BEAUTY, brains, and charm. These are the words that first come to mind when one meets Makyla Chavez—a prim, soft-spoken lass with a bubbly personality. Her picture-perfect smile makes it no wonder why she bagged the title of courtside reporter for UAAP Season 81 despite being a freshman.
Made for the spotlight
Used to being in the limelight from television to print advertisements since the age of three, Makyla was never known to be shy. Whether on or off camera, she exudes warmth and displays poise that captivates everyone who meets her.
For Makyla, courtside reporting is her way of expressing her gratitude and love for the University that served as her training ground for hosting and her second home.
“Public speaking has always been my passion; hosting has always been my first love,” she shares as she relaxes inside her dressing room ahead of a shoot.
A fresh start
Makyla, who hails from the pioneer batch of UST Senior High School, still chose to stay with the Thomasian community in college. She shares that her interest in other languages and “the complexity of different cultures” inspired her to pursue asian studies.
“Ever since, I’ve always believed that UST would be a great medium to hone my skills as an individual. […] Also, most of my family members are Thomasians, hence, [I am] a fully-blood Thomasian,” she says proudly.
Behind the scenes
Aside from the skills she had to improve on and the training that she had to undergo in the process of becoming a courtside reporter, Makyla has also been preparing for her new role by immersing herself in the dynamics of the court.
“I have been attending training [sessions] of the Growling Tigers as their first match will be this September 8 […] and of course, I’ve been binge-watching a lot of games [from] the previous games and the last season, just so I could be ready,” she shares.
Makyla’s best friend, Arnette Paguirigan, says it was Makyla’s determination and strong sense of responsibility that got her this far.
“Makyla is one of the most determined […] most responsible people I know na parang she knows what she wants and ‘pag gusto niya ang isang bagay, she would really work hard for it. ‘Di na ako nagulat [nung] nakuha niya ‘yung pagiging courtside reporter kasi she’s one of the best [people] I know for the job, and at the same time, I know na she really gave her best in getting that position,” Arnette says.
Despite being caught up in the whirlwind of glamour and the responsibilities that come with it, Makyla survives the daily grind by never losing curiosity about and passion for her work.
“To be a courtside reporter is more than just facing the camera or holding the microphone—I personally enjoy the responsibility it comes with. I do enjoy seeing the athletes play their hearts out in the court,” she says.
There is no doubt that the asian studies freshman is a perfect fit for the role of courtside reporter. Even in the early stages of her new career, Makyla has already shown that she is someone to watch out for. F – Joy Therese C. Gomez and Mary Nicole P. Miranda
