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Why you need to value the vagus nerve
By now, you must have realized that the realm of wellness is expanding rapidly. There are countless discoveries about the human body and the psyche, and how intricately connected everything is to you, your outlook and disposition. There is one particular part of the body that deserves our special attention: the vagus nerve. What is it? Also known as the vagal nerves, they serve as the main nerves of the parasympathetic nervous system. The specific body functions it covers are the immune system, digestion, heart rate, respiratory rate, reflex actions (like coughing, swallowing, sneezing and vomiting). Being involuntary, it cannot be controlled. Or so most experts think. When the vagus nerve is damaged, everything can go wrong with your major organs. In fact, serious damage to this nerve can lead to a halting of digestion or gastroparesis when food in the stomach will not move into the intestines. It can also lead to fainting due to low blood pressure. It can also affect your brain. The good news is when the vagal nerves are stimulated, it could hasten healing of epilepsy and depression. What is interesting to know is that if you suffer from acid reflux, this could lead to lower back pain. And chances are, the vagus nerve must be damaged. 10 ways to boost the vagus nerve First of all, you must learn how to locate it. They run down both sides of the body from the brain to the large intestines, down the neck on both sides and wrapping around the lungs and the stomach. In Chinese medicine, the inside of the pinky finger. Take note: Overstimulation of this nerve may lead to fainting due to low blood pressure. Drink generous amounts of water. The rule is 10 to 12 glasses daily. Cold water immersion may lead to reduction of stress and exercise recovery. [caption id="attachment_148141" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of unsplash/ ghislaine-guerin | COLD water intake may lead to reduction of stress.[/caption] Drink peppermint or ginger tea before a meal to improve digestion. Eat foods rich in tryptophan (for the brain): turkey, poultry, bananas, spinach, seeds, nuts [caption id="attachment_148143" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of unsplash/jeff siepman | BANANAS are rich in trytophan.[/caption] Have regular bowel movements. Limit sugar intake. Take fermented food or consume a probiotic supplement. Cut back on red meat. Try Intermittent Fasting under the supervision of a doctor. Sing out loud. It so [caption id="attachment_148142" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of unsplash/alyssa yung | SINGING out loud soothes the vagus nerves.[/caption] Meditate to calm down the body and avoid anxiety. Affirmation: “I have nerves of steel.” Love and Light. othes the vagus nerve. (Who cares what the neighbors might say. Just sing to your heart’s content.) The post Why you need to value the vagus nerve appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NU, UST try to boost twice-to-beat chances
Defending champion National University and University of Santo Tomas would rather downplay the angle of a hyped-up rivalry and just focus on what’s at stake when they cross paths once again in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. Sharing the second spot with identical 9-3 win-loss records, both Final Four-bound squads have an opportunity to better their chances of claiming the last twice-to-beat advantage with a victory in their scheduled 11 a.m. battle. The Tigresses are on a four-game roll after five outings in the second round and are looking to take advantage of their momentum to complete an elimination head-to-head sweep of the Lady Bulldogs. UST was the last team to complete the Final Four cast after eliminating Far Eastern University from contention to join league-leading twice-to-beat De La Salle University and Adamson University in the next round. The Tigresses snapped NU’s 20-game winning streak that spanned three years in their first meeting in a thrilling come-from-behind fashion, 25-23, 27-25, 17-25, 22-25, 15-11, last 4 March. Head coach Kungfu Reyes knows that the Lady Bulldogs are out to exact revenge against them but he doesn’t want his players to get too emotional and lose focus. “We want to play volleyball and not play for the occasion. We can’t let the hype (of the game) get into our heads, otherwise, we’ll be overwhelmed,” Reyes said. “We must remain on target, on the dot, because NU surely will be.” Top Most Valuable Player contender Eya Laure, who dropped 28 points against FEU, Imee Hernandez, Regina Jurado and Milena Alessandrini will again be at the center of the Tigresses march to replicate their first round win over the Lady Bulldogs. But NU is far from the shaky team it once was. The Lady Bulldogs have also piled up four consecutive victories after their back-to-back losses at the hands of the Lady Spikers to end the first round and at the start of the second. NU has not dropped a set since then. Reigning MVP and last year’s Rookie of the Year Bella Belen acknowledges that the Lady Bulldogs are eager for payback but they need to keep their emotions in check. “We are really eager to get back at UST because they defeated us in the last round. But we need to be composed,” Belen, who had 21 points in a sweep of winless University of the East last Saturday, said. “We have to be relaxed. If we get overeager we risk committing errors.” Helping out Belen are Alyssa Solomon, Ces Robles, Vange Alinsug, setter Lams Lamina and libero Jen Nierva. Meanwhile, the sliding University of the Philippines and UE clash at 3 p.m. The Fighting Maroons are on a nine-game losing skid for a 1-11 card while the Lady Warriors try to barge into the win column after failing in their first 12 attempts. In men’s play, unbeaten NU (12-0) seeks to move closer to an outright Finals seat in a showdown against UST (10-2) at 9 a.m. while UE (4-8) looks to remain in contention for a semis seat when it clashes against UP (1-11) at 5 p.m. The post NU, UST try to boost twice-to-beat chances appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
National, Adamson gun for Final Four slots
