''Bossing' na lang para patok sa masa,' bares Sy
Is a partnership between PBA team Blackwater and popular comedian Vic Sotto in the works?
Blackwater owner Dioceldo Sy said Saturday that is a possibility after he opted to change the team’s moniker from Elite to Bossing, which they intend to apply for when the league resumes with the Philippine Cup.
“Not yet. Maybe next year pag wala na COVID-19… Let’s see,” said Sy said in a message to Manila Bulletin. “Positivity and good vibes is the best way to fight COVID-19.”
The decision to replace the moniker to ‘Bossing’ was announced by Sy when he guested on The Chasedown on Cignal TV’s One PH Saturday afternoon – a name he believes is more likable to PBA fans.
“Hindi na sila Blackwater Elite… Bossing na,” said Sy. “We like to make it more ‘masa.' Kapag Bossing, parang ‘elite’ na yan e… so Bossing na lang para patok sa masa natin.”
As for Sotto, who is known as ‘Bossing’ perhaps not only in the entertainment industry but the entire country, Sy said he admires and respects the veteran TV host comedian of the longest-running noontime show Eat Bulaga.
“Idol natin si Vic e… Bossing,” said Sy, whose team has been called Elite since its entry in the PBA as an expansion team in 2014.
With a new moniker, Sy is looking forward to a good performance if the league resumes with the All-Filipino conference, which only had its opening last March 8 before play was canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Sy said he is optimistic about Blackwater’s chances since it has the “nucleus” of the UAAP 2015 champion Far Eastern University, including Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia, Richard Escoto and Ron Dennison.
“Mukhang ngayon tayo makaka-tsamba ng semis or finals,” said Sy.
The change of moniker may also be part of the healing process after Sy’s controversial statements a few weeks ago that led to the team being fined P100,000 by the PBA.
Sy inadvertently mentioned the word ‘practice’ when he had a meeting with the coaching staff led by new mentor Nash Racela, when in fact a few players only had shooting drills.
Due to the fine, Sy threatened to sell his franchise for P150 million, which he eventually retracted. Sy apologized to PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and to Games and Amusements Board chairman Baham Mitra for his statements.
"Of course it’s here to stay. Nabigla lang tayo, para tayong Mayon Volcano e. Pumutok lang, after putok normal na - mabait na naman yan. Once in a blue moon lang yan," said Sy.
"Pasensya na sa lahat, pati kay chairman Baham Mitra, alam ko nasaktan siya pero nag-apologize na tayo," he added.