.

But veteran guard Jayjay Helterbrand is not yet ready to push the panic button.

“It’s not about whether there’s something wrong with the team. It’s about the adjustment period. This team is an entirely different team from the previous ones that we have,” Helterbrand told InterAKTV.

“There were a lot of new players, a lot of key additions. We’re all adjusting to one another. We’re still learning one another. But we take this setbacks as valuable lessons and move forward.”

Helterbrand thinks the team hasn’t peaked yet, and he feels comfortable with the present setup of the team despite the consecutive losses.

“I would prefer losing games this early rather than losing games in the latter stretch of the tournament,” said Helterbrand. “Last season, we were winning games in the early stage, but we fell short and failed to make it to the finals of all three conferences.”

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings , Jayjay Helterbrand , LA Tenorio , PBA

Benjie Paras interviewed a "Ginebra fan"

Prior to the PBA 2013 Season opening ceremonies, Benjie Paras interviewed a girl who identified herself as a Ginebra fan. We have our doubts.

-Jaemark Tordecilla

Aktv Center , Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings , Benjie Paras , PBA

PBA New Commercial for 2013 Season

Here’s the new full-length commercial for the PBA 2013 season, which debuted during the league’s opening ceremonies on Sunday.

The video features PBA players in the Ube Republic, Gatas Republik, Barako Brigade, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Batang Pier, Bansang Meralco, Petroniverse, Bayan ng Rain or Shine, San Mig Coffee Planet, and TNT Nation.

Sa’n Ka?! Kampihan Na!

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Air 21 Express , Alaska Aces , Barako Bull , Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings , Globalport , Meralco Bolts , PBA , Petron Blaze Boosters , Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters , San Mig Coffee Mixers , Talk 'n Text Tropang Texters

Chris Ellis and Keith Jensen Eye title for Ginebra

Chris Ellis and Keith Jensen promised energy and athleticism when they were picked in the first round by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA draft.

On Sunday, the two newcomers put those on display, as they combined for 25 points and provided the effort that was appreciated by the Gin Kings veterans.

“They’re the energy guys,” said new Ginebra point guard LA Tenorio.

Jensen couldn’t believe the reception he got from the sellout crowd of 18,901, most of which was pro-Ginebra.

“The feeling was amazing. It’s incredible and it’s become more special because my loved ones were watching from the sidelines while some of our relatives and friends were watching in the United States,” Jensen told AKTV’s Erika Padilla.

Agent Charlie Dy, who represents both players, said Jensen’s mother, grandfather, and aunt flew in from the United States just to catch the players’ PBA debut.

Ellis said he was energized by the Ginebra crowd.

“When you have fans as big as the Ginebra fans, it will keep your energy going,” said Ellis. “But we have a great group of talented guys and as long as we’re playing together, we’ll be OK.”

Ellis and Jensen said they want to reward Ginebra’s legions of fans with the best gift a player can give.

“Nothing but a championship,” said the two players.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings , Chris Ellis , Keith Jensen , PBA