Ina Ongsiako: The Green Archers’ leading lady

Aside from the latest batch of rookies added to the DLSU Green Archers’ arsenal and a new head coach in Juno Sauler, a new woman will also be making her debut on the sidelines and will be with the Green-and-White throughout the entire season. Magic 89.9 Junior Jock and La Salle’s very own Ina Ongsiako will be making her way to the UAAP’s sidelines as one of the newest courtside reporters this season, delivering constant updates to the community from DLSU’s huddles.

The road to the UAAP sidelines

An Assumption College San Lorenzo high school alumna, Ina Ongsiako is now in her fifth year in DLSU and is taking up AB Psychology. Prior to becoming a Junior Jock and DLSU’s courtside reporter, Ongsiako spent the better part of her college years focused on serving the student body as an active member of the University Student Government (USG).

In the 2012 USG General Elections, Ongsiako ran for an Executive Board position in the USG, but lost in the race. She did not let this hinder her though, and her loss opened up enough time for her to audition for a spot in Magic 89.9’s Junior Jock roster where she was eventually accepted.

The achievement paved the way for Ongsiako’s talent in broadcasting to be noticed by the public, and it was Magic 89.9 DJ and former Univeristy of the Philippines courtside reporter Riki Flores – dubbed as Rikiflo on air – himself who introduced her to the world of courtside reporting in the UAAP.

After a much needed push from friends and other Junior Jocks, Ongsiako submitted her resume to the league, armed with her passion for the industry as an asset for the upcoming rounds of the selection process.

“I got intrigued by it and I wanted to expand my knowledge in the industry, but I was never confident about it then. I finally decided to send in my resume, and it was actually my friends who pushed me to send it as in they told me that they won’t leave my side until I send it. My fellow Junior Jocks also coached me to go for it and they gave me the confidence to apply for it,” shares Ongisako.

Upon receiving confirmation of her application in the UAAP, Ongsiako underwent a series of tasks, such as an interview with the league’s panel of judges, a personal interview with the Green Archers as the subject, and live simulation as a courtside reporter with an on-the-spot interview with Ateneo’s Kiefer Ravena.

Eventually, with her credentials giving her an additional boost, Ongsiako was selected by the UAAP as DLSU’s official courtside reporter for UAAP 76. She bested 10 other candidates for the spot, two of whom also hailed from DLSU.

Preliminary reports

As the UAAP wars begin, Ongsiako shares why the DLSU fans and supporters shouldn’t worry about the upcoming season. She says, “They’re adjusting to the new system since it’s a new coach and a new coaching style, but I see them every day and I see them being disciplined mentally and physically. I think we can expect a lot from the team this year. I’m sure they’ll deliver what’s expected from them.”