Defending champion National University and Adamson University look to book their tickets into the Final Four when they face separate cellar-dwellers in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Lady Bulldogs, beaming with confidence after winning three straight games, face winless University of the East at 2 p.m. following the 12 p.m. encounter between the Lady Falcons and skidding University of the Philippines. With league-leading De La Salle University securing the first semifinals berth and a twice-to-beat advantage, only three Final Four seats remain up for grabs for four teams still in contention to advance to the next round. Both the Lady Bulldogs and the Lady Falcons only need to win one more game to join the Lady Spikers. NU, holding an 8-3 win-loss record tied with idle University of Santo Tomas at the second spot, is tipped to get what it wants against a team that has dropped all of its previous 11 matches. The Lady Bulldogs cruised past another semis contender Far Eastern University, 25-21, 25-14, 25-23, last Sunday. NU defeated UE in an emphatic straight sets fashion in their first meeting. Still, there’s no letting up for the Lady Bulldogs, who are not only looking to return to the Final Four but also snatching the last semis incentive. “We know we have a big chance of getting into the Final Four but what we’re focusing on now is improving how we play,” NU skipper Ces Robles said. Just like Robles, opposite spiker Alyssa Solomon, who had 18 points in the last match, knows that the Lady Bulldogs need to get past the Lady Warriors first to secure a semis spot before shifting their focus on the twice-to-beat. “We’re taking it one game at a time because all games are important now,” she said. “We have to apply what we trained and as our coaches always tell us, we have to be consistent starting training.” Denied in its first two attempts to get into the Final Four, Adamson tries for a third time against a relatively lighter opponent hobbled by an eight-game losing slump. The Lady Falcons are at solo fourth spot sporting an 8-4 slate. The Jerry Yee-mentored squad will be coming down on the Fighting Maroons hot as they seek to regain lost confidence and winning ways after a heartbreaking, 17-25, 27-25, 25-23, 23-25, 9-15, defeat at the hands of the Lady Spikers last Wednesday. Kate Santiago, who dropped 21 points in a lost cause last game, rookie Trisha Tubu and Lucille Almonte together with top setter Louie Romero are aching to get back on court to redeem themselves after back-to-back losses. But Adamson is wary of how dangerous UP is despite its series of misfortunes. Playing with nothing to lose, the Fighting Maroons could play the spoilers’ role to improve their disappointing 1-10 record and keep the Lady Falcons from entering the second round. In men’s play, reigning champion Bulldogs go for their 12th straight win in as many games at 4 p.m. against the Red Warriors (4-7) while the Falcons (1-11) and the Fighting Maroons (1-10). The post National, Adamson gun for Final Four slots appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NU boosts semis bid
Games Wednesday: (Mall of Asia Arena) 10 a.m. — FEU vs Ateneo (men’s) 12 p.m. — FEU vs Ateneo (women’s) 2 p.m. — La Salle vs Adamson (women’s) 4 p.m. — La Salle vs Adamson (men’s) Defending champion National University narrowed the Final Four race after a convincing win over Far Eastern University, 25-21, 25-14, 25-23, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The Lady Bulldogs assured themselves of at least a playoff for a semis seat with their third straight win that put them in a three-way tie at the second spot together with idle University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University with an 8-3 win-loss record. Alyssa Solomon showed the way in NU’s win that gifted league-leading De La Salle University an automatic ticket to its 13th straight Final Four appearance while booting out Ateneo de Manila University (4-7) of contention. Solomon, the reigning Best Opposite Spiker, dropped 18 points, including 17 attacks. “I’m happy with the result and, at the same time, we still have a lot to improve on. We should never be tired of learning. We also need to be confident every game,” Solomon said as she and skipper Ces Robles faced the media after head coach Karl Dimaculangan declined to grant an interview for the third straight time. Season 84 Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year Bella Belen got 14 points and accounted for 13 of the Lady Bulldogs’ 48 attack points while freshman Vange Alinsug chipped in with 12 markers, 12 digs and two excellent receptions. The Lady Tamaraws were pushed to the brink of elimination in the semis race as they slid to a 5-6 card but not after giving the Lady Bulldogs a scare in the third set. ‘I’m happy with the result and, at the same time, we still have a lot to improve on. We should never be tired of learning. We also need to be confident every game.’ FEU took a 23-21 lead on a Jovelyn Fernandez hit followed by a Solomon attack error. Back-to-back errors by the Lady Tamaraws tied the set at 23 before Belen and Robles sealed the sweep with consecutive attacks. Fernandez and Chenie Tagaod had seven markers each to lead the Morayta-based squad. The Lady Tamaraws still have an outside chance of making it to the semis if they win their last three games in the eliminations and pray that one from UST, Adamson and NU won’t reach nine wins to force a playoff for the last Final Four seat. FEU will face Ateneo, who missed the semis for the first time in 14 years, on Wednesday. In men’s play, three-peat-seeking and unbeaten Bulldogs grabbed a Final Four twice-to-beat advantage after beating the Tamaraws, 28-26, 25-21, 26-28, 25-23, for their 11th straight win. Buds Buddin led four other NU players in double figures with 24 points with all but one coming from attacks and had 22 excellent receptions. Nico Almendras and Kennry Malinis got 17 and 13 markers, respectively, while Obed Mukaba and Gerard Diao finished with 12 each for the Bulldogs’ 29th straight win overall since 2019. “It was a great game. Both teams gave their best, it’s just that we were able to exploit our advantage. Hopefully, we’ll be able to sustain our momentum in our next game,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said. The Bulldogs’ win drew the team to just three more wins to complete an elimination sweep for an outright Finals berth. A sweep by NU will force a step-ladder semifinals. The post NU boosts semis bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NU boosts semis bid
