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Alyssa Valdez profiled on Olympic website
The Olympic movement website ran a feature story on the former Ateneo star, easily one of the most recognizable faces in women sports in the country today, Thursday, detailing her rise to fame – from a budding but promising high school player to a queen of collegiate volleyball and a star in commercial league to a stint as import in Thailand and Taiwan and a tour of duty in the national team......»»
Kai’s last chance
Up to now, Kai Sotto’s stint in the FIBA Basketball World Cup remains unclear. Sure, he has been in the country for over two weeks and has been attending some Gilas Pilipinas events, but the fact that he has yet to actually train with his teammates is making Chot Reyes anxious. Sotto is tipped to play a crucial role in the Gilas squad. His 7-foot-3 frame, athleticism and feathery shooting touch from the perimeter will be needed when the Filipinos battle the best players in the world in the prestigious basketball spectacle from 25 August to 10 September. But it will be impossible for Reyes to involve Sotto in his game plan if he has yet to actually see him banging bodies with his fellow big men like World Cup veterans June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar, as well as rising star AJ Edu. It is no secret that Sotto’s dream is to make it to the National Basketball Association. He was still a gangly kid when he started joining the Junior NBA program before moving to Ateneo de Manila University and eventually donning the national colors in various age-group events — the biggest and most prestigious was the 2019 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Greece. A lot of offers came his way, including a chance to play for prestigious European clubs like Alba Berlin, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Baskonia, but Sotto, then 17, decided to bring his talent to the United States — not to enter play at the collegiate level — but to make a daring leap straight into the NBA. After training at The Skill Factory, he joined Team Ignite, a developmental team in the NBA G League that aims to prepare athletes for the NBA. At Team Ignite, Sotto showed some promise as he played for former Los Angeles Lakers coach Brian Shaw together with future NBA players Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Daishen Nix, and Isiah Todd. But when Team Ignite was about to start its season and enter the G League bubble in Orlando, Sotto shockingly flew home and joined Gilas in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. Ignite eventually dropped Sotto, prompting him to look for other ways to realize his dream of becoming the first full-blooded Filipino to make it to the NBA. He found one in Australia. He played for the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League and had some measure of success. In fact, he was able to gauge his prowess when the 36ers played against Chris Paul, Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns in an NBA preseason match. After a couple of seasons in Australia, he moved to Japan to play for the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the B League. He had some impressive games, but it wasn’t enough to earn the attention of NBA coaches, scouts, and talent evaluators. Still, he joined the NBA Summer League. Playing against veteran free agents, journeymen, and incoming rookies looking to earn spots on the opening-day rosters of NBA teams, Sotto rode the Orlando Magic bench in their first three games before making his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, recording six points, four rebounds and three blocks in their 71-88 loss. Sotto tried to play in his fifth game, but he was slowed down by a back injury. His return to Manila was surrounded by controversy as he failed to join the Gilas squad that was set to go to China for the final leg of its preparations for the World Cup. He opted to stay home to “rest and recover” from his back injury. Until when? It’s something that only Sotto and his American handlers know. But Sotto should realize that the doors of the NBA are slowly closing on him. He already made a bad decision by snubbing the invitations of top European clubs as well as prestigious American collegiate programs like Kentucky, Georgia Tech and Auburn that could have helped him develop his game and gain confidence while playing against kids his age. Instead of staying patient and working on his game away from the prying eyes of NBA scouts, he rushed the process by signing up with Team Ignite before committing another massive blunder of flying back to Manila just before the G League season tipped off. Now he has only one chance — the FIBA Basketball World Cup. A lot of Filipinos ranging from Johnny Abarrientos to Aguilar, Kiefer Ravena and Ray Parks all tried — and failed — to make it to the NBA. On the contrary, Sotto is being presented with a rare opportunity to display his talent and carry the torch in a world-class event. Sadly, despite repeatedly saying that he is ready, his body language suggests that he is reluctant to step up to serve as the hero of this basketball-crazy nation. The clock is ticking for Sotto. The doors of the NBA are slowly closing right before his very eyes. He has to lace his sneakers, grab that Gilas jersey, and play his heart out for the country in the FIBA Basketball World Cup before he becomes another “what if” in the history of Philippine basketball. The post Kai’s last chance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Clock ticking on Gilas
