Sweeter the 2nd time around: CSRs return for UE, UP, FEU and Ateneo

By Josiah Albelda Posted Jun 22nd 2013

If there's one UAAP reporter who badly fell in love with the school she is reporting for, it has to be Katz Salao.

Now a graduating journalism student at the University of the Philippines, Salao has embraced the University of the East like she is a true-blue Red Warrior.

"No doubt I'm a Red Warrior," she said. "UE welcomed me to their family. I grew with them over the past year."

After the Warriors' surprise run to the FilOil championship, Salao is very excited about the Recto-based squad's chances in Season 76.

"Na-touch ako with coach Boysie (Zamar)," the 23-year-old said. "He only wants respect for UE and I want to help them get that respect. I want to be part of that."

And with the new season just a few days away, Salao can't wait for action to begin.

"You know when something amazing is about to happen and no one is looking at it," she giddily shared. "I wanna watch people get amazed at what UE will bring to the table. I'm really looking forward to it."

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"UP deserves to be represented as well as any other team."

There really is not much reason for Bea Fabregas to do another go-around as the Fighting Maroons' courtside reporter for another year. After all, UP just won once in 14 outings.

And with eight seniors graduating and a few vital cogs quitting the team or being ruled out due to injury, focusing on her career as a radio DJ could have been the easier road to take for Fabregas.

But she would have none of that, as the Iskolar ng Bayan decided that the boys in maroon should be given the trust and support like any other UAAP team receives.

"People think that just because they had a bad record, they shouldn't be represented well already," she said with a tinge of disappointment. "But I want to represent UP the best way that I can."

Now armed with more confidence and experience, Fabregas hopes that her growth as a courtside reporter will coincide with a team parading at least seven rookies this season.

"I am so excited for the freshmen," she added. "I can see a whole new level of competitions. All the teams are gonna step up and that's what would make Season 76 a lot different."

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Judy Saril didn't expect to return for a second season reporting for Far Eastern University.

But when she got informed that she would be back to do courtside chores for the Tamaraws, Saril almost cried of happiness.

"I was really praying and hoping (that I get picked again)," she said. "I really wanted to come back because I had so much fun last year."

Saril would never forget Season 75, as her FEU crew missed the Final Four for the first time in many years after enduring a dramatic tournament filled with ups, downs and, well, saliva.

Despite the debacle that was 2012, Saril is optimistic this season.

"I'm hoping that we make it to the Final Four this time," she shared. "We have a new coach and kaunti lang time to prepare. But we are very positive."

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Editor's Note: Selena Dagdag will return as Ateneo de Manila University's courtside reporter, but she was unavailable for an interview.