Games Wednesday: (Mall of Asia Arena) 10 a.m. -- FEU vs Ateneo (men’s) 12:00 p.m. -- FEU vs Ateneo (women’s) 2 p.m. -- La Salle vs Adamson (women’s) 4 p.m. -- La Salle vs Adamson (men’s) Defending champion National University narrowed the Final Four race after a convincing win over Far Eastern University, 25-21, 25-14, 25-23, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The Lady Bulldogs assured themselves of at least a playoff for a semis seat with their third straight win that put them in a three-way tie at the second spot together with idle University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University with an 8-3 win-loss record. Alyssa Solomon showed the way in NU’s win that gifted league-leading De La Salle University an automatic ticket to its 13th straight Final Four appearance while booting out Ateneo de Manila University (4-7) of contention. Solomon, the reigning Best Opposite Spiker, dropped 18 points, including 17 attacks. “I’m happy with the result and, at the same time, we still have a lot to improve on. We should never be tired of learning. We also need to be confident every game,” Solomon said as she and skipper Ces Robles faced the media after head coach Karl Dimaculangan declined to grant an interview for the third straight time. Season 84 Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year Bella Belen got 14 points and accounted for 13 of the Lady Bulldogs’ 48 attack points while freshman Vange Alinsug chipped in with 12 markers, 12 digs and two excellent receptions. The Lady Tamaraws were pushed to the brink of elimination in the semis race as they slid to a 5-6 card but not after giving the Lady Bulldogs a scare in the third set. FEU took a 23-21 lead on a Jovelyn Fernandez hit followed by a Solomon attack error. Back-to-back errors by the Lady Tamaraws tied the set at 23 before Belen and Robles sealed the sweep with consecutive attacks. Fernandez and Chenie Tagaod had seven markers each to lead the Morayta-based squad. The Lady Tamaraws still have an outside chance of making it to the semis if they win their last three games in the eliminations and pray that one from UST, Adamson and NU won’t reach nine wins to force a playoff for the last Final Four seat. FEU will face Ateneo, who missed the semis for the first time in 14 years, on Wednesday. In men’s play, three-peat-seeking and unbeaten Bulldogs grabbed a Final Four twice-to-beat advantage after beating the Tamaraws, 28-26, 25-21, 26-28, 25-23, for their 11th straight win. Buds Buddin led four other NU players in double figures with 24 points with all but one coming from attacks and had 22 excellent receptions. Nico Almendras and Kennry Malinis got 17 and 13 markers, respectively, while Obed Mukaba and Gerard Diao finished with 12 each for the Bulldogs’ 29th straight win overall since 2019. "It was a great game. Both teams gave their best, it’s just that we were able to exploit our advantage. Hopefully, we’ll be able to sustain our momentum in our next game," NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said. The Bulldogs’ win drew the team to just three more wins to complete an elimination sweep for an outright Finals berth. A sweep by NU will force a step-ladder semifinals. The post NU boosts semis bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rivera smashes PVL record as Chargers jolt Flying Titans
Rivera, who scored Akari's last four points, smashed the previous record of Alyssa Valdez when she scored 39 points for the Bureau of Customs Transformers when the PVL was still known as the V-League back in October 2016......»»
Cool Smashers drub HD Spikers, regain share of lead
Import Yeliz Basa shattered the HD Spikers’ defense with her stinging hits on her way to a 14-point game while Jema Galanza sizzled with 17 points and Alyssa Valdez backed them up with eight markers as Tots Carlos continued to play limited minutes coming off back issues......»»
Valdez, Creamline uupak sa AVC Cup
HINDI pa tapos ang misyon ng grupo ni Creamline Cool Smashers team captain Alyssa Valdez dahil matapos kunin ang back-to-back title sa Premier Volleyball League (PVL), pinakahuli ang Invitational Conference crown nitong Linggo, ay sunod naman nilang bubuhatin ang Pilipinas sa darating na Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Cup for Women sa Agosto 21-29 sa PhilSports Arena sa Pasig City. The post Valdez, Creamline uupak sa AVC Cup first appeared on Abante......»»
Valdez walang daga sa 2 dayong koponan
TIYAK paghahandaan nina Alyssa Valdez at naghahanap ng back-to-back title na Creamline Cool Smashers ang nakatakdang pagtatapat kontra sa dalawang foreign teams na Taipei King Whale at Kobe Shinwa Women’s University sa semifinals ng 2022 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference sa FilOil EcoOil Centre sa San Juan City. The post Valdez walang daga sa 2 dayong koponan first appeared on Abante......»»
Si Coach Boc ang game-changer ko -- Dawn Macandili
If there is one person that multi-awarded libero Dawn Macandili would give credit to for all that she has achieved in her career aside from college coach Ramil de Jesus it would be assistant coach Benson Bocboc. The quiet and soft-spoken De La Salle University deputy has been De Jesus’ numbers guy on the Lady Spikers bench, his reliable scout and a trusted strategist. [Related story: DLSU's weapon against Ateneo: Clipboard and tablet] But for Macandili he is more than just DLSU’s man who crunches numbers or the one who prepares scouting reports. “Si Coach Boc ang game-changer ko,” Macandili said in her appearance on Volleyball DNA hosted by Anton Roxas and Denden Lazaro. Macandili said that when Bocboc went on board as the Lady Spikers prepared for Season 78 – the start of DLSU’s third three-peat – he immediately went down to work to help strengthen DLSU’s floor defense particularly focusing on liberos Macandili and CJ Saga. “Nu’ng dumating si Coach Boc, sobrang na-focus niya ang mga libero kasi ang style niya is Japanese training,” Macandili shared. “In-introduce niya kami sa mga drills na pang-Japanese. Sobrang na-amaze ako, ‘Wow Japanese style na defense.’” Macandili added that it was the first time since she joined the Lady Spikers that a practice session solely dedicated for liberos was added into their training schedule. “Ang daming drills na pinapagawa sa amin. Natutuwa ako kasi I’m always looking forward to learning something new,” she said. Bocboc