There’s only almost a month left before the FIBA Basketball World Cup but Gilas Pilipinas has yet to train with a complete roster. Various problems have hounded the national squad. In fact, barely a few days after the announcement of the 21-man pool, rising star Carl Tamayo pulled out, saying that he needed to rest following a grueling campaign in the Japan B League. Injuries further marred the formation of the squad with Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, Ray Parks, and naturalized player Justin Brownlee begging off from the training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna, while AJ Edu showed up hobbling with an ankle sprain that he sustained in a workout in Brisbane. Still, Gilas, with a depleted roster, left for Estonia and Lithuania. Their training went well where they faced top collegiate, national, and club teams from Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Lithuania. But shortly before flying back to Manila, Scottie Thompson, one the team’s most versatile players, crashed with yet another injury as he hurt his finger in the final stretch of the camp. The injury was so severe that it could take six to eight weeks for him to recover, practically reducing him to a mere spectator when the World Cup unwraps on 25 August. Then, shortly after their return from Europe, gunner Jordan Heading also withdrew due to a nagging back injury that needs therapy in the United States. But coach Chot Reyes never lost hope. After all, Kai Sotto had returned to the country following a two-game stint in the National Basketball Association Summer League, while Jordan Clarkson was scheduled to arrive based on his earlier commitment that he will join Gilas training six weeks before the World Cup fires off. But as of last Friday, both Sotto and Clarkson had yet to play a single minute with Gilas Pilipinas as it heads for a crucial four-nation pocket tournament in China next week. Their continuous absence is not only a major concern for Reyes, but also for their teammates, who are obviously getting impatient and demoralized for training with a crippled roster for over a month now. There is no doubt that Sotto and Clarkson are the best Filipino players in the world right now. But Sotto seems too busy chasing his dream of becoming the first Filipino to play in the NBA, while Clarkson just signed a new contract with the Utah Jazz that would make him richer by more than $50 million in the next four years. When Sotto showed up to Gilas training on Thursday, he just talked to Reyes and asked for a few more days of rest as he sustained a back injury in his final game in the Summer League. Meanwhile, Clarkson’s initial agreement with the federation appears to have fizzled out as Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio admitted that they were still in the “middle of negotiations,” something that should have been done three or four months ago. Reyes has to make a decision quickly. The World Cup is coming up and time is no longer on his side. He has to devise a backup plan — a Plan B — before the support of this basketball-crazy country for this massive and very expensive mission completely erodes. If he has to drop Sotto and Clarkson from his plan, so be it. The important thing is that he comes up with a solid preparation and a game plan that is built around those who have been training regularly. At this point, what Reyes and Gilas Pilipinas need are not the best dribblers, the best passers, or the best defenders. They don’t even need the tallest or the quickest players. What they need are players who are committed. Players who are willing to play for the flag and put the country ahead of their personal goals and ambitions. Players who are armed with big fighting hearts. The clock is ticking on this Gilas squad. Reyes should grab the ball and deliver the dagger before the time expires. The post Clock ticking on Gilas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bagunas gushes over men’s progress
Veteran internationalist Bryan Bagunas couldn’t help but get goosebumps at the prospect of seeing more Filipino volleyball players campaigning in club leagues overseas. Four homegrown talents have been invited to the 2023 KOVO men’s Asian Quota Draft tryouts set on 25 April for the coming Korean Volleyball League, hoping to join Bagunas on the list of Filipino spikers showcasing their wares abroad. Bagunas, who is fresh from a successful stint in Taiwan’s Top Volleyball League after leading Lien Zhuang WinStreak to the crown and winning tournament Most Valuable Player in the process, is optimistic about the chances of the likes of Marck Espejo, Jau Umandal, JP Bugaoan and Manuel Sumanguid III getting selected. ‘I’m having goosebumps now.’ The four national team standouts are scheduled to fly to Jeju Island in Korea for the face-to-face tryout where seven slots will be at stake. “I’m having goosebumps now. I’m really proud that slowly the Philippines men’s volleyball is getting recognition from other countries,” Bagunas said in an interview over the weekend. “It’s overwhelming for me to see that other countries are now eyeing Filipinos as imports,” Bagunas, who is currently busy preparing for his wedding in June, added. Just last Friday, Fil-American middle blocker MJ Phillips was picked 5th overall by the Gwangju AI Peppers during the 2023 KOVO Women’s Asian Quota Draft held online. “We really have the skills to compete internationally,” Bagunas, who will return to Taiwan for the next Top League season in October. “Being one of the few Filipinos playing international (volleyball) I’m really proud that we’re getting the recognition we deserve. Hopefully, there will be more of us playing abroad.” The post Bagunas gushes over men’s progress appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bagunas gushes over men’s progress
