THE INSANITY OF SENDING THE U23 AZKALS TO THE SEA GAMES

The insanity must stop. The insistence of PFF to send the U23 Azkals to the SEA Games must stop.

I am simply at a loss for words as to why PFF, a few media people and fans are asking POC and PSC to allow the U23 Azkals to go to the biennial meet in Phnom Penh. The showing of the U23 Azkals in the last SEA Games leaves no doubt that the team does not deserve to represent. The team lost in four out of the five games in Indonesia to finish dead last. Being a dead last finisher certainly does not merit an iota of consideration for a possible next stint in the tournament. Representing the country is a right reserved to those who can render a respectable showing in any international tournament. A team that has lost to a team ranked 205th in the world does not have any business representing the country as far as I am concerned.

The standard set by POC and PSC is appropriate. By allowing only gold medal hopefuls to go to the Games, the two institutions ensure that only deserving teams and athletes are given the right to represent the country. It very well serves as a reminder to teams and athletes to perform well in international tournaments. Representing the country has a big responsibility attached to it.

Fans of the U23 Azkals are banking on luck as they hope that their idols post upsets in the tournament. While there is a chance, we must realize that the chance is very slim indeed.

The gross misconduct of some of the U23 Azkals that were sent in the last SEA Games only reinforces the fact that they don't deserve to go. No less than the team captain of the team showed utter disrespect to the coach and team as he abandoned his very own team in the middle of the tournament. The behavior of the team captain merited a lifetime ban.

Lastly, reports received by no less than Ronnie Nathanielz indicate that some of the U23 Azkals have no sense of what behavior is expected from national athletes who are in the middle of a tournament. See thread.

The right to represent the country abroad is not an entitlement. It is rightfully earned. And based on the last performance of the U23 Azkals, they certainly have not earned it. Perhaps, the U23 Azkals need to prove themselves in friendlies and other tournaments to make believers out of unbelievers. Until then, stay out of the SEA Games please.

WHAT'S WITH THE PFF AND AZKALS ?

I am so disturbed with the insistence of the Philippine Football Federation to send the U23 Azkals to the Southeast Asian Games this December. PFF does not seem to know how to conform to the standards set by the Philippine Olympic Committee and can't take no for an answer. PFF is so determined to send the Azkals to the SEA Games that it is even willing to shoulder the entire cost of sending the team to Phnom Penh.

I really don't understand what compelling reason PFF has in insisting that the U23 Azkals must join the contingent for the SEA Games. During the last edition of the biennial, Azkals finished last. The team captain abandoned the team in the middle of the tournament. which got him a lifetime ban. Lastly, no less than Ronnie Nathanielz received reports that two Azkals players had their girlfriends inside their hotel rooms. See report.

The Azkals have represented the country in the worst possible way. So why is PFF still insisting that they represent the country once again ? I am so dumbfounded.

WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD MAKE IT TO THE WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL NATIONAL TEAM ?

Dear volleyball fans,

Who do you think should be included in the national team ? Kindly list down 12 players who you think will make the country proud. Use the comment section to write down the names of the players of your choice.

Thanks.

THE PHILIPPINE VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION AND VOLLEYBALL WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM

courtesy of The Inquirer

The Philippine Volleyball Federation has spoken. It will conduct a series of try-outs for a women's national team to be sent to Thailand for the 17th Asian Seniors Women's Championships. With this development, the initial step in forming a national team has been made.

But will this finally lead to an actual formation of a national volleyball women's team ? Sadly, I don't think so. For one, the best players must make an effort to try-out and commit to the national team. Two, people like Ricky Palou and Tats Suzara must allow their players to try-out and participate in tournaments that PVF will line up for the national team. Three, universities and colleges must allow their students to be a part of the national team. Fourth, sponsors must come in to provide financial support to the team. And lastly, POC and PSC will do well to mind their own business and not interfere with PVF.

While PVF is heading towards the right direction, several people and institutions are still needed to make the national women's volleyball team a reality. I seriously doubt that we , as a nation and people, can unite to make certain dreams possible. After all, the root cause of the problem in volleyball are the selfish motives of people who claim to love the sport. The problems persist because people refuse to work as one. We simply do not know the concept of a team.