according to Macandili was very technical, correcting them down to the smallest details. “Lagi niya kaming ini-introduce sa techniques. Gusto ko siyang ma-master. So every training may pinapagawa siya sa amin. Iba rin kasi talaga siyang mag-correct, to the slightest detail,” said the Tanauan, Batangas pride. “Dun ko na-realize na volleyball is very technical. Di lang basta na marunong kang mag-receive, marunong kang mag-dig pass. Hindi, kung marunong kang mag-receive kailangan ganito ang form mo, kailangan ganito kababa, mga ganoon.” He came into the team at the most critical time as DLSU was then shifting to a new approach to its system following two straight heartbreaking championship losses to the powerhouse Alyssa Valdez-led archrival Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles. “[Up to the] smallest details ang itinuturo niya sa amin and makikita mo talaga ang effect niya sa training and sa game,” said Macandili. Under Bocboc’s guidance, Macandili had her breakout season in 2016 as she played a key role in the Lady Spikers’ ascent back to the UAAP throne. Macandili in Season 78 was named Best Receiver, which she would win again the following year, and Best Digger while helping DLSU begin another three-year reign. Macandili would continue to rack in individual accolades, winning the Most Valuable Player award in the Philippine Superliga in 2016, being named the 2nd Best Libero in the 2017 AVC Asian Women’s Senior Championship as a member of the national team before wrapping up her UAAP career by bagging the Finals MVP in Season 80 - the first defense specialist to receive the honor. All thanks to the DLSU assistant coach. “Nag-iba talaga ang mindset ko nun sa volleyball na parang ang lawak niya na ang dami ko pang di alam. Doon ako na-engganyo na I want to learn more, more, more. I want to learn more talaga,” she said. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
ABS-CBN supporters push for people’s initiative to bring ABS-CBN back on air
“Our progressive congressmen can draft the most privileged bills, but without the people’s support outside they will have a hard time convincing the people inside the Congress.” By ALYSSA MAE CLARIN Bulatlat.com MANILA– The Filipino people have decided to step up the campaign to put ABS-CBN back on air. In a webinar hosted by the… The post ABS-CBN supporters push for people’s initiative to bring ABS-CBN back on air appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Nagdalawang-isip ako dahil kay Coach Tai -- Galanza on playing for Creamline
Jema Galanza is one of the top hitters of the star-studded Creamline Cool Smashers in the Premier Volleyball League. Her all-around game and consistent performance makes her a vital cog for the Cool Smashers, who have won three titles since Galanza joined the pink-clad club team two years ago. But apparently, the former Adamson University standout had some second thoughts about staying with Creamline after her first conference back in 2018. All because of her fear of Cool Smashers coach Tai Bundit and his well-known Spartan-like training program. “Nagdadalawang-isip ako sa totoo lang dahil kay Coach Tai,” Galanza shared on Volleyball DNA. “Kinakabahan ako. Baka mamatay ako [sa training].” However, Galanza chose to stay and be mentored and trained by the same coach that steered Ateneo de Manila University to back-to-back titles in the UAAP. “Pero sabi ko sige na nga. Lahat naman ng mga players niya gumaling so mag-stay na lang ako,” said Galanza. It proved to be a great career decision for Galanza as Creamline won its second PVL title and completed a sweep of the Open and Reinforced Conferences that year. Galaza then got her biggest break in the 2019 Open Conference, when Bundit put his trust on her to carry Creamline’s scoring chores. She played her role well during the stretch when ace hitter Alyssa Valdez missed a string of games because of a foot injury and training stint with the national team. Galanza, who signed with Creamline on a ‘temporary’ playing deal before getting an extension, helped the Cool Smashers complete a tournament sweep and was eventually honored as Conference Most Valuable Player and 1st Best Outside Spiker. Looking back, Galanza admitted that Bundit’s training style is indeed not for the faint-hearted. “Naiyak din ako habang nagti-training,” she said. “Pero at least naging OK naman.” --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
SUPER SHOWDOWN: rookie Dindin Santiago vs. rookie Jaja Santiago
Towering sisters Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Jaja Santiago left lasting impacts in the UAAP. Versatile, talented and intimidating are just some of the traits the siblings share. Both are vital cogs in their local commercial league club and are valuable assets to the national team. International clubs even took notice of the Santiago sisters’ dominant presence and high-level volleyball skills that they landed deals to play in the prestigious Japan V. Premier League. And of course if you’re a University of Sto. Tomas faithful you’ll often wonder what the Tigresses would have achieved if the sisters stayed in Espana instead of moving to National University. Looking back, we saw how the Santiago sisters evolved into what they are today. With their towering presence, both immediately made valuable contribution during their debut seasons? But then again, which Santiago made a bigger impact in their rookie year? Dindin’s first year with UST or Jaja’s maiden tour of duty for NU? OFFENSE and DEFENSE Dindin right now stands at 6-foot-2 while Jaja is listed at 6-foot-5, even if we deduct a few inches from their current height during their respective debuts they’ll still be pretty tall compared to the rest of the field. In Season 72, Dindin complemented an already stacked Tigresses. Though overshadowed by legends Aiza Maizo and Angeli Tabaquero, Dindin made a decent contribution on offense averaging almost six points per game. Dindin was on UST’s top five in the blocking department. Compared to her older sister, Jaja’s rookie year in Season 76 was more impressive. Jaja averaged 10.7 points per outing behind her Dindin (16.7), who was then on her last year after transferring to NU. Jaja had a 41.99% success rate in attacks – landing at second spot overall after Dindin’s (46.10%). The younger Santiago normed 0.50 kill blocks per set to anchor the Lady Bulldogs’ net defense. TEAM IMPACT