MVPs, more standouts boost PLDT High Speed Hitters for ‘strongest’ PVL lineup yet

Tweet

Offense, defense, and strategy all covered as the likes of Kim Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Savannah Davison, and newly hailed skipper Kath Arado aim to win 1st first PVL title

PLDT High Speed Hitters - Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Kim Kianna Dy

With three former MVPs on board, a Filipino-Canadian scoring machine as a sophomore, and a pool of reliable standouts as holdovers, expect a far more powerful PLDT High Speed Hitters team at the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. Ahead of the league’s opening on February 20, all eyes are on the volleyball team supported by PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, as it faces 11 other participants, kicking off the biggest Philippine volleyball action this 2024.

Headlining the team are the terrific trio of Kianna Dy (UAAP Season 78 Finals MVP, 2021 PNVF Champions League MVP and Best Opposite Hitter), Majoy Baron (UAAP Season 79 MVP, 2023 PVL Invitational Conference 1st Best Middle Blocker), and Kim Fajardo (3-time UAAP Best Setter, UAAP Beach Volleyball MVP, 6-time Philippine Super Liga Best Setter).

PLDT High Speed Hitters - Kat Arado

PLDT High Speed Hitters - Savannah Davison

All once part of the national team, they came to prominence during their collegiate days with the De La Salle University Lady Spikers. They each carry three UAAP gold medals, among other silver finishes and individual awards.

After finishing as PVL’s top scorer in her rookie year in the last conference, Savannah Davison is seen as a credible threat on the court. She contributed 202 points through 173 attacks, 22 blocks, and seven service aces at the end of the eliminations.

Davison competed at National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 and national competition levels in the US, while completing her biochemistry degree at the New Mexico State University and MBA at University of Oklahoma Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business.

PLDT High Speed Hitters 2024

Meanwhile, three-time PVL Best Libero Kath Arado takes on a new role of captain, as she mans the team’s backcourt defense with her precision and agility. Also a multi-awarded UAAP libero, she leads a lineup of veterans and former national team players including 2022 PVL Invitational Conference Best Middle Blockers Mika Reyes and Dell Palomata and UAAP champions Rhea Dimaculangan and Jules Samonte. Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, Jessey de Leon, Jovelyn Prado, Rachel Austero, Iza Viray, and Far Eastern University standouts Kiesha Bedonia and Sheila Kiseo complete the roster.

“We are excited to see volleyball court action resume this February. As always, we are here to support the PLDT High Speed Hitters in this new season. We also hope to give a more exhilarating experience to the fans watching live on the sidelines of the games as they support this powerhouse team,” said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart.

PLDT High Speed Hitters - Coaching staff

PVL champion coaches Rald Ricafort and Arnold Laniog along with Manolo Refugia, Mike Santos, and Ervin Peralta banner the coaching staff. Paolo Escaño is tasked to supervise the team’s strength and conditioning.

MVPs meet the MVP

A few days before the new season kicked off, the PLDT High Speed Hitters dropped by the PLDT headquarters in Makati City for a courtesy visit with PLDT President/CEO, Manny Pangilinan.

PLDT High Speed Hitters with PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan & PLDT Senior Vice-President and Head of Consumer Business Home

“The goal is to have as many Filipino volleyball athletes as possible representing us in international events—and maybe even the Olympics. We will continue to work with partner leagues and organizations to help make this possible. Of course, the work begins with our team. They make us very proud, and we hope they continue to play their hearts out on the court,” Pangilinan said.

The team also had the chance to meet, interact, and play games with PLDT and Smart employees to promote the upcoming season.

Volleyball fans can follow the journey of PLDT High Speed Hitters through Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.