Veteran internationalist Bryan Bagunas couldn’t help but get goosebumps at the prospect of seeing more Filipino volleyball players campaigning in club leagues overseas. Four homegrown talents have been invited to the 2023 KOVO men’s Asian Quota Draft tryouts set on 25 April for the coming Korean Volleyball League, hoping to join Bagunas on the list of Filipino spikers showcasing their wares abroad. Bagunas, who is fresh from a successful stint in Taiwan’s Top Volleyball League after leading Lien Zhuang WinStreak to the crown and winning tournament Most Valuable Player in the process, is optimistic about the chances of the likes of Marck Espejo, Jau Umandal, JP Bugaoan and Manuel Sumanguid III getting selected. The four national team standouts are scheduled to fly to Jeju Island in Korea for the face-to-face tryout where seven slots will be at stake. “I’m having goosebumps now. I’m really proud that slowly the Philippines men’s volleyball is getting recognition from other countries,” Bagunas said in an interview over the weekend. “It’s overwhelming for me to see that other countries are now eyeing Filipinos as imports,” Bagunas, who is currently busy preparing for his wedding in June, added. Just last Friday, Fil-American middle blocker MJ Phillips was picked 5th overall by the Gwangju AI Peppers during the 2023 KOVO Women’s Asian Quota Draft held online. “We really have the skills to compete internationally,” Bagunas, who will return to Taiwan for the next Top League season in October. “Being one of the few Filipinos playing international (volleyball) I’m really proud that we’re getting the recognition we deserve. Hopefully, there will be more of us playing abroad.” The post Bagunas gushes over men’s progress appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl volleybelles sharpen reception
The Philippine national women’s team got a first look at what it needs to address heading into the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia next month. Pitted against Japan V. League club Himeji Victorina in their first competitive scrimmage since the their formation last month, the Filipinas suffered a 21-25, 25-19, 13-25, 22-25, loss on Saturday at the Daicel Gymnasium in Himeji City in the first of their series of tune-up matches scheduled in their 15-day training camp in Japan. The national coaching staff headed by Brazilian mentor Jorge Souza de Brito took the opportunity to assess the condition, chemistry and cohesion of the squad to plot a perfect training plan needed for its mission to end an 18-year podium drought in the biennial meet set from 5 to 17 May. Philippine National Volleyball Federation national teams commission head Tonyboy Liao pointed out that the squad still needs to polish an important facet of the game. “We have to improve our reception. We saw that during the game against Himeji,” Liao, who was joined in the training camp by ranking federation officials, said. Reception has always been the weakness of the national squad despite having excellent liberos and hitters with decent floor defense. The 14-man team led by skipper Alyssa Valdez, which is looking to score a medal for the first time since winning bronze in the 2005 Manila edition, still has time to polish its game before closing camp on 28 April. Meanwhile, the PNVF led by its officials and Himeji Victorina club formally signed a friendship agreement to further strengthen their volleyball ties. “The Philippine Volleyball Federation and Victorina Himeji will continue to cooperate to share each other’s volleyball promotion and player skills enhancement programs and this is a sign of friendship,” the agreement signed by the PNVF and Himeji Victorina executives. The Nationals were warmly welcomed by host Himeji Victorina when they arrived at the Asian volleyball powerhouse nation early Friday. This is the first time that the Filipinas made their return to Japan to train since their Tokyo camp for the 30th SEA Games in Manila in 2019. They trained in Brazil last year for the pandemic-delayed Hanoi SEA Games last year. The Filipinas will face Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore in Group B of the elimination round of the competition set to begin two days ahead of the opening ceremony on 3 May at the Morodok Techo Elephant Hall. The post Phl volleybelles sharpen reception appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bay Area s Nicholson promises to bounce back in EASL
Injured Bay Area import Andrew Nicholson vows to return spewing hotter flames when the Dragons take their act to the East Asia Super League in March......»»