A CALL TO BOYCOTT PHILIPPINE SUPERLIGA

While the intentions behind Superliga are noble, the man behind it is worth a closer investigation.

Tatz Suzara, SCORE president, is the man responsible for what might be the biggest controversy to rock Philippine volleyball. His controversial try-outs, refusal to acknowledge PVF authority and formation of the Bomberinas have brought to the public the rift between PVF and a rebel group. Tatz refuses to be accountable to anyone as he conducts his own agenda for Philippine volleyball. From all indications, he is the one responsible for the country's confirmation to participate in several international tournaments without the approval of PVF. As a result, the country continues to be threatened with sanctions from one tournament to the other. Being an FIVB official, Suzara certainly has the means and ability to somehow arrange the participation of the country in several AVC tournaments. See press release.

The challenge now for Suzara is to come clean. No less than the tournaments for his now-defunct Bomberinas are the very tournaments where the sanctions are now coming from. It could only mean that he himself confirmed the country's participation in the said tournaments. See report.

I don't know about you my dear readers but as far as I am concerned, a character like Tatz Suzara does not deserve much support. There are other meritorious people who deserve our support. We can support Cagayan Friendship Games instead. It is time to really make a stand for what is right. A boycott of Superliga is in order if only to teach people the lesson that must be learned.

17TH ASIAN WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013 : SEA ZONALS PART 2

It is a case of history repeating itself. Once again, the possibility of a sanction becomes real for the country in the Asian Championships in Thailand this September. Obviously, the same personalities have again confirmed the country’s participation in yet another international tournament. Will POC once again step in as the country faces another possible sanction ? Will PVF assert its authority in solving the mess that certain individuals outside PVF have created ? Or will PVF allow the imposition of the sanction to reveal once and for all the personalities responsible for putting the country in yet another embarrassing situation ?

Perhaps, it is time to hold certain personalities accountable. These personalities have shamelessly placed the country in international embarrassment with their unwarranted maneuverings twice in a row now. Saying that what they are doing is for national interest simply does not cut it anymore. People know the truth now about the mess that keeps going from one tournament to another. It is time for people to face the consequences of their actions. People, it seems, don’t learn from their mistakes especially when they know that there are people out to cover their tracks. The deception and cover-up must end now for the sake of the players, coaches, fans and country as a whole.

THE TRUTH REVEALED : POC CONFIRMED THE COUNTRY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE ZONALS

I have long held on to an information that practically solves the mystery of the country's participation in the Southeast Asian zonals. I was hoping that the people involved will come out with the information themselves. But they choose to remain quiet on who really confirmed the Philippines' participation in the zonals.

The confirmation is crucial since it is responsible for the possible sanction that the country might incur. With a confirmation, the country must participate in order to avoid a monetary fine. The fine ranges from 200 dollars to 10, 000 dollars. The sanction only involves a monetary fine and not a suspension from international competitions.

The fact is, Dr. Ian Laurel signed the 02 Bis and POC sent the 02 Bis to AVC. The 02 Bis is the official and final list of players of the team. It serves as an entry form in most major tournaments abroad.

There is no truth that the sanction is a result of PVF's refusal to join. The sanction has to do with not honoring a confirmation to join. In this case, POC committed the country's participation in the form of an 02 Bis. It is the POC that placed the country with a possible sanction.

So the truth may be known.

SOUTHEAST ASIAN ZONALS : THE TRUTH REVEALED PART 2

It seems the controversy surrounding the country's participation in the Southeast Asian zonals in Vietnam is unending.

In an opinion column that appeared in The Daily Inquirer on June 9, 2013,  it was reported that on May 22, 2013, AVC vice-president Wongprasert sent an email to Romasanta warning of serious sanctions should the Philippines decide not to participate in the zonals. It was because of this email that Romasanta decided to talk to the board of POC and PSC, warning of the supposedly dire consequences of the country's non-participation in the zonals. Then on May 24, 2013, AVC president DR. Salek Bin Nasser emailed Romasanta appointing the POC as the only entity that can send a team to the zonals. On May 26, 2013, PVF president Gener Dungo sent an email informing AVC that the country will not participate in the zonals.