Landco Promotes Sports Tourism in Batangas

Tweet

Through Resort Estate Club Laiya’s One-Year Hosting of Philippine Beach Volleyball Teams

Club Laiya, Landco’s Resort Estate in Batangas, serves as the official training camp of the country’s beach volleyball teams. The tourist and leisure destination becomes more vibrant and teems with excitement as the practice sessions of beach volleyball players are anticipated to attract sports enthusiasts and fans.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Landco Pacific Corporation inked the one-year partnership agreement from January to December 2023. Under the agreement, two beach volleyball courts were built at Club Laiya, with 10 of the 18 members of the national men’s and women’s teams to hold camp seven days a week in Batangas. The rest of the national athletes who are still students will be in Laiya on weekends.

Alongside heralding Club Laiya as a beautiful backdrop for active sports at the beach and a venue for sports tourism, the partnership is an opportune time to strengthen the support for Philippine beach volleyball athletes. In the recent Volleyball World Beach Pro Tours Futures, the Philippine team won gold and silver in the women’s competition.

“We gladly and sincerely appreciate this partnership with Club Laiya on the beach volleyball training camp,” PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara said. “The timing is perfect, now that we achieved a breakthrough on the global beach volleyball stage.”

“It’s our privilege at Landco to support the Philippine national beach volleyball teams in Club Laiya as they undergo rigorous training and are set to make the country proud when they compete in upcoming international tournaments. Alongside our advocacy of enabling the youth to realize their full potential in sports, the practice sessions of the national beach volleyball team at the white sand beach of Club Laiya also help in promoting sports tourism in Batangas,” stated Landco Pacific Corporation President and CEO Erickson Y. Manzano.

“We welcome the national beach volleyball teams as they hold their training camp in Club Laiya where they also enjoy the facilities managed by Millennial Resorts. They are billeted at the unique accommodations of Cocoons and to meet and balance the demands and discipline of their sports, they can cross-train or opt to unwind at the swimming pool of Club Laiya Beach Club and have their hearty meals at Capt. Barbozza restaurant,” said Patrick Gregorio, Senior Tourism and Hospitality consultant for Millennial Resorts Corp. and former Secretary General, Philippine Olympic Committee.

Only two and a half hours from Metro Manila and adjacent to Landco’s Playa Laiya, the sun-kissed 23-hectare Club Laiya is a master-planned and premier resort community. The sprawling property features a mix of private residential lots, buildings, commercial spaces, and tourist hubs. Each provides distinct experiences and opportunities that are part of one unified development of Landco Pacific Corporation.

Club Laiya is a top-notch choice for investors and property owners drawn to the vibrant energy of Laiya beach as a favorite tourist spot for those who love to socialize and engage in an active outdoor lifestyle, with all the conveniences of modern life.

Together with Landco Resort Estates CaSoBe (Calatagan South Beach), Club Laiya is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) registered for the properties’ sustainability program.

At Club Laiya, investors can choose from the Seaside District, offering mix use residential and commercial lots that are closest to Laiya’s powdery white sand beach; the Premier District, the gated resort and lush forest community with a scenic view of Laiya’s mountains and greenery; the soon to be built Plaza Laiya; and soon to be launched The Spinnaker, the stunning, medium-rise beachfront premium condominium, with terraced levels and luxurious cuts, featuring an exclusive 4th level infinity pool, and positive Miami vibes.

Millennial Resorts, the hospitality arm of Landco, operates and manages the leisure and hospitality facilities of Resort Estates Club Laiya: the unconventional accommodations of the Cocoons and Camperisti; Captain Barbozza Restaurant and Bar; and the soon-to-be-built The Isle, a multi-purpose event center.

For more information about Landco Pacific Corporation and its Resort Estates Club Laiya, visit their website or Facebook page.

Announcing the official Philippine National Volleyball Team lineup for the 2019 SEA Games

Tweet

The Philippine national men’s and women’s volleyball teams have released their official line-ups for the games, featuring a pool of talented professional and competitive players. 

Here is a look at our Volleyball representatives eyeing a podium finish in the regional meet.

