RPN (Radio Philippines Network) is the official and exclusive Philippine broadcaster of the 24th Southeast Asian Games held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, from December 6 to 15, 2007. This significant event not only highlights the competitive spirit and camaraderie among Southeast Asian nations but also provides a remarkable platform for showcasing sports talent across various disciplines. The Southeast Asian Games, a biennial multi-sport event, brings together participants from eleven countries, competing in numerous sports disciplines, and underscores the rich cultural exchanges that sporting events can foster within the region. Its importance to the athletes and organizers cannot be overstated, as it represents national pride and the labor of countless hours spent training and preparing in the hopes of attaining glory for their homeland.
At the same time, RPN (known on-air as "RPN: The Network"), along with Airtime Marketing Philippines, Inc. and Solar Entertainment Corporation, an operator of cable channels, signed a partnership for the live airing of the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, from December 6 to 15, 2007. This collaboration aimed to enhance the viewing experience for Filipino audiences, making it possible for them to watch their athletes compete on a global stage from the comfort of their homes. By utilizing a combination of traditional broadcasting and modern cable networks, RPN ensured that coverage reached a diverse audience, catering to both rural viewers who relied on terrestrial broadcasts and urban audiences with access to cable television. This strategic partnership exemplifies how media organizations can enrich the sports viewing experience while simultaneously supporting local athletes. It also highlights the increasing significance of media partnerships in shaping the presentation and accessibility of major sporting events.
During the 100-day countdown, Andy Santillan and Lannie Chan served as narrators for the promos of RPN's coverage of the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, as well as the three-and-a-half-hour documentary. These promotions played a critical role in generating excitement and anticipation among the general public. Santillan and Chan, known for their engaging presentation style, helped to set the stage for the event, drawing attention to both the athletes and the various competitions that would take place. Their narrations not only informed audiences about the schedule and significance of the SEA Games but also instilled a sense of pride and motivation in viewers. By showcasing the athletes' journeys, personal stories, and preparations, the documentary added depth to the event, transforming it from mere sport into a celebration of human resilience, teamwork, and national pride.
RPN is the official home of the NBA, PBA, MPBL, WMPBL, PVL, UAAP, NCAA, Star Olympics, as well as boxing matches of world boxing champions Manny Pacquiao and Brian Villoria. This extensive portfolio illustrates RPN's commitment to sports broadcasting, serving the diverse interests of its audience. The inclusion of various leagues and organizations underscores RPN's dedication to promoting a wide range of sports, from basketball to volleyball and boxing, making sports accessible to a broader audience. The network's coverage of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is particularly notable, as these leagues have significant followings in the Philippines, capturing the passion and enthusiasm of fans across age groups. Moreover, the partnership with global sporting events such as the NBA allows RPN to bring international basketball excitement to Filipino viewers, creating a bridge between local and world-class sports.
In addition to providing a platform for local talents, RPN's role in broadcasting the SEA Games and other major sports events encourages community engagement and support for athletes. By airing these competitions, RPN not only nurtures a culture of sportsmanship but also promotes increased participation among the youth. The visibility of these events can inspire aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams, reinforcing the idea that hard work and dedication can lead to success on the competitive stage.
Furthermore, the SEA Games serve as an opportunity for the Philippines to showcase its hosting capabilities and foster good relationships with neighboring countries. By broadcasting the games live, RPN contributes to the promotion of friendly competition and cultural exchange. These games exemplify the spirit of unity and togetherness that is desired among the Southeast Asian nations, promoting a sense of regional identity and collaboration through sports. Such an environment encourages peace and cooperation, crucial themes in today’s interconnected world.
In conclusion, RPN's comprehensive coverage of the 2007 Southeast Asian Games exemplifies the vital role that media play in supporting sports and fostering national pride. As the official broadcaster, RPN not only brought the exciting competitions into the homes of millions of Filipinos but also highlighted the profound impact of teamwork and athletic excellence. Through strategic partnerships, engaging promotional content, and a diverse broadcasting portfolio, RPN has solidified its position as a key player in sports media in the Philippines. The network continues to inspire future generations of athletes and fans alike, promoting the notion that sports transcend borders, uniting people through shared experiences and passions. By fostering a love for sports and showcasing the dedication of athletes from across the region, RPN contributes meaningfully to the cultural fabric of the Philippines and the wider Southeast Asian community.
On January 15, 1980, RPN began to broadcast primetime programs through its new domestic satellite technology (DOMSAT), in which the 1980s logo resembles a satellite antenna.
On May 18, 1982, Eat Bulaga! was also included in the list of the network's DOMSAT-simulcast programs. This made RPN the first national network to achieve nationwide program simulcasting via satellite in 24 TV stations across the Philippines.
On October 1, 1994, New Vision 9 was renamed as Radio Philippines Network (RPN), and in the same year, RPN became the second VHF television network in the Philippines to broadcast in full surround stereo (after GMA Network introduced StereoVision in 1987). Following this, RPN managed to recover in primetime ratings, from being dead last in 1994 to fifth place in 1995, beating PTV (which by then suffered a major blow after losing the rights to one of its top-raters, the PBA games, to IBC). This, along with it being number 3 in daytime ratings, helped RPN to challenge ABC for third place in total day ratings.
