SINCE assuming his role as the league's newest chairman, Angelito Alvarez is optimistic that his plans would benefit the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and as well as the people behind it especially the players. "I' am very confident the PBA will rise to popularity and soon become effective in terms of earning incomes," said Alvarez, who explained his upcoming plans to the team's official website www.bkpba.com. "I only hope the groundbreaking takes place during my term." Alvarez proposed to the board earlier the amendment of the league's constitution and-by-laws to allow the conversion of the PBA from an organization to a corporation, with the commissioner serving as chief executive officer. He is also planning to pursue the league's dream – building its own state-of-the-art arena or court venue somewhere in Manila. "On top of the P1.2 billion the league has earmarked for this year, we will also be looking at reviving the grand plan of constructing a permanent venue for the PBA," Alvarez said. Alvarez, also the president of Air21, a company owned by Bert Lina, also informed that he wants to revive the three-conference format, tap imports from Asian countries like in China and South Korea and seven venues for seven different play dates. Besides, he also eyes the inclusion of expansion teams to complete a 12-team roster, a women's tournament, brand alliances, and partnership with a developmental league, where he considered the Liga Pilipinas as one. "Expansion teams can bring in more revenue, and sponsors like Kia Motors could come in if we tap, say, Korean players for imports," Alvarez explained. "The opportunity for growth is really big." There will be more meeting to come, according to Alvarez, to discuss the proposals especially the planned of turning the league into incorporation. "But we're definitely going to pursue this," he said. Fellow board members have expressed confidence to Alvarez, a corporate man who rose from the ranks starting from his job at SGV then with Advance Micro Devices before moving over to the Lina Group of Companies. He's an accounting graduate from Far Eastern University and certified CPA board passer. Alvarez, 51, is Muntinlupa native married to Maria Vilma with six kids in Marv, Rich Francis, Ross Kenneth, Angeli, Iverson and Maui. He is also looking for the best way to improve the league's officiating, the league's marketing programs and the league's contribution to the national team. Commissioner Sonny Barrios of the PBA also believes on Alvarez's plans. "Mr. Alvarez is a dynamic person who knows the value of media mileage and exposure. Likewise, I'm sure he will greatly contribute to making the league more attractive to the watching public and more responsive to the fans' concerns," he said.