MEN’S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Joining the men’s national volleyball team are talented players who have made their mark in the sport. Headlining the team is a powerful trio collectively known as BAE (a playful acronym of their surnames), and their team captain John Vic de Guzman.

John Vic de Guzman

Men’s national volleyball team captain John Vic de Guzman is a stellar pro athlete with the PLDT Home Fibr Ultra Fast Hitters. He shot to prominence through his winning collegiate career, leading De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to an NCAA championship in Season 92, as well as earning the MVP honors along the way.

Bryan Bagunas

Bryan Bagunas is a collegiate MVP and Japan-based pro player. Bagunas led the Bulldogs to two UAAP championship runs and finished his storied collegiate career with two MVP titles. The 6-foot-5 athlete portrays his power on the court through his long wing-span and powerful spikes, taking his talents not only to the Philippine national team, but also to the Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler volleyball club in Japan.

Alnakran “Ranran” Abdilla

Alnakran “Ranran” Abdilla is a standout pro from Tawi-Tawi, Mindanao. He is a BS Criminology graduate from DLSU-Dasmarinas, where he helped the team win three national championships from the Private Schools Athletic Association, two from the National Capital Region Athletic Association, and three from the Universities and Colleges Athletic Association. He currently plays in the Premier Volleyball League for the Philippine Air Force, in which he also serves as an airman 2^nd class. Folks in his hometown of Bongao revere him as a hero and a role model for the youth.

Marck Espejo

Marck Espejo is the country’s first ever “Mr. Volleyball,” proving himself a force to be reckoned with. Espejo’s crowning achievement is winning the Most Valuable Player in Ateneo de Manila University’s three consecutive championship seasons from UAAP Seasons 77 to 79, along with Rookie of the Year, Best Attacker, Best Server, and Best Scorer awards.

Together with Bagunas, Abadilla, Espejo, and De Guzman, the Men’s National Team, coached by Dante Alinsunurin, is completed by these talented players:

• Francis Saura – Philippine Air Force
• Kim Malabunga – Philippine Air Force
• Ricky Marcos – Sta. Elena-NU Bulldogs
• Esmilzo Polvorosa – Cignal HD Spikers
• Jessie Lopez – Philippine Air Force
• Ave Joshua Retamar – Sta. Elena-NU Bulldogs
• Rex Intal – Cignal HD Spikers
• Mark Alfafara – PLDT
• Jack Kalingking – Philippine Navy
• Joshua Umandal – PLDT
• 
  

WOMEN’S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM

The star-studded and jam-packed women’s team is headlined by the best and brightest volleyball stars of this generation. Led by Coach Cesael delos Santos, the team hopes to earn home-court advantage as they look to bring back the glory days of Philippine volleyball. Some of the headliners are:

Aby Maraño

A champion professional and collegiate MVP, women’s national team captain Aby Maraño plays with a burning passion under the mantra Beast Mode Don’t Care, or BMDC. Maraño shot to fame in her college days playing for the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, where she helped the team win an impressive three consecutive UAAP championships, earning two MVP awards along the way. Maraño has also had a successful pro career thus far, winning six championships in the Philippine Super Liga, five of which were with the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. With this dazzling resume of accolades under her belt, Maraño will be looking to lead the team in dominating the field at the 2019 SEA Games this November.

Alyssa Valdez

Alyssa Valdez, affectionately known as “The Phenom,” is one of the most popular athletes of her generation. She’s best known for her time as a star player of Ateneo de Manila University during her college days, where she unceasingly led her team to two UAAP and two Shakey’s V-League championships, as well as numerous individual awards for her amazing play, including three MVP awards. Valdez has also been a standout in donning the Philippine tri-color in international tournaments, as well as in her pro career, leading her current team the Creamline Cool Smashers to two Premier Volleyball League championships in 2018 and 2019.