With the series of email exchanges between May 22-26, 2013, several interesting questions arise. One, why did Romasanta present to the POC and PSC the situation that the country was not sending a team to the zonals at a time that PVF has not yet confirmed the country's non-participation ? Romasanta talked to POC and PSC May 22. The email confirming the country's non-participation was only sent May 26. Two, why did Wongprasert write to Romasanta instead of Dungo about the supposedly serious sanctions that may be imposed on the country ? If there is one person who must be informed of the consequences of the country's non-participation in the zonals, it should only be Gener Dungo. Three, the May 24 email categorically stated that the POC was the only entity allowed to send a team to the zonals. Was there a group or entity, aside from the Tatz Suzara group, that wanted and had the capability to send a team to the zonals ? Why the exclusivity clause on that particular email ? This particular email too effectively banned PVF from sending a team. Why the need create such a situation ?

Obviously, the people behind the country's participation in the zonals in Vietnam have a lot of explaining to do. They are hoping that the people will not ask questions anymore. After all, a Philippine team was sent and the players were able to gain international experience. But were they completely transparent in the way they achieved these purposes ? The question really is all about transparency and being honest in front of the people they are duty-bound to serve. Honesty, after all, is the best policy.

ONE-ON-ONE WITH THE VOLLEYBALL SEC-GEN

Isa siya sa mga pinakamahusay na volleyball ng bansa noong dekada 90. Mula sa Perpetual Help at UST ay napasama siya sa pambansang koponanna lumaban sa iba't-ibang international tournaments. Naging coach rin siya at commissioner ng UAAP. Kasalukuyan siyang secretary general ng Philippine Volleyball Federation. Nakapanayam ni Bandera correspondent Eric Dimzon Si Rustico "Otie" Camangian para mabigyan ng linaw ang kaguluhang bumabalot ngayon sa PVF. Narito ang kanyang sinabi  

1. Kailan ka na-appoint bilang acting secretary general ng Philippine Volleyball Federation ?

I was officially appointed as secretary general last May 30, 2013.

2. Ano ang masasabi mo sa pakikialam ng POC hinggil sa pagbuo ng isang pambansang koponan ?

The principle of autonomy and independence is guaranteed by the International Olympic Committee constitution. Alam ng POC at PSC yan. So they had to go around the constitution of IOC. Sa sitwasyon sa Bomberinas, kailangan umikot sila. Di ba ngayon ginawa na ang team nila bilang POC at PSC team ? 

3. Nangako ba ang PVF na sasali ang Pilipinas sa Southeast Asian zonals sa Vietnam ?

I learned that there were 3 letters from Asian Volleyball Confederation that were sent to PVF for the zonals. The first one was on April 12, 2013.which I don't have a copy of. The second one was April 25, 2013. And the last one was May 9, 2013. Ano sinasabi dito ? Kailangan magpadala ang PVF ng 02. 02 is the general line-up of the team prior to the competition. 02 Bis is the final line-up. Meaning up until May 9, 2013, hindi pa official participant ang Pilipinas sa zonals.Walang entry form or 02 coming from PVF up until May 9, 2013. Kinausap ko si Gener. Never siyang nagpadala ng entry or 02 form. Yung tatlong letters from AVC confirm that the Philippines never intended to join the zonal in Vietnam. In fact, hinihingi ng AVC yung 02 form from PVF. Wala talaga.

4. Mandatory event ba ang Southeast Asian zonal sa Vietnam ?

No. Never in FIVB history has a national federation been forced to join a particular tournament. Kung mandatory yun, nasaan ang Malaysia ? Nasaan ang Singapore ? These are zonal members. Where are they ? It only becomes mandatory pag nakapagsubmit na ng entry form or 02 Bis.( Ang sumali lang sa zonals ay Vietnam, Myanmar at Indonesia )

5. Anong klaseng sanction ang maaaring ipataw sa isang national federation na nagsubmit ng entry or 02 form pero biglang umatras sa pagsali sa tournament ?