Japan B. League stars home-bound for Gilas stint
Gilas players who are seeing action in the Japan B. League will return to the country on November 1 and 2 for another tour of duty for our national team......»»
Creamline s Valdez raring for return in PVL Reinforced Conference
Missing out due to illness as she recovered from dengue fever during the Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup for Women and the ASEAN Grand Prix, Valdez will finally be reactivated for the import-laden Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference tipping off this weekend......»»
TNT s Chot Reyes: Return to coaching farthest from my mind
Nine years removed from his last stint as tactician in the PBA, Reyes can't believe that he just got another chance in the league......»»
Gilas women s Fajardo aims return to Philippine basketball after US NCAA stint
Rather than setting her sights on flourishing more overseas, Fajardo wants to return to her roots and play Philippine basketball — especially after the establishment of the country's first-ever women's pro basketball league in the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL)......»»
Jaja Santiago re-signs with Ageo Medics
Jaja Santiago has re-signed as an import for the Saitama Ageo Medics in the Japan V. Premier League. The versatile 6-foot-5 player announced the development late Friday through her Philippine Superliga club Chery Tiggo’s Instagram account. View this post on Instagram Yes! Yes! Yes! You're guessing it right! ???? We're proud to say that Our very own Middle Blocker @alyjasantiago3 is going back to Japan and will play once again for Ageo Medics for the 3rd time! ???????? #cherytiggocrossovers #cheryautophilippines A post shared by cherytiggocrossoversph (@cherytiggocrossoversph) on Aug 21, 2020 at 6:02am PDT Santiago, who is effective in both middle and wing positions, will be playing with the Ageo Medics for the third straight year and is set to return to Japan as the club begins its preparation for the 2020-2021 season scheduled to begin in October. The Filipina standout helped the Ageo Medics cop the bronze medal last season for the club’s historic podium finish. The Ageo Medics finished seventh in 2018 during Santiago’s rookie season with the Japanese club. Santiago returned to the country last February shortly after the conclusion of the Japanese league’s season to see action in the PSL Grand Prix. Unfortunately, the import-laden conference was scrapped due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The National University product, who skipped last year’s national team stint in the 30th Southeast Asian Games due to conflict of schedule, promised to return to PSL action next year. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
ON THIS DAY: Dawn Macandili was named Asia’s 2nd Best Libero
Dawn Macandili has reached great heights in her storied volleyball career. Three UAAP titles with De La Salle University, success in the commercial league including a Most Valuable Player award, numerous individual honors and a regular stint in the national team since 2017 are some of the highlights on her stacked resume. However, Macandili’s greatest personal achievement is when the Tanauan, Batangas native stood tall alongside Asia’s biggest name in women’s volleyball. Three years ago on this day, the diminutive defense specialist of the national team earned the honor of being one of the continent’s finest during the 2017 AVC Asian Senior Women's Volleyball Championship. Although the Filipinas ended up in eighth place in the 14-country field, Macandili gave the local crowd a sense of pride when she stepped on the podium to receive her 2nd Best Libero award. A reward worth all the dives, tumbles and running all over the court to chase the ball to keep the play alive. “Bawing-bawi,” the 24-year old libero said then. What made that night extra special for Macandili was it was also on that same day the year before when she became the first libero in a local commercial league to win an MVP award. In 2016, Macandili spearheaded F2 Logistics to the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference throne and on her way to bagging the highest individual award. During the competition, Macandili was the catalyst of the Nationals’ transition from defense to offense. Her court smarts, timing and athleticism in manning the floor proved to be a valuable asset for the then Francis Vicente-mentored squad. She made her biggest impact when the Filipinas defeated Southeast Asian powerhouse Vietnam. Macandili tallied 19 digs and 12 excellent receptions in a 27-25, 26-24, 17-25, 25-23, win over the Vietnamese in the quarterfinals classification round. Her impact during the course of the competition didn’t go unnoticed. The crowd inside the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna exploded in jubilation when Macandili’s name was called during the awarding of individual honors. Macandili during that memorable night stood alongside Asian stars Risa Shinnabe of tournament champion Japan, who was named MVP, Korean star hitter Kim Yeon-Koung and Chatchu-on Moksri of Thailand, legendary Thai setter Nootsara Tomkom, middles Hattaya Bamrungsuk of Thailand and Japanese Nana Iwasaka and Chinese opposite hitter Jin Ye. Japanese Mako Kobata was the 1st Best Libero winner. “I think it shows that we Filipinos can achieve greater heights if we put our mind to it,” Macandili told ABS-CBN Sports in a separate interview. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
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.....»»