Majoy Baron

Majoy Baron is another champion pro and collegiate MVP.  She is truly unpredictable when she starts hitting it out on the court. She led the De La Salle University Lady Spikers to three consecutive UAAP championships, where she also won individual awards because of her commendable performance. Baron’s pro career is also flourishing, helping take the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers to five PSL championships, including the recently-concluded 2019 PSL Invitational Conference, in which she also won MVP. Baron is not new to international volleyball tournaments—just recently, she was named the Best Middle Blocker in the ASEAN Grand Prix held in Thailand and the Philippines.

Jia Morado

Jia Morado is an award-winning pro MVP and former college standout who has previous experience representing the Philippines in the SEA Games. During the recently concluded 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix, Morado made noise by setting the pace for the national team during its five-set victory against Vietnam. Netizens praised her outstanding performance, with some describing her playmaking as a “game changer.” Her pro career with the Creamline Cool Smashers has seen incredible accomplishments so far, with two Premiere Volleyball League championships playing for the club.

Completing the promising women’s national volleyball team in the 2019 SEA Games are:

• Rhea Dimaculangan – Petron Tri-Activ Spikers
• Ces Molina – Petron Tri-Activ Spikers
• Eya Laure – Foton Tornadoes
• Kalei Mau – F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
• Mylene Paat – Cignal HD Spikers
• Jovelyn Gonzaga – Cignal HD Spikers, PacificTown-Army
• Maddie Madayag – Choco Mucho
• Mika Reyes – Petron Blaze Spikers
• Dawn Macandili – F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
• Kath Arado – Generika-Ayala Lifesavers

Cheering as Sambansa in the 2019 SEA Games

Now that we know who will represent the Philippines at the SEA Games this November, don’t be shy to show your support! Both the men and women’s teams have been busy preparing with the help of various organizations and companies such as Rebisco, and they will need all the support they can get from their Filipino fans as our players look to play their best against the top talent of Southeast Asia and bring home the gold.

The volleyball tournament of the 2019 SEA Games will be held from November 28 to December 10 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Sports Complex, Manila.

For more info and updates on the Philippine national volleyball team, follow Rebisco Pilipinas on Facebook (facebook.com/RebiscoSambansa/), and on Twitter and Instagram at @RebiscoSambansa.

The Volley Hall of Fame

Tweet

The Philippine National Volleyball training pools are currently working hard to bring their A-game in this year’s Southeast Asian Games to be held in the Philippines this coming November. Whatever the final line-ups will be, the men’s and women’s teams will continue a storied tradition of volleyball excellence when they step on the court to represent our country.

Current volleyball fans may be familiar with today’s collegiate and professional stars, but did you know that the Philippines has produced top players for decades? Philippine volleyball has had quite the glorious history, thanks to the contributions of these five legendary volleybelles:

Nene Ybanez-Chavez

(Photo courtesy of Arvin Lim)

The Philippines has been a superpower in volleyball, especially on the women’s side, ever since it was introduced to the SEA Games in 1977, with the Women’s National Volleyball team ranking second behind Thailand in gold medals won.

Those powerhouse teams were fronted by the likes of Nene Ybanez-Chavez, the 6’1” legend from Southwestern University in Cebu who helped the Philippines dominate the SEA Games in the early ‘90s. She’s best known for leading the women’s team to its last SEA gold in the 1993 games in Singapore, earning the MVP and Best Spiker honors along the way. Possessing extraordinary endurance in the sport, Ybanez-Chavez played competitively until 2013, and now continues to make her mark in Philippine volleyball by coaching a team in the Philippine Super Liga professional league.

Mozzy Crisologo-Ravena

(Photo courtesy of Mozzy Ravena)

The mother of the famous Ravena phenoms in Philippine basketball is a former volleyball champion in her own right. Mozzy Crisologo-Ravena, the volleyball analyst/sportscaster and University of Santo Tomas alumna, was a two-time UAAP volleyball champion from 1988 to 1992. She also represented the country as a part of the Philippine Youth team in 1988 and the seniors’ team from 1988 to 1989. Today, her legacy lives on through her daughter Dani Ravena, who plays volleyball for the Ateneo Lady Eagles.

Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo

(Photo courtesy of Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo)

Before Philippine volleyball went mainstream via the collegiate scene, there was Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo, holding up the sport in the country. Balse-Pabayo, from Tagum City, Davao del Norte, is another champion UST alumna and one of the players who carried the Philippines to a bronze medal in the 2005 SEA Games. Balse-Pabayo is still going strong today, currently playing for the Philippine Army Lady Troopers in the Philippine Super Liga and also the Premier Volleyball League, where she is a two-time champion.

Tina Salak

(Photo courtesy of Tina Salak)

One of the sport’s most successful players, Tina Salak has a storied career representing the country as part of the national team for many years, with huge wins such as the silver finish in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1995 and bronze in Manila in 2005. She also competed in the 2015 SEA Games held in Singapore.

Salak also has a rich professional career, with 10 seasons logged in the Shakey’s V-League and the Philippine Super Liga, where she won five championships and six medals with the Philippine Army Lady Troopers. She’s since retired, going on to work as a coach in the PSL.

Angeli Tabaquero

(Photo courtesy of Mix Gatpandan)

One of Philippine volleyball’s contemporary stars, Angeli Tabaquero is a renowned collegiate champion, having won titles as part of the UST Golden Tigresses. Tabaquero also represented the country as a member of the Philippine National Team in the 2013 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship, and as part of the PLDT Home Tvolution national team in another stint in the 2014 Asian Club Championship. An unfortunate injury forced her to retire in 2016 and become a coach for the Adamson Lady Falcons.

The road to the 2019 SEA Games continues

The Philippine Men’s and Women’s National Volleyball Team will compete against the rest of the region from November 28 to December 10 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila. The athletic firepower of current volleyball stars like Alyssa Valdez and Aby Marano brings bright prospects in making the Philippines a regional powerhouse in the international volleyball scene once again.

With the steadfast support of organizations and companies like Rebisco, the national teams will be looking to bring pride and glory to the Philippines when they give their all on the court. Together, Filipinos will again cheer for the national team fighting as Sambansa – or one nation – under the colors of our flag.

Rebisco has been a proponent of Philippine volleyball and various organizations and leagues that comprise it. Aside from supporting the Philippine national team in this year’s SEA Games, Rebisco has also backed the Philippine Women’s Volleyball Team in the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia. The company is also committed to developing the future of the sport with the newly-launched 18-and-under Rebisco Volleyball League.

For more info and updates on the Philippine National Volleyball Team, follow Rebisco Pilipinas on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @RebiscoSambansa.

Catch the hottest volleyball action live at the PSL Grand Prix- Free with any Cloudfone device!

Tweet

Cloudfone users can watch the games live for free! 

Cloudfone and the Philippine SuperLiga (PSL) forge a new partnership to bring league perks to Cloudfone users and first-in-the-Philippines in-game innovations.

The PSL taps Cloudfone as the league’s first technology sponsor in the 2017 Chooks-to-Go PSL Grand Prix Conference. 

The Grand Prix, which officially starts on October 28, will be marked with a grand opening, including the public launch of the tie-up. Karch Kiraly, head coach of the United States women’s volleyball team, will be among the special guests of honor during the opening. 

Free admission for Cloudfone users

Cloudfone users can let out their biggest cheers as they root for their favorite players and team as they watch the games live and for free at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan. 

Cloudfone devices, including feature phones and smartphones, become free Lower Box passes, and entitle all Cloudfone users to see the games during the Grand Prix Conference for free until the grand finale on December 16 as the best teams of the league go face-to-face for the championship rounds.

“They just have to show their phone units and register at the gate. We will always reserve a special section for all Cloudfone users inside the venue so that they can have the best seats, the best view to watch the games,” says PSL Events Director Dr. Ian Laurel.

