IN THE age of digital media, tools for content creation have increased creative freedom and allowed people to pursue their own ventures. Alongside this sudden growth, podcasters have also become more prominent in shaping sports content by letting voices in sports echo beyond the broadcast booth.
From intriguing discussions to historic deep dives, these are the stories of Ateneans who have chosen to wield the mic and deliver compelling narratives through their voices.
Finding their voice
Before forming the Boleros podcast, Gab Lim (BS HSc ‘13), Sam Santos (ADMU HS ‘09), and Maui Yap (BS MGT ‘13) started as avid fans of the game. During their years in Ateneo, basketball was all they ever talked about among themselves. It was also around this time that Santos and Lim had dabbled with the idea of starting a podcast.
Since then, the Boleros have risen to fame as a podcast that consistently reports on the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Basketball tournament. They have also expanded their reach by covering local preseason basketball contests as well as episodes on the National Basketball Association (NBA).
On the other hand, Sixth Man host Nico Rocha saw podcasting as a means to achieve the dream of being a sportscaster despite having no prior experience in commentating. With a concentration in Gilas Pilipinas, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), and UAAP content, the Ateneo alumnus has managed to build a recognizable brand.
However, both Boleros and Rocha recalled experiencing low viewership in their early podcasting stages. Despite this, they remained consistent and persistent in producing content, which eventually paid off, as both found a turning point in their respective careers.
The UAAP’s 85th season proved to be a turning point for the Boleros, with heightened fanfare surrounding the Ateneo-UP Men’s Basketball finals clash. With Yap becoming a new addition to the podcast, the trio forged their unique proposition as one of the first to report on major sports news.
Rocha, on the other hand, capitalized on major sporting events and produced multiple episodes a week on big games like Gilas Pilipinas outings. He acknowledged that such events are key to increasing viewership and making a name in the online sphere, as it sparks conversation and give consumers a space to share their insights.
The Boleros’ and Rocha’s steady rise marked a shift from simply talking about games to shaping how audiences experienced them. In doing so, they began drawing listeners into deeper, more engaged forms of fandom.
Forging connections
For Boleros and Rocha, transforming listeners into a dedicated fan base for sports came naturally, given their authenticity.
While interest remained focused on podcasts with athlete hosts and in-depth statistics, these creators carved out their own space in multimedia by leaning on their perspectives as fans.
Boleros discussed topics on Pilipinas Live and moments involving the crowd: elements that only those watching the game can experience. For Yap, the balance between game analysis and fan-centered insights allowed them to cater to all viewers—from new fans to longtime UAAP supporters.
The trio mentioned how their videos are watched by groups of people, who crave for more conversations about the game when it ends. “If you are passionate about something, you want to discuss and have feelings about it,” Lim explained.
Echoing this sentiment, Rocha identified long-form content as the best way to turn casual viewers into devoted fans, as it keeps them engaged with ongoing sports developments. He cited how podcasters themselves gain new insights from reading the comments on their videos, underscoring how discourse can deepen one’s understanding of sports.
Rocha also added that podcasts play a role in promoting sports because it allows Filipinos to relax and unite over their passions. The entertainers’ relatability engages audiences across all generations, as noted by Santos in how Filipino families connect through their content.
For Boleros and Rocha, their podcast—which was once just a hobby—has evolved into a much more impactful community for people to bond over basketball.
Expanding horizons
With podcasts influencing the way athletes and stories of the game are perceived, Lim, Santos, Yap, and Rocha are not exempt from upholding factual information and fair judgment.
“The point of our podcasts is to never use them to tear someone down. […] You just stick to the facts, you just stick to the numbers,” Rocha explained.
Similarly, Lim reminded content creators to be authentic, but not offensive. He claimed that, for their part, Boleros discusses only official UAAP news. As their audience includes younger children, Yap stressed that the group also tries to avoid profane language and sports-gambling sponsors to eliminate negative influences.
Aside from carrying a responsibility, the Boleros emphasized the value of content diversification, especially in the Philippines, where basketball continues to dominate the sports landscape. They believe other sports will gain traction in the country if there are platforms dedicated to sharing stories about them.
Meanwhile, Rocha’s Sixth Man podcast recently released a volleyball episode about the UAAP—content that he observed the public has long clamored for.
To illustrate this demand, Rocha noted how the video drew 1,000 views in 24 hours—surpassing their first few basketball content videos, which got around 100 views. While these figures are not meant to pit one sport over the other, it highlights the potential of other sports podcasts to thrive when backed by strong personalities with vast knowledge.
Recognizing the influence of podcasts, the former Ateneans all agreed that the medium can expand a sport’s fan base. Still, they issued a clear warning: without consistency, overcoming the challenges of promoting a sport is unlikely.
“You have to have that grit to consistently churn out content even when nobody is listening in,” Santos expressed. He highlighted how fans are drawn into content that reflects genuine passion and unwavering commitment in every video.
Built by fans, for the fans
Through hard work and dedication, podcasting has proven that it can be a testament to how a shared passion for sports can build communities and promote discourse. Through consistency, timing, and authenticity, the likes of Boleros and Rocha have grown their audiences while remaining grounded in fairness and fact-based discussion.
As their platforms grew, the Boleros and Rocha shared how they strengthened their connection with audiences. To them, turning casual listenership into a more engaged following was a result of fans finding familiarity through consistency in their content.
In addition, they recognize that having a large fanbase entails a huge responsibility. Both creators emphasized grounding themselves in the truth to build a space for safe and entertaining discussion.
Ultimately, the Boleros and Rocha remind listeners that beneath the endless debates and media noise lies a simple but powerful driving force that is shared across voices, platforms, and communities: the love of the game.