Dindin was a welcome addition to the Tigresses. However, playing in a squad filled with veterans left Dindin little room to display her full potential. Maizo and Tabaquero shared much of the scoring load while Maika Ortiz, Maru Banaticla and Judy Ann Caballejo provided the extra punch. But Dindin did play her role well as one of head coach Shaq delos Santos’ prized recruits. Dindin, indeed, made her presence felt in her own little way as UST climbed its way into the Finals. Jaja’s entry in Season 76 put NU as one of the top contenders to challenge the then reigning three-peat champion De La Salle University. Together with her sister, they formed NU’s dreaded twin towers and with the likes of Mina Aganon, Aiko Urdas and Myla Pablo, many predicted the Lady Bulldogs would make it all the way to the Finals. In fact, NU almost did before the Alyssa Valdez-led Ateneo de Manila University spoiled everything. As a consolation for all her hard work, Jaja was the runaway winner of the Rookie of the Year award COMPETITION Dindin played in a very competitive field. She took on a number of powerhitters and precision spikers like De La Salle University’s Big Three in Paneng Mercado, Jacq Alarca and Cha Cruz. Dindin also faced Adamson University’s Angela Benting and Pau Soriano, Ateneo had Dzi Gervacio and Fille Cainglet, Far Eastern University’s Cherry Vivas, NU’s Mervic Mangui, Mela Lopez of University of the Philippines and Kite Rosale of University of the East. Jaja, on the other hand, had to contend with an equally powerful field. Valdez was on a different level that season, so was DLSU with the trio of Ara Galang, Aby Marano and Mika Reyes. Bang Pineda was wreaking havoc for Adamson, FEU had Bernadeth Pons, Mela Tunay and Pam Lastimosa were the stars of UST, UP had their own towers in Kathy Bersola and Angeli Araneta while Shaya Adorador was UE’s standout. LASTING IMPRESSION Dindin, of course, was the fortunate one among the siblings. She experienced the glory of winning championship after helping the Tigresses dethrone the Lady Spikers in her first year. That championship remains as UST’s last title to this day. But what really stuck was Dindin’s decision to jump ship a season after winning the crown. Dindin made the headlines when she left UST to join the Lady Bulldogs in a move that drew mixed reactions and a whole lot of speculations in what convinced her to drop the black and gold for NU’s colors. Dindin’s transfer was followed by Jaja committing to NU after a successful run with UST’s high school team. Jaja won the RoY award and helped NU move a win closer to a Finals appearance. The Lady Bulldogs were armed with a twice-to-beat advantage but NU’s twin towers and talents were not enough to overcome the steamrolling Lady Eagles. Jaja’s career started off at least on a good note considering how far NU advanced after years of frustrations. Jaja would eventually lead the Lady Bulldogs to two more Final Four appearance with their last in Season 80 – the same year when she bagged the Most Valuable Player award. Now who’s the better rookie Santiago? Hard to tell. On one side, you have Dindin who won a championship while on the other you have Jaja with her individual accomplishments and accolades. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
GREATEST PERFORMANCES: Angels’ miraculous comeback
PetroGazz was considered a dark horse when it joined the Premier Volleyball league two years ago. The Angels surprised everyone when it toppled a powerhouse the following season. Despite just being in its second year in the league, PetroGazz displayed an impressive performance when it shocked then reigning champion Creamline in the best-of-three Finals series of the 2019 Reinforced Conference that went the full distance. It’s true that the Angels paled in comparison to the Cool Smashers when it came to big names in their local lineup. Creamline was obviously the favorite during the championship series with its experience and a star-studded crew led by Alyssa Valdez, setter Jia Morado, Michele Gumabao, Risa Sato and Mel Gohing backed by Thai import Kuttika Kaewpin and towering Venezuelan Ale Blanco. The first game as expected went to Creamline in four sets although marred by a late controversial call. The next two games were nothing short of miracles. American Janisa Johnson and Cuban Wilma Salas willed the Angels back in the series three days after getting their backs pushed against the wall. That game didn’t start the way PetroGazz wanted it to but the Angels were quick to recover to walk away with a four-set revenge win and force a rubber match – scheduled the following day on the highlands of Antipolo. “I mean after the first set it was like okay a reality check and it kicked in,” said Johnson after that all-important Game 2 in where she and Salas dropped 23 points each. “It’s now or never so we kicked in just in time.” With momentum on its side, the Angels controlled Game 3 early on. PetroGazz did tumble in the extended second frame and had to hang tough in the closing stretch of the third following a 22-22 tie. Salas and Johnson did their usual role on offense but it was the locals led by Jeanette Panaga, Cherry Nunag, Jonah Sabete, setter Djanel Cheng and libero Cienne Cruz that stepped up big time to help dismantle Creamline with a 25-15, 28-30, 25-23, 25-19 victory to clinch PetroGazz’s breakthrough crown. "Answered prayers. These two imports namin played a big role but again siyempre as a team talaga di naman namin makukuha ito basta-basta kung walang help ng locals," said PetroGazz coach Arnold Laniog. "But the moment na nag-commit talaga sila doon sa goal namin, sabi ko 'Atin na di na talaga papakawalan.'" Many would argue that the Angels won their breakthrough title relying on the caliber of their imports. PetroGazz would deflect its doubters by saying that it was a collective effort from the team. It’s true that the Angels that time tapped the services of a pair of top foreign imports. But isn’t the Reinforced Conference a tournament about imports? A test for the management of clubs to pluck the best reinforcements to complement their locals? No one can deny that PetroGazz indeed made a miracle happen… against a team that had good imports and the deepest local lineup in the league. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
BATCH CLASH: Do you agree? Season 76 Lady Eagles will beat Season 81 Lady Eagles?