For the zonals, the sanction is in the form of monetary fine for a withdrawal. And as I have said, a withdrawal is only possible if a country through its federation has submitted an entry form or 02 Bis. The fine ranges from $2000 to $7000, depending on how close the actual withdrawal is from the start of the tournament. The closer to the tournament proper, the higher the fine.  I tell you, FIVB will not suspend a federation belonging to category 2 or 3 like the Philippines. Yung mga first world countries ang category 1. I am not sure kung category 2 or category 3 ang Pilipinas. FIVB will not suspend us. Ano ba ang purpose ng FIVB ? To promote and encourage everyone to play the sport. A suspension defeats that purpose.

6. Could the confirmation have come from Tatz Suzara ?

I don't know. Perhaps. But why is it that World Championships 2014 Asia, nakalista ang Pilipinas ? Nakasulat para sa 2014 World Championships ang labing-anim na bansa, kasama ang Pilipinas. In Southeast Asian zonal, bakit kasama ang Pilipinas ? April 25, 2013 ito nakasulat sa isang correspondence ng AVC sa PVF. Maybe, Tatz already promised the team and its supporters that we are going to participate in the 2014 World Championships. The whole thing is part of the plan to make their team legitimate. Hanggang umabot na yung team nila eventually sa Southeast Asian Games. In between, their team will go to Japan and Korea for training.

7. Ano na ngayon ang nangyayari sa PVF ?

PVF acted on the issues on hand. Gener Dungo went on an indefinite leave. Vangie is no longer with the board. And I was appointed acting secretary-general. And I am now tasked to form an interim board who will run the affairs of PVF. What will be the composition of the interim board ? First, currently active PVF board members. Second, the secretary general. And the last, those people or individuals currently helping volleyball in the Philippines. Only 2 names were mentioned during the meeting to be included, si Ricky Palou at si Tats Suzara. The reason why the name of Tatz Suzara was mentioned is that you cannot deny his possible contribution. Pero the current board does not understand that Tatz is one of the reasons why PVF is in such a mess. Si Ricky Palou naman, I called him out of respect for the board. I told him that I would update him on the meeting because his name was mentioned by Roger Banzuela. Roger Banzuela is one of the pillars of Philippine volleyball. I asked him if he is interested. He told me that he needs to consult with his group first. Pero hindi na niya ako binalikan. And after that, I got word from Doc Ian Laurel that Ricky Palou is saying that I offered him the presidency. I am not in a position to offer the presidency to anyone. I am not part of the board. I am only appointed by the board. Besides, it will not be right for me to offer Ricky Palou the presidency because he is an organizer of a volleyball tournament. There will be a conflict of interest as he runs his own business. Sa akin, pure propaganda ang sinasabing inalok ko kay Ricky Palou ang PVF presidency. So yun ang nangyayari sa PVF ngayon.

8. Ano naman ang future plans ng PVF ?

It is very important that we talk and communicate with AVC. There's now open communication between AVC and PVF. This week, we will send a delegate to AVC para magharap-harap at mag-usap. Para lang ma-establish uli yung relationship that was strained. Na technically, yung gulo at di pagkakaunawaan, gawa ng outside forces. And I have all the documents to prove lahat nang sinasabi ko. 

9. As a secretary-general, ano ang nais mong mangyari ?

Right now, I am blessed to be given the opportunity to make a difference. I can get the right people to be part of the interim board. People who I know will really help volleyball flourish. People who will take volleyball to new heights.

10. May pag-asa pa ba ang volleyball sa Pilipinas ?

Definitely. There's always a light at the end of the tunnel. Everything will come to pass. And history will be the one to judge everybody. Ako, I learned so many things when I was a player. Ngayon, ang pagiging positive ang tinuturo ko sa mga estudyante ko. There's no room for doubt. Ang kailangan isipin, kaya natin ito. Maaayos naman ang lahat. Yung willingness to to accept shortcomings and to work as one will spell the success of Philippine volleyball. May pag-asa pa.

