EDITORS DESK
The pandemonium that has made waves through the internet couldn’t be more alive at this point. A simple question on preference — basketball or volleyball — split the country into half and now a social divide was born. For months, volleyball has truly been the darling of the crowd, and like a thunderbolt, the mayhem was quick but the glare caught everyone's attention — and also unsolicited opinions.
Yet, in the past weeks, basketball, the unofficial national pastime — unseated or not, that’s also part of the spectrum of debates — is having a comeback to the nation’s consciousness with a PBA Finals series for the ages.
Resurgence, perhaps? Or is it really a question on popularity?
See, while volleyball has attracted throngs of roaring fans, with thousands marching heavily toward arenas to watch the action-packed game live and feel the competitive atmosphere in the flesh, PBA, which has obviously seen a drastic drop in gate attendance, has a massive footprint in online platforms that could match, or even surpass, viewership records, be it on Facebook, Youtube, and other legitimate — some illegal — sites or pages.
And it all boils down to the financial capacity, the convenience or comfort, of the targeted fans: Why would I go to PBA venues if I can watch it online and save hundreds of pesos? Heck, I can follow the games through my smartphone while I relax on my couch, or maybe aboard an EDSA carousel bus, a UV Express, a jeepney, while I traverse through Metro Manila’s horrendous traffic.
Volleyball has earned its stripes and the growth was anticipated. From the formation of commercial leagues in early 2000s, to the rise of collegiate tournaments who have harnessed the potential of today's superstars, volleyball deserves all the good reception.
And who wouldn’t be? Volleyball came as a redeemer when basketball slowly lost its footing. People would argue the obvious reasons, or rather some who would not choose to fake the pleasantries: less interesting games, predictable results, favorable trades and the what nots, and domination of the few, giant conglomerates that all but tainted the image of the PBA.
Then, the fans wanted something fresh. After the pandemic, they felt the craving for interaction of living the absolute freedom and away from years of restricted action. Volleyball was the choice, and the hot trend. They have teams who are armed to the teeth and competitive; and the players who have the skill, the right attitude, and above all, the charisma — to be liked and followed.
While volleyball has continued its lofty status at the moment, Meralco and San Miguel gifted us with a Finals to remember, with the former winning the series in six games for its first title in franchise history, and a dampener to the Beermen’s title bid as they were the fiercest squad in the last 10 years.
The Finals was the talk of the town, and for good measure, it was a worthy Game 6 to look back to when Meralco slayed the giants in front of a sizable crowd at the Big Dome. An image of birth, a new chapter, for the new champions, and a resurrection, or most likely, a response, to those who doubted the playing field. Word is parity for the league that is thriving for renewed greatness.
And, for a moment, the social media was in jubilation. Like when the country celebrated the success of Alas Pilipinas, the toast of Philippine women’s volleyball, who delivered an unforgettable performance in the AVC Challenge Cup three weeks ago. The Filipinos made known their excitement and praise for a wonderful and well-fought PBA Finals.
At the end of the day, it is a matter of choice: A fan is entitled to cheer for volleyball in the afternoon, and maybe reserve attention for a basketball game in the evening. One way or another, the two worlds can co-exist.
The fans did not leave the PBA, they just had an option.
Volleyball struck our hearts, but basketball is woven firmly in our culture. After all, it's a win-win for Philippine sports.
(Ramon Rafael C. Bonilla is the Sports Editor of Manila Bulletin.)