Javi, Juan GDL reiterate return to UP in UAAP 84
Javi and Juan Gomez de Liano still have their sights set on giving their all for the teams they play for together - even in the face of the continuing COVID-19 crisis. "It's very unfortunate kasi ako, I was really excited to represent Nueva Ecija," Juan said in last Friday's The Prospects Pod. "That was something I was really looking forward to, but there's nothing else we can do." The GDL brothers were all set to suit up for Nueva Ecija in the MPBL all while they were already starring for Marinerong Pilipino in the PBA D-League. This, on top of them being part of the Gilas Pilipinas pool. Unfortunately, the continuing COVID-19 crisis has put their plans on pause. Still, both of them are hard at work keeping in game shape. "The work never stops for us naman e," Javi said. Whenever they finally get to play for Nueva Ecija or Marinero or Gilas, one thing's for certain: Javi and Juan GDL are not forgoing of their eligibility for the University of the Philippines just yet. As Javi put it, "I really wanna play again for UP right after my stint with Nueva Ecija. Next year, I'm gonna play with Nueva Ecija pa rin, but whenever Season 84 is, I'll be playing for UP." Earlier in the year, Javi decided to sit out UAAP Season 83 to focus full-time on Gilas. Not long after, Juan followed suit, while also adding that they were also about to showcase their skills in the MPBL and the PBA D-League. Fast forward to now, and the long-term view has not changed one bit - they will be back in maroon and white in Season 84. "Since high school, palagi kong sinasabi sa sarili kong gusto kong mag-champion yung UP bago mag-graduate. Actually, I was already thinking of going to the PBA Draft last year," Javi shared. He then continued, "Kaso lang, hindi ko talaga matanggal sa isip ko to give a championship to UP one day." Juan could do nothing but second the statement. "I've been in UP for seven years and personally, I just wanna bring a championship kahit isa lang," he said. In UAAP 84, Diliman's homegrown talents have re-assured their faithful that they would be back in the saddle for playoff, or even championship, contention. And there, they may very well have even more help in the form of two more GDLs. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
PBA: COVID-19 presents toughest test for Commissioner Marcial
When Willie Marcial was promoted to become PBA Commissioner, the league was not in a good place. The PBA Board was divided into two separate factions following a rather controversial end to the tenure of Commissioner Chito Narvasa. Nevertheless, in less than three years, Commissioner Marcial has helped bridge the divide and restore some of the PBA's lost glory. Marcial has been so good that he's been rewarded with a fresh three-year term before his current deal expired. When his extension ends, Marcial would have the third longest stint for a Commissioner in the PBA. [Related: PBA: Willie Marcial gets 3-year extension as Commissioner] Before that happens though, Marcial has to deal with his toughest challenge on the job: the COVID-19 pandemic. "Mahirap, mahirap talaga," Marcial said on the recent Philippine Sportswriters Association forum as he deals with the pandemic. "Nataon sakin tumama ito, ang hirap paano gawin, paano kausapin yung task force, paano kausapin ang players, lahat," he added. The PBA has been shut down for over four months now due to the effects of COVID-19. Before the league stopped play last March 11, the 2020 Philippine Cup only managed one match. If the PBA never returns for this year, the whole 45th season would have gone to waste. As such, a restart is in the works, with return to practice pegged this week. Still, the pressure on Marcial as Commissioner will only rise when the PBA attempts to return while the pandemic is still ongoing. "Mas mahirap pag umandar na to, kasi kakabahan na ako kasi baka may mag-positive. Baka may mag-text sakin, yun pala trade lang o may tanong. Mas kakabahan ako eh," Marcial said. "Lahat ng sisi, pero sana wag naman, sakin. Pag nag-outbreak to, wala PBA, sakin tatama eh. Minsan talaga di ka makakatulog, lalo na pag nag-umpisa na," he added. — Follow this writer on Twitter, @paullintag8.....»»
