While De La Salle University and Adamson University played against each other last Sunday in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Football Tournament in the UP Diliman Football Field, both teams were commentated on by an alumnus who won the competition twice in his collegiate career.
Jarvey Gayoso, who played for the Ateneo Blue Eagles from 2016 to 2019, observed the action from the grandstand and served as a commentator for the league’s broadcaster Cignal. It was the 6-foot-1 forward’s first time commentating on a UAAP game and it was something he enjoyed doing.
“Different experience,” said the two-time UAAP gold medalist. “It was fun. You get to see the dynamics of how you host an event like this for football. Being a player for the longest time, you only come to the game and play, right?
“But here you appreciate everything in the back end of events like the UAAP. It’s nice. It’s a great experience. It’s a different experience as well.”
Gayoso currently plays for Kaya-Iloilo in the Philippines Football League. He has scored seven goals so far for the LBC-backed club, which is currently leading the standings with an 11-point gap over closest challengers Dynamic Herb Cebu.
The national team player had free time thanks to Kaya-Iloilo having no game and he decided to put it to good use by trying something new.
“I got a message from one of the producers. I guess they were looking for alumni players from the UAAP. I wanted to try it para maiba lang. I’d come here to watch the UAAP games anyway so might as well experience it differently,” said the former Azkals Development Team star.
Getting out of one’s comfort zone to try something new is always daunting. Thankfully for Gayoso, he was partnered up with an industry veteran, Jing Jamlang, who serves as the media and marketing head for Kaya-Iloilo.
Jamlang’s presence made things smooth for the Ateneo alumnus, who enjoyed their time on commentary together.
“I work with Jing in Kaya so it was easy. He helped me out a lot, being my first time. Rookie pa lang siyempre pero he was very professional and he made it a lot more easy for me to adjust,” said Gayoso.
Gayoso’s commentary debut saw La Salle earn its first win of the season via a 3-0 drubbing at Adamson’s expense. Coincidentally, it was a match that saw him commentate on the team of his uncle Alvin Ocampo, who is a coach for the Green Archers.
There is no word as to when he will have another chance to commentate but if the opportunity arrives, he is willing to give it another go.
“Based on my work, it depends on what other people would say if they like it or not but I am open to doing that, giving my own opinions when it comes to the game of football.”