This perk gives Cloudfone users unparalleled experience of the sport. There’s no need to buy tickets, which are being sold at the venue, at SM Tickets booths at SM malls, and online at smtickets.com.

“All they need to do is come over, watch, and enjoy the best volleyball action that we have--the best players, the best teams in women’s volleyball right now,” says Dr. Laurel.

The PSL games take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan, and at different provinces in Luzon and Visayas. All games are aired live on ESPN5 at 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with replays of select matches on the next day. 

“As the only professional volleyball league here, PSL believes in elevating the quality of the sport while making it more accessible for Filipinos from all regions to enjoy the games. Cloudfone is aligned with the same mission of bringing global standards in our products and making these available to all Filipinos. Both Cloudfone and PSL advocate for the same thing, to bring quality within reach of our customers and audiences,” explains Ray Caguin, Cloudfone Group Brand Manager.

Cloudfone has already established itself as a brand that provides more value beyond what the usual phones offer. “In all our partnerships, we ensure that we give customers an access to lifestyle wants and wishes. And we are always happy to get those values from our partnerships and give them to our customers. Now, with the PSL agreement, Cloudfone gives access to exciting and world-class quality volleyball games that Cloudfone users can enjoy for one full conference. Owning one of our feature phones, the Cloudfone Lite premier, which only retails at P499 already gives you unlimited access for the entire conference,” Caguin adds.

The league’s schedule is available on the PSL website philippinesuperliga.com.

New sports technology

The partnership could not have come at a better time. Aside from providing benefits to sports fans through free games for Cloudfone users, this new alliance introduces the tablet system to Philippine volleyball.

“We welcome the partnership of Cloudfone with PSL. This is a big support because in this Grand Prix, we are launching the tablet system for the competition. The timing of the partnership is really good,” says PSL President Ramon Suzara.

The PSL precedes other leagues in the country as it pioneers the Volleyball Challenge System, which requires the use of tablets. Cloudfone, as the PSL’s official technology partner, provides all the tablets needed to make this breakthrough possible.

The Volleyball Challenge System kicked off at International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) games in 2013 and was first adopted at an Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. It allows coaches to use a tablet to officially call timeouts and request challenges through video review, among others. 

“This is being used now in international volleyball. There used to be just a button that coaches press underneath their seats when they need to call a timeout. But this time, we have a tablet,” says Dr. Laurel.

The PSL begins implementing the system in the Grand Prix’s semi-finals. All teams to make it to this stage are issued Cloudfone Cloudpad tablets.

These developments showcase the two organizations’ common passion for innovation, volleyball, and elevating Filipinos’ skills and talents to international standards. 

“The Philippine SuperLiga is the only league sanctioned by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and the FIVB,” says Dr. Laurel. “We want to keep up with the standards that they set. We follow competition regulations like an international governing body.”

Fans of the sport and the brand alike can know more about Cloudfone’s products and services by approaching Cloudfone booths installed at game venues or visiting cloudfone.com.ph. 

The company offers a wide range of devices such as the recently launched Next Infinity Series boasting screens with an 18:9 aspect ratio.

Expect equally exciting announcements about Cloudfone and their partnership with PSL as the conference progresses.

For more awesome Cloudfone information, visit www.cloudfone.com.ph.

Alyssa Valdez with the Creamline Cool Smashers in Good Vibes Day with Fans

Tweet

Alyssa Valdez

Members of the volleyball team Creamline Cool Smashers had a field day spending time with their beloved fans and supporters on what was dubbed Good Vibes Day held recently at Gerry’s Grill, Tomas Morato in Quezon City.

Led by team captain and star player Alyssa Valdez, the Cool Smashers enjoyed taking photos, signing shirts, making fan signs and videos, and just spending time with the very people cheering for them on and off the court. There were fifty lucky fans selected from the Creamline Creamy Ice Cream Facebook Fanpage who came in their Creamline shirts, bringing their usual happy, good vibes. 