SOUTHEAST ASIAN ZONALS AND THE PHILIPPINES : THE TRUTH REVEALED

My interview with the new secretary general of PVF, Otie Camangian, appears in today's issue of Bandera. Secretary general Camangian answers the most crucial issues regarding the country's participation in the Southeast Asian zonals in Vietnam. The salient points of the interview are as follow :

1. The Southeast Asian zonals is not a mandatory event. As such, the Philippines would not be suspended from international competition even if the country did not participate in the zonals. As the PVF secretary general points out, other zonal members like Malaysia and Singapore did not participate in the zonals. Had the zonals been mandatory, these countries would have been suspended. But Malaysia and Singapore remain in good standing with AVC and FIVB despite their non-participation, proving that the Zonals in Vietnam is not mandatory. Camangian likewise points out that in the history of FIVB, never has a country been suspended from international competition because of non-participation in a particular tournament.

2. The Philippines would be sanctioned in the form of monetary fine only if it confirmed its participation only to withdraw later on. A fine ranging from 2000 dollars to 7000 dollars would be imposed on the Philippines for a withdrawal and not non-participation. The question therefore is, who confirmed the country's participation ?

3. Emails from AVC are available to back up every point.

The interview in Bandera answers more issues concerning the fiasco. What I find deplorable about the whole mess is the deception that our so-called sports leaders perpetuated. They deceived the players, coaches and fans into believing that the country would be suspended from international tournaments should the country not participate in the zonals. The players, coaches and fans were made to believe that they were saving Philippine volleyball. But in reality, the sports leaders were merely saving themselves. The sports leaders were forced to honor their commitment to AVC to spare themselves of international embarrassment and sanction that would have exposed what really happened. And all at the expense of the players, coaches and fans.

HIT AND MISSES AT THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN ZONALS IN VIETNAM

courtesy of interaksyon

The POC-PSC Vbelles have won and lost in their two games at the Southeast Asian zonals in Vietnam. With a 1-1 record and only a match left, the Philippine team will need no less than a miracle to advance to the 2014 Asian Zonals.

If the sole purpose of joining the Vietnam zonals is for our players to gain international experience, then mission is accomplished. Nerves, as shown by the poor start of the team in its first two games, seem to be the team's Achilles' heel. Such can be expected for a team that is not used to competing at the international level. Alyssa Valdez, for me, remains the brightest spot for the POC-PSC V-belles. Against Vietnam, Valdez showed heart and skill. With a lot more training and exposure to tournaments abroad, Valdez could become the Philippines' best female volleyball player today.

If the purpose of the team in going to Vietnam is for the fans to see their favorite players play internationally, then this one is mission not accomplished. Filipino volleyball fans stayed late at night hoping to watch their idols in action. Sadly, there were no livestreams for the matches.

Now for the interesting part. If the Philippine team joined the zonals to prevent a suspension from AVC, then this is preposterous. In the first place, the event is not mandatory. Can anyone show a document that categorically says that the Southeast Asian zonals is mandatory ? I don't think so. More so, can anyone show a document that categorically states that non-participation in the zonals will merit a suspension from international tournaments ?

The country's participation in the Southeast Asian zonals can be a hit or miss, depending on one's purpose.

THE POC-PSC V-BELLES AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN ZONALS

The POC-PSC V-belles really face a tough task ahead at the Southeast Asian zonals. With only a week of practice, the V-belles have their hands full against teams from Vietnam, Indonesia and Myannmar.

 But the height advantage of the Filipinas could very well spell their biggest weapon in the tournament. With the Santiago sisters standing 6'2" and 6'4", the team's front row can be formidable. Blocking should produce points for the Philippine team. The team's open hitters are quite capable of producing several points as well. But the setters of the team must set well for the hitters to score points. Floor defense will be very crucial against Vietnam and Indonesia. Floor defense will limit the points of the opponents and will give greater opportunities for the team to set its plays. And if the team could get points even on serves, it will definitely have a good chance of beating even Vietnam.

But what will work against the Philippines is the lack of time to prepare as a team. A week is simply too short a time to make the team one cohesive unit. The team too lacks international exposure. Teams from Vietnam, Indonesia and even Myanmar have been competing in international tournaments against countries like China, Japan, Korea and Thailand. Vietnam, in fact, has beaten Olympic fourth-placer Korea at the 2012 Asian Women's Cup Volleyball Championship. Indonesia, on the other hand, placed second in the most recent SEA Games when it lost to Thailand.