Remember when we did a Batch Clash piece pitting the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles champion team of Season 76 against the title squad of Season 81? ABS-CBN Sports laid down the statistics, team composition, strengths and the competition faced by the two Ateneo teams and let the readers decide who would fare better if they were to square off in a match. [Related story: BATCH CLASH: Season 76 Lady Eagles vs. Season 81 Lady Eagles] It would really be interesting to see these Lady Eagles go at it, right? But again, who will emerge victorious between the two batches of UAAP champions? Without batting an eyelash, Ricky Palou, former Ateneo athletic director and one of the brilliant minds behind turning the struggling Lady Eagles into one the best women’s volleyball programs in the UAAP, gave it to the breakthrough Ateneo squad. “I’d go for Batch 76,” Palou said during his interview on the Crossover podcast. The chief of Sports Vision, which is the organizer of the Premier Volleyball League, backed up his claim by pointing out that Batch 76 went through a tougher journey to the throne. Batch 76 was in a rebuilding stage that year after the departure of the Fab Five and under a new system with the arrival of Thai coach Tai Bundit. For him, the Lady Eagles of Season 76 are tougher. The heartstrong Batch 76 will definitely win. “I saw how they, Coach Tai that was his first year here. He worked them really very, very hard. I was looking at some of these players and some of them were thinking of quitting because training was tough. Most of them held on,” recalled Palou, who together with the amiable and media savvy former team manager Tony Boy Liao, is the architect of the successful Ateneo volleyball program. “I figured the training that they went through and the games that they went through, even competition that they went through. So, I’d go for Batch 76,” he added. HEIGHT vs. MAGIC Man-to-man both Alyssa Valdez and libero Denden Lazaro-Revilla agreed that Batch 76 is at a disadvantage in terms of height. “Advantage ng Season 81 is really height,” said the three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player. “We don’t have that nu’ng Season 76.” “Talo kami sa height,” Lazaro-Revilla echoed. Batch 81 boasts of a pair of 5-foot-10 and very skilled middles in Bea De Leon and Maddie Madayag and a 6-foot-2 wing spiker in Kat Tolentino. “Our middles are Amy (Ahomiro) and Aeriel (Patnongon) and Marge (Tejada) and Ana (Gopico). But Marge and Ana got injured. So we have like two lang so parang hindi namin alam. Libero kami lamang,” said Valdez. “Lamang sa height. Sa setter Jia (Morado) and Deanna (Wong)? Deanna’s taller I think,” Lazaro-Revilla said. But what they lack in ceiling, Batch 76 compensates with its superb and versatile wing spikers and solid floor defense. “I think (for Batch 81) it’s Jules (Samonte) and Ponggay (Gaston). So our open hitters would be me and Ella (de Jesus). Kay Ella pa lang, alam mo na,” Valdez said with confidence. “Tiwala kami kay Ella. Utility namin would be Mich (Morente) or Kim (Gequillana). And they have Kat.” “It’s really height vs. magic?” added Valdez. Anchored behind the consistency of the Iron Eagle Denden Lazaro and with the support of Morente and De Jesus, Batch 76 will give Batch 81 a hard time scoring. “I think lamang namin is floor defense. May tiwala ako sa teammates ko,” said Lazaro-Revilla, a two-time Best Receiver winner and Season 76 Best Digger. In which Valdez chimed in: “Si Den, si Ella and Michifu (Morente) kasi ako wala talaga kong ginagawa na floor defense.” “Hindi ka lang rume-receive pero dumedepensa ka naman,” quipped Lazaro-Revilla. “Binabawi mo naman sa mga palo mo and serves.” Looking back, Palou stressed that Batch 76’s Cinderella run is a feat that is tough to beat. Besides, that Lady Eagles team made a miracle when they survived a string of do-or-die games before toppling the four-peat-seeking and thrice-to-beat powerhouse De La Salle University in the Finals. “But you know, you look at the competition then, look at the team of La Salle, it was a powerhouse, Aby Marano, Kim Fajardo, you look at NU they have the Santiago sisters (Dindin and Jaja), they have Myla Pablo. You look at FEU they have (Bernadeth) Pons, (Toni) Basas, all those good players,” Palou said. “So even competition-wise, the competition they fought then was better and stronger than what they had in the other group.” “I agree,” said Lazaro-Revilla. “I mean the competition that we went through nu’ng time na yun. It was tough for us because given na we were a rebuilding team. So for us it was really tough.” --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
How Pinoy athletes kept winning during the lockdown
Sporting events may be suspended or canceled, but that won't stop your favorite Filipino athletes from inspiring or entertaining people as they spend their extra time off doing worthwhile activities during the lockdown period. From reaching out to affected communities to learning a new skill, here are what your idols are up to during the community quarantine. 1) Proudly serving the nation as frontliners Some athletes have taken their in-game dedication off the court, as they proudly serve the country as frontliners during the COVID-19 pandemic. MPBL players such as Bacoor City's Eric Acuña and Bacolod-Master Sardines' Jopher Custodio are currently heeding the call as frontliners for the Philippine Army, as well as their fellow soldiers UST women’s volleyball coach Kung Fu Reyes and volleyball star Jovelyn Gonzaga. Pasay Voyager's Dhon Reverente also suited up for the Philippine Navy while his teammate Jesse Bustos is serving in the frontlines in another way, using his camera as a photojournalist for a daily newspaper. 2) Raising funds and holding donation drives Your beloved players continue to exemplify teamwork in these challenging times as they help the dedicated frontliners and affected households in different parts of the country. UST student-athletes joined former Golden Tigresses star Sisi Rondina in auctioning their jerseys for a cause to donate supplies to the frontliners of Barangay Luz in Cebu City. Meanwhile, volleyball legends Alyssa Valdez and Charo Soriano led a fundraiser called "Volleyball Community Gives Back PH," which aims to supply frontliners in the country with PPEs and other essentials—with celebrities like Kathryn Bernardo and Pia Wurtzbach joining their cause. Former DLSU Lady Spikers standout and Creamline utility spiker Michele Gumabao also provided relief packs and gave them personally to the affected communities in Pampanga with the help of the group Your 200 Pesos. 