Observing how the specially created fans day went, everybody was in a good mood, reflecting the positive vibes associated with the team spirit and crowd-drawing fan support that have characterized the campaign of the Cool Smashers right off the bat. 

Fans expressed their admiration for the Cool Smashers in various ways like giving them special gifts, posing for pictures, and addressing the team with sincere praises. 

The Cool Smashers, one of the exciting teams formed and playing for the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), finished third place in the just concluded Reinforced Conference. They debuted last April 30, kicking off their very first campaign that turned out to be a brilliant showcase of what they can do to give more credence to the league and the community that breathes on the sport of volleyball in this part of the globe. 

“We appreciate the support of our fans and we dedicate this day to them,” said import Laura Schaudt who, together with co-import Kuttika Kaewpin, had to leave for home that same day. 

The two imports practically saved the best for last in their fun days as players for Creamline. They had a good time with their teammates and their fans who showed everyone how loyal and expressive they are in their support of their favorite team. They told everyone they had a fun experience in Manila playing for Creamline. It won’t come as a surprise if they’d be back for another tour of duty.

Clearly, Valdez, awarded Most Valuable Player for the conference, is the heart and soul of the team. Yet, the fans showed up to let everybody know that each Creamline player is as special as anyone in the team. Valdez herself acknowledged that she couldn’t perform well without her teammates delivering the goods for the team’s welfare. 

‘We would like to thank everyone who supported us since Day 1. Our fans are keeping up with the good vibes that fuel our team every step of the way,” she stated. 

The Creamline Cool Smashers are expected to perform even better in the next conference as they gel even more as a team of talented and dedicated players, with a fan base growing by the day. 

Playing alongside Valdez are her teammates Pau Soriano, Coleen Bravo, Ces Racraquin, Joyce Palad, Alex Cabanos, Janet Serafica, Aerieal Patnongon, Jonalyn Ibisa, Jema Galanza, Jamela Suya, and Ivy Remulla.  

The Creamline Cool Smashers were formed with the backing of iconic brand Rebisco that has long been supporting volleyball in the country. 

The Good Vibes Day saw the players giving Rebisco gift bags to their fans, sharing cool moments in the special photo booth installed at the venue, chatting with the media representatives who graced the event, and jamming with everyone singing their hearts out.

BEST Center opens weekend clinics

Tweet

The clinics provide scientific training in basketball and volleyball for young boys and girls

BEST (Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training) Center, the award-winning school for basketball and volleyball, will have another series of clinics for aspiring basketball and volleyball players at the Ateneo College Covered Courts and Starmall Alabang.

The highly anticipated classes at the Ateneo College Covered Court will be held every Saturday on September 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, November 5 and Sunday, November 6 from 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Students in Preparatory Level and Levels 1-5 will be joining the basketball clinic while volleyball will be for levels 1 and 2. 

Meanwhile, clinics at Starmall Alabang are held every Sunday on September 18 and 25 and October 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Joining these classes are students belonging to the Preparatory Level and Levels 1-4.

“Sports are vital in the children’s growth and development. Aside from honing their athletic skills and encouraging kids to lead a healthy, active lifestyle, it also helps them learn self-discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and perseverance”, remarked Jorge. 

The clinics provide scientific training for young boys and girls of varying skills and age levels which includes the fundamentals on ball handling, dribbling, passing, shooting, spiking, serving, blocking, footwork and defensive and offensive moves. 

Since its establishment in 1978 by national coach Nic Jorge, BEST Center continues to produce some of the country’s finest basketball and volleyball players including Chris Tiu, Kiefer Ravena and Princess Gaiser. 

For more information about BEST Center’s classes and tournaments, call the hotlines 411-6260, 3723066 and 372-3065, email bestcentersports@gmail.com or follow its official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/BEST-Center-Sports-Inc/66172039922.