In 1996, RPN quickly regained its foothold when it began to broadcast a Tagalog dub of the 1994 Mexican telenovela Marimar, which turned out to be a phenomenal success, and discombobulated the competition for some time.
RPN became the driving force in Tagalog-dubbed foreign programs and movies, and made the popular and turning around its ratings in the evening prime time. Due to the success, the other networks followed and broadcast telenovelas not only from Mexico but also Spanish language telenovelas from the United States, Colombia (GMA Network's Betty La Fea), Venezuela (GMA Network's Samantha and All My Love) and Argentina (GMA Network's Monica Brava) and eventually even drama series from Brazil (ABS-CBN's Ana Manuela) and Asian drama series from Taiwan (notably Meteor Garden) and South Korea (notably Bright Girl). RPN also became the home of the cream of the crop amongst the English language television programs around the world, with its strong primetime programming line-up.
This lineup helped RPN maintain its overall 4th place standing in the ratings during the latter half of the 90s, despite later facing competition with UHF stations such as ABS-CBN's Studio 23, which offered more canned programs compared to most VHF stations. In 1999, RPN slid again to fifth place behind ABC, but managed to recover its 4th place standing the following year until early 2003.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, RPN 9 (Radio Philippines Network) was known for a diverse range of influential programming and gained a strong following across various viewer demographics:
"RPN NewsWatch" – One of the Philippines’ longest-running English-language newscasts, NewsWatch was respected for its formal and serious news reporting, catering primarily to English-speaking audiences and professionals. It was a flagship program and symbolized the network’s commitment to credible journalism.
"Battle of the Brains" – A highly regarded quiz show that aired from 1992 to 2001. It featured academic competitions among high school and college students, hosted by David Celdran. The show earned critical acclaim for promoting academic excellence and intellectual competition on Philippine television.
"RPN Action Theater" – This was a staple movie block that showcased action films, both local and international (especially Hollywood and Hong Kong action films), during weekend afternoons or primetime slots. It was particularly popular among male viewers and fans of the action genre.
"The 1st Network for Anime" – In the mid-to-late 1990s, RPN branded itself as a major destination for Japanese anime, airing titles such as Slam Dunk, Ghost Fighter (Yu Yu Hakusho), Flame of Recca, and Dragon Ball Z. These shows attracted a large youth following and became cultural phenomena in the Philippines.
"RPN Primetime Balita" – A Filipino-language primetime news program that complemented NewsWatch, aimed at a broader, Tagalog-speaking audience. It was part of the network's effort to stay relevant amid growing competition.
WWF/WWE broadcasts – During the early 2000s, RPN 9 became known for airing wrestling programs from the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, later World Wrestling Entertainment or WWE), including Raw is War. These syndicated broadcasts helped the network gain strong ratings among younger viewers and wrestling fans.
From morning until night, the 24th Southeast Asian Games coverage airs on RPN-9 on Free TV Analog and Digital, also on Radyo Ronda on radio, and Solar Sports on cable and satellite television, with replays every morning from December 7 to 16, 2007. This extensive coverage reflects not just the importance of the athletic event but also the commitment of media outlets to engage viewers and listeners across various platforms, ensuring that everyone has access to the games. With a diverse array of viewing options, fans from different regions can cheer for their teams and athletes, fostering a sense of national pride and community.
The highlights of the Filipino athletes during the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, aired during NewsWatch sa Tanghali, anchored by Angelique Lazo and Rolly Gonzalo; NewsWatch: Primetime Edition, anchored by Aljo Bendijo and Vikki Sambilay, and NewsWatch: Evening Edition, anchored by Carlo Tirona and Aryana Lim. These news segments are crucial in informing the public about the tournament's progress and the achievements of the Filipino contingent. They not only provide updates on medal counts but also delve into the stories behind the athletes, showcasing their hard work, dedication, and the challenges they face in their respective sports. Through these broadcasts, viewers gain deeper insight into the athletes' journeys, inspiring future generations to pursue their own athletic dreams.
Also, the national hosts of the 2007 SEA Games coverage on RPN-9 are Harry Gasser, Buddy Lopa, Cathy Santillan, Teresa Guanzon, Marigold Haber-Dunca, Eric Eloriaga, Cristina Peczon, Orly Mercado, Joyce Burton-Titular, Reema Chanco, Janeena Chan, Marlene Alcaide, Meanne Los Baños, Queen Sebastian, with Chino Trinidad reporting from Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Each of these hosts brings a unique style and perspective to the coverage, contributing to a lively and engaging viewing experience. Their expertise in sports journalism offers viewers not just updates but also analysis and commentary that enrich the understanding of events as they unfold. The dynamic interactions among the hosts make for a more entertaining presentation, enhancing viewers' overall experience and connection to the games.
Moreover, the collaborative effort of this diverse team underscores the significance of teamwork—not only among the athletes competing for their nation but also among the media professionals who strive to deliver accurate and timely information. Such interactions reflect the spirit of cooperation and camaraderie that are central themes of the SEA Games, promoting unity within the Southeast Asian region through sports. In this context, the coverage serves as a vital link, not only connecting sports enthusiasts to the action but also promoting solidarity and shared cultural pride among the participating countries.