3) No days off for training and getting the gains Leagues and competitions may have been put on hold, but athletes won't be stopped from keeping themselves in tiptop shape. Observing quarantine, ONE Championship's heavyweight champion Brandon Vera took his workout to the forest, preparing for his upcoming bout against Arjan Bhullar, while Team Lakay fighters, such as Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, and Joshua Pacio improvised household materials as gym equipment. National athletes, such as karateka Junna Tsukii, wushu artist Agatha Wong, and Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz, did rigorous training sessions at home to keep themselves in form for upcoming tournaments. High-flyer Ricci Rivero also taught his fans some basic dribbling drills to improve basketball handles—as seen in an episode of "Upfront" on LIGA cable sports channel. 4) Unlocking new skills and focusing on fave hobbies Your fave sports idols also overcame boredom by learning new skills and focusing on their favorite hobbies. For instance, DLSU Green Archers guard Aljun Melecio learned to cook scrumptious lechon while taking a time-out from the hardwood. UAAP volleyball champion and national team player Rex Intal also reminded us that he is a dedicated painter with his mixed portrait of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, channeling his passion for sports and art into one. And did you know that top local setter Jia Morado is a talented photographer? Check out her Instagram and be amazed by her works. 5) Taking their talents to TikTok Athletes joined the trending TikTok craze as a source of entertainment during the lockdown. Former UAAP stars Kim Kianna Dy and Jema Galanza posted their dance covers of Young Thug's "Relationship," and Deanna Wong took on "The Weekend" dance challenge. UST Golden Tigresses' rookie Imee Fernandez also wowed the TikTok crowd with a pre-workout dance video, which garnered over 600,000 views online. For Ateneo Blue Eagles guard SJ Belangel, TikTok has also been his avenue to overcome his shyness, doing hilarious skits online. 6) Becoming stars online No live sports to entertain the audiences? It's not a problem for these athletes who continue to provide fun content to every sports fan, with the help of ABS-CBN Sports. Catch Shaun Ildefonso as he does an entertaining commentary about everything sports on "SRSLY." Also watch Cherry Nunag’s wacky chikahan with famous athletes in "Kalye Confessions: Stay-at-Home Edition." Lastly, the lockdown won't stop the basketball conversation as Beau Belga chats with your favorite hoop idols online, while still chowing down on their fave treats on "Extra Rice with Beau Belga." Watch all of these on ABS-CBN Sports' Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and YouTube channel. Also stay tuned for more new offerings from the sports arm of ABS-CBN. These athletes have proven they are truly winners in and out of the court. While waiting for live sports to return, you can rewatch the best games of these athletes on LIGA (SD channel 86 and HD channel 183 on SKYCable) and game highlights and special features on ABS-CBN Sports' social media pages and official YouTube account. ABS-CBN Sports will continue its commitment to providing a variety of world-class, exciting, and inspiring content to every Pinoy sports fan. Visit sports.abs-cbn.com and follow @ABSCBNSports on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For updates, you may also visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom or follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram......»»
All set for SERVE AS ONE Variety Show for volleyball gameday personnel
The country's volleyball idols are ready to put on a show on Friday and Saturday. But instead of trading spikes, the players will showcase their off-court talents online in the much-awaited SERVE AS ONE Variety Show, a fundraising effort for volleyball personnel presented by Volleyball Community Gives Back PH. The show is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. on the ABS-CBN Sports Website, ABS-CBN Sports Facebook Page and ABS-CBN Sports YouTube Channel.. One of the best young open spikers in the country, Eya Laure is raring to display her talents - in singing. "Ready na ba kayo marinig ang maganda kong boses? HAHAHA," said Laure on her Twitter account. Teaming up with Alina Bicar, Laure will pit against Gel Cayuna and Ced Domingo in a "complete the lyrics" challenge. Other volleyball stars will also show their prowess like Kalei Mau, who is expected to sing with her guitar in tow, while Panpan Pantino, Beauty Denila and Bia General are also ready to jam for a cause. Erstwhile collegiate rivals Alyssa Valdez and Ara Galang will reconnect through the "GaDez Reacts" segment where both of them will react to some of their most iconic plays during their UAAP days which will also highlight the first day. It will be also an exciting second day on Saturday. Fans will find more about Jema Galanza and Deanna Wong in “Storytime with GaWong” where the duo will find out who is better at recalling their memorable moments together. Beach volleyball standouts Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons and AJ Pareja and Pemie Bagalay will reunite online where they will know their teammate better in this segment. For more fun challenges in the two-day event, please visit Volleyball Community Give Back on Facebook and @vcgbph on Instagram and Twitter. Donations can be sent to Ryan Sordan through BPI bank account 8069 0632 77, GCash at 0917-5003390 and PayMaya at 0917-5003390. There will be also a virtual after-party on the VCGB PH Facebook page featuring DJs Rammy Bitong, Sir Scratch and James on Friday, and Jon Tupaz, Ivan Constantino and Boyet Evangelista on Saturday......»»
DO YOU REMEMBER… Jia Morado’s PVL debut?