Ultimately, the Philippine team can spring a surprise or two should it display impeccable teamwork. Volleyball, after all, is a team sport where each player's contribution is essential. It will help too if the players think during the game. They should see the open spots and read their opponents well. With the tremendous support of fans, the POC-PSC V-belles have what it takes to overcome the difficult battle ahead.

THE SHAKEY'S V-LEAGUE SELECTION : ON BEING A NATIONAL TEAM

The stage is set for the Shakey's V-League selection to show the stuff it is made of at the Southeast Asian Zonals in Vietnam. With the best female volleyball players of the land in its line-up, the selection is undoubtedly the best the country can come up with.

The harsh reality is that the country's top sports officials see the selection merely as a means to prevent a sanction from being imposed on the country. No less than Romasanta sees the selection placing third out of four competing nations.

But the faith of Filipino fans on the selection is commendable. I find it extremely encouraging that Filipino volleyball fans are one in exhorting the selection to do its best and to carry the flag well. While the selection may not at all be the national team,  the love and respect that Filipino volleyball fans give it  makes it indeed a national team in essence.

KOREA REPUBLIC INCHES CLOSER TO WORLD CUP BRAZIL

Korea Republic won over Uzbekistan, 1-0, courtesy of a header by Uzbekistani defender Shorakhmedov. With the win, the Taeguk Warriors appear to book its eigth consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance.

Shorakhmedov's header came in the 41st minute of the match. But despite the loss, Uzbekistan can still make the World Cup by winning its last game and Iran loses to Korea. Uzbekistan is aiming for its first World Cup appearance.

Japan, so far, is the only Asian country assured of a spot in World Cup Brazil. Only the top two teams in each group of the Asian qualifiers will book tickets to the world's greatest sports spectacle.

OPEN LETTER TO PVF PRESIDENT GENER DUNGO

Dear Sir Gener,

I just found out that you have decided to go on leave from PVF. The pressure of heading a sports federation that has suddenly become controversial has perhaps taken its toll on you.

In the short time that I have known you, I find you very approachable and professional. I don't feel uneasy to ask you even the toughest questions that tend to point out your shortcomings as PVF president. You are liberal enough to understand my point of view as a sports writer who is investigating a serious matter. But best of all, you know how to listen to reason.

In the end, the truth will out and prevail. I am sure that the person who is telling the truth will be vindicated, no matter what.

I wish you the best as you contemplate on the direction that you wish to take. Thank you for tolerating my persistence in pursuing the truth about the whole volleyball fiasco. And thank you for trusting me with your side of the story. Truly, I am humbled.

Yours,

Eric

ARE FILIPINA VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS BEING USED TO ADVANCE THE INTERESTS OF CERTAIN GROUPS ?

The Shakey's V-League selection is all set to compete in the Southeast Asian Zonals in Vietnam from June 13-16, 2013. Composed of top volleyball players from the V-League, the selection carries the hope of the country of advancing to the Asian Zonals.

The selection was hastily formed after the Bomberinas lost their gold medal match against Air Force during the Philippine National Games. The Bomberinas, after four months of training, was immediately dropped by POC and PSC as Philippine representatives after the unexpected defeat. To honor its commitment to Asian Volleyball Confederation, POC turned to the organizers of Shakey's V-League to form a selection. POC claims that sanctions are to be served to the Philippines should the country fail to send a team to Vietnam.

I can't help but remember the same ploy used by POC in dismantling the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation and its team. In 2010, POC  said that IOC issued a directive saying that the Philippines will be suspended from the Olympics should PDBF continue to exist as a separate federation from the Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation. Despite the numerous gold medals and a world record to boot, PDBF and its team were eventually dismantled and dissolved by virtue of a so-called directive. The funny thing is, both IOC and US dragon boat coach McNamara denied that there was a directive. I still have in my possession the statements of the IOC and Coach McNamara denying that a directive was issued by IOC.