UAAP gives green light for Ken Tuffin to make NZ NBL debut
Ken Tuffin will be back for his fifth and final year for Far Eastern University - and he will do so after getting much-welcome experience in a semi-professional league. Tuffin has been officially allowed by the UAAP to play in the New Zealand National Basketball League, which already tipped off its brand new season a day ago. FEU representative to the Board of Managing Directors Mark Molina confirmed the development. With this, the Filipino-Kiwi forward will suit up for the Taranaki Airs for the first time on Wednesday evening (Philippine time) where they will be matched up opposite the Franklin Bulls. Tuffin sat out Taranaki’s season-opener against Nelson last Wednesday as he awaited approval from the UAAP. The Mountainairs triumphed, 112-96, and now try for back-to-back wins with their 6-foot-4 forward in tow. "Didn't play last night. Had to sit out just to be sure," he shared. "But now, I'm looking forward to getting out there and contributing in any way they need me to." After his stint in the NZ NBL, Tuffin has vowed to return to the Philippines where he will lead the Tamaraws in the UAAP 83 penciled in for the first half of 2021. The FEU skipper's debut, as well as the rest of the season, is available for livestream courtesy of the NZ NBL Pass. —— Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
ON THIS DAY: Philippine volleyball makes SEA Games return
On this day five years ago, the Philippines made its return in the Southeast Asian Games after a 10-year hiatus. The hyped PHI women’s team saw action for the first time in the 2015 Singapore edition of the biennial meet and faced Indonesia in a match that drew headlines even before the actual game at the OCBC Arena Hall 2. In a controversial move, the Philippines filed a protest against Indonesia, demanding a gender test for its powerful spiker Aprilia Manganang because of her masculine appreance and physique. The request was denied by the Singaporean SEA Games organizing committee, citing that the FIVB had already cleared Manganang in a previous FIVB-sanctioned tournament. [Related story: Philippine request for gender test on Indonesian player denied] The protest backfired for the Filipinas as they were given a rude welcome by the Indonesians, particularly Manganang. Manganang let the Filipinas know that no amount of distraction will get her out of her game as she banged in 13 points to power Indonesia to a 25-22, 25-20, 25-14, win. [Related story: PHI protest backfires as inspired Manganang waxed-hot] Alyssa Valdez, who was the Team Philippines' flag-bearer, paced the Pinays with 15 points, but the towering sisters Jaja Santiago and elder sibling Dindin Santiago-Manabat were neutralized and had only seven and two points, respectively. It was a big letdown for the Nationals, who were bracketed in Group B together with Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia. That SEA Games edition format assured the top two teams from each bracket at least a bronze medal. However, it did mark the historic return of the Philippines in the SEA Games since winning bronze in the 2005 Manila edition. The Philippine women’s team that time was composed of Valdez, the Santiago sisters, Rhea Dimaculangan, Grethcel Soltones, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Maika Ortiz, Jia Morado, Rachele Anne Daquis, Aby Marano, Bea De Leon and Denden Lazaro under head coach Roger Gorayeb. In men’s play, the Filipinos found early success after beating Malaysia, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-19, in their Group A opener. The Philippines was bracketed with Thailand, Myanmar and Malaysia. Marck Espejo led that PHI team together with John Vic De Guzman, AJ Pareja, Rex Intal, Josh Villanueva, Kheeno Franco, Edward Camposano, Ysay Marasigan, Sandy Montero, Peter Torres, Timothy Sto. Tomas and Ish Polvorosa with Oliver Almadro calling the shots. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
PVL eyes September return; PSL enlists Arocha
The Premier Volleyball League is looking to return to play in September, possibly with a nine-team cast bannered by the Alyssa Valdez-led Creamline side and 2019 Reinforced Conference titlist Petro Gazz......»»
Mac Tallo hopes for better things with MPBL return
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Time to move on. Cebuano hotshot Mac Tallo is hoping for better things with the Abra Weavers in his return to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). The talented point guard signed with the Weavers late February, but didn’t make an announcement until earlier this week. For Tallo, it’s a new.....»»