Creamline is a powerhouse team in the Premier Volleyball League. Boasting of a deep roster of talents led by strong hitters in Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza and Michele Gumabao, the Cool Smashers have in their collection a total of three titles in three years including back-to-back Open Conference crowns. And making this star-studded team work and the Creamline players function at their best is setter Jia Morado. Morado joined the pink-clad squad in the PVL’s Open Conference back in 2017 after a short hiatus following Ateneo de Manila University’s runner-up finish in UAAP Season 79. In Creamline, which finished third in the Reinforced Conference during the league's inaugural season, Morado reunited with Valdez after last seeing action together in the UAAP in 2016. The playmaker’s first official game as a Cool Smasher was on July 1, 2017 when Creamline opened its tournament campaign against the Jema Galanza-led Adamson University-Akari at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Morado got the starting role as the Cool Smashers’ main setter the previous conference Alex Cabanos took a backseat. In front of a very excited 1,205-strong crowd, Morado, who a couple months before announced her decision to forego her final year with the Lady Eagles after losing to archrival De La Salle University in the UAAP Finals, once again wove her magic. Despite still adjusting with her new teammates, Morado sure brought out the best in her spikers. Rosemarie Vargas hammered 16 attacks in her 18-point explosion, Valdez also had 16 kills for 18 markers while Pau Soriano got 11 points as Morado pulled the strings of the Creamline’s offense for an opening-day, 25-17, 18-25, 25-15, 25-22, win. Morado registered impressive numbers in her first action in the PVL. She dished out 36 excellent sets that helped the Cool Smashers nail the bulk of their 49 attack points. Morado also posted six points coming off three spikes, a kill block and two aces. On the defensive end, Morado was as sharp as she put up seven digs. “It feels great to play. It’s a great experience playing with new players naman this time,” said Morado in her first PVL post-game interview. In that first match, Morado also faced off with a young Adamson playmaker in Louie Romero. The then Kings’ Montessori setter held her own against Morado with 34 excellent sets. The Cool Smashers would eventually win their next six games in the single round eliminations. However, with Valdez joining the national team in its training for the Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian Games, Creamline came up short in the semifinals against eventual champion BaliPure and settled for a third place finish. Morado won her first of five Best Setter awards in her debut tournament. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
Volleyball stars to put up online variety show as COVID-19 fundraiser
Organized by the Volleyball Community Gives Back PH charity group, volleyball stars Alyssa Valdez, Charo Soriano, Aby Marano, Gretchen Ho and Amanda Villanueva are spearheading the two-day fund-raiser event on June 5 and 6......»»
Volleyball Community Gives Back PH to hold SERVE AS ONE Variety Show
Volleyball Community Gives Back PH has something to serve up for those matchday personnel affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Charo Soriano, who is one of the VCGB PH leaders, is looking forward for two memorable fun days from the sport's biggest stars through the SERVE AS ONE Variety Show. A fundraising effort for volleyball personnel presented by Volleyball Community Gives Back PH, the show is scheduled on June 5 and 6, 7:30 p.m. on the ABS-CBN Sports Website, ABS-CBN Sports Facebook Page and ABS-CBN Sports YouTube Channel. "Time and time again, the Philippine volleyball community has exemplified solidarity in the face of various adversities - from community development, natural disaster responses, relief operations and more recently, distribution of PPEs to different provinces. Everyone helps out. And people - players, coaches, management, staff, officials, and fans - all do their part," said Soriano. Last month, the #CARINGFORALL: Down The Line, We Are One was launched to provide assistance for the paid-per-day personnel, as any help will go a long way. As of last Friday, VCGB PH was able to provide 200 care packs to volleyball personnel all over Metro Manila. The group hopes to raise funds and provide care packs to be distributed for more volleyball personnel families affected by the postponement and cancellation of volleyball leagues. Help is on the way and Kiwi Ahomiro, who recently lent her hand in delivering PPEs to the Philippine Army, is more than ready. "We wanted to reach out and help our volleyball personnel and staff and all those who made our games possible - bouncers, ball retrievers, referees, technicians all those whose livelihoods have been threatened due to COVID-19 so we came up with the idea of putting up the SERVE AS ONE Variety Show. All proceeds will go to the care packages for their families," said Ahomiro. Aby Maraño, who was involved in distributing the second wave of care packages, saw the hardships of the matchday personnel. "Our volleyball officials and personnel felt really sad about the fact that volleyball will stop for the next month cause volleyball from most of them is the only source of income they have. I learned that they started small businesses like selling sweet Pinoy desserts, some are selling peanut butters and garlic spicy sauce only to sustain their lives amidst the pandemic situation," said Maraño. Also taking part in handing out the care packages was Amanda Villanueva, who hopes that the help will go a long way to boost the spirits of the volleyball game's unsung heroes. "In these trying times my main motivation in helping our dearest group of volleyball personnel is the vision of hope that everything will eventually come to an end. To let them know as well that we are in this together and that nobody gets left behind in life whichever direction life leads us because we are one community and we strive to help each other in whatever way we can. To stand together as one family not just on the court but also outside of the court," said Villanueva. It may still a long way to go but Alyssa Valdez believes that the volleyball community will be in the same page to keep the personnel afloat in this challenging time. "The fight is far from over, we’re like in a championship situation, like 14-14 all, fifth set. We need one another to be able to win this fight! So I’m inviting everyone...let’s go help serve and win as one," said Valdez. Donations can be sent to Ryan Sordan through BPI bank account 8069 0632 77, GCash at 0917-5003390 and PayMaya at 0917-5003390. Meanwhile, a total of 2,081 protective personal equipments (PPEs) was distributed by the VCGB PH in the #ServeOurFrontliners: RAFFLES FOR HEROES fund drive for the medical frontliners who are doing a valiant battle against coronavirus. VCGB PH was already able to donate 310 PPEs to Sultan Kudarat, 220 to Quezon Medical Center, 301 PPEs to Batangas, 200 to Aklan, 100 to Puerto Galera, 200 to Cebu, 250 to Northern Mindanao Medical Center, 300 to National Children’s Hospital, 100 to Army, 50 to Navy and 50 to Maysan Health Station. Please visit Volleyball Community Give Back on Facebook and @vcgbph on Instagram and Twitter for more details......»»