The way I see it, politics is the main reason why Philippine volleyball is in such a mess. Tats Suzara came into the picture as his commercial league failed to materialize. He blames Gener Dungo for sabotaging his commercial league which I think motivated him to conduct his controversial try-outs without the approval of Dungo. POC dipped its fingers in the Southeast Asian Zonals to further aggravate the situation. POC has no business in taking on a task that clearly belongs to PVF. Yet, POC chose to write to AVC to be able to send its own team to the zonals. Also, PSC took a lot of time to release the funds being asked by PVF to be able to compete in tournaments abroad. Yet, when it was the POC that was sending a selection to Vietnam, PSC immediately released funds for the airfare of the entire team. It is interesting to note that Gener Dungo is not a Cojuangco man. Dungo ran against Cojuangco's ticket and won. I am not saying that Dungo is without blame. But not being a Cojuangco man certainly does not help Dungo.

In all these, the volleyball players are being used as pawns to serve the interests of certain groups. I hope that the selection to Vietnam exceeds expectations. Only a clear victory will force POC, PSC and PVF to seriously consider the selection as the national team. But will Ricky Palou allow his selection to be named the national team without him being named the PVF president ? Palou, after all, has openly expressed his desire to become the next PVF president.

If the selection fails to win the Southeast Asian Zonals, I could see the players being thrown away like a used rag that has served its purpose. As the saying goes, that's the way the cookie crumbles.

THE HIGH AND LOW OF PHILIPPINE WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

courtesy of Inquirer

Philippine women's volleyball is experiencing a resurgence of sorts. As seen from the record-breaking number of people who watched the UAAP and Shakey's V-League finals, Philippine women's volleyball is on a new high. But behind the new high is a new low as well.

Noticeably, those who seek to gain control over women's volleyball are men whose businesses are into sports. Tats Suzara has SCORE while Ricky Palou has Sports Vision. Tats tried but failed to come up with a commercial league for those players who want to pursue their volleyball careers after college. He too failed in his bid to present the Bomberinas as the new national team. Ricky Palou still has his Shakey's V-League which just had a very successful first conference on its tenth season. Palou presents himself as an alternative choice to PVF president Gener Dungo.

The danger with businessmen whose businesses are in the sports industry is that the temptation and ability to make money out of the sport and national team are seemingly intrinsic. Ticket sales, sponsorships, advertisements, television rights and even merchandises on the national team can be very lucrative. Being businessmen, why will they pass up on an opportunity to make a killing ?

Gone are the days when people who want to be sports leaders had no vested interests and only want to give pride and honor to the country. Now, people, more often than not, are after the money and prestige. Sports have become a business venture more than anything else. And that is the sad reality.

BOMBERINAS OUT, SHAKEY'S SELECTION IN BUT NATIONAL TEAM STILL MISSING

I requested an interview with PSC Chairman Richie Garcia to set the record straight on the status of Bomberinas. Here is what the chairman has to say :

1. Is it official now that Bomberinas are out as a national team ?

Garcia : They were never the national team. They were never formed by the national sports association. AVC, or Asian Volleyball Confederation, wrote a letter to POC saying that unless we send a team to Vietnam, there could be sanctions. There was also a letter from Dungo saying that he has no intention of sending a team. So, POC asked AVC if it could send a team to Vietnam. Now there was a representation from some people that there was a semblance of a qualifying for Cagayan Valley Bomberinas. Na parang dumaan sa series of tryouts yung team. Pero we made it clear never to call it a national team. Only the NSA under Dungo can create a national team for volleyball. They can call it Tats Suzara tryouts or Tats Suzara team. But the team under Vangie de Jesus lost in the POC-PSC National Games. So, how can you send a team abroad kung dito pa lang talo na ? So, the POC decided to form a team from the Shakey's V- League. I think POC talked to Moying Martelino and Ricky Palou to form the selection. Kung titignan mo ang nanalo sa Shakey's V-League na NU, hindi mananalo dito ang Air Force at Bomberinas. But the Santiago sisters, Dindin and Jaja, and De Leon will make the team of POC. Some from Ateneo, some from Air Force.

2. What role will PVF have in the selection process ?

Garcia : Nothing. What we will be sending is not a national team. It will just be a selection. As I said, we will be sending a team just to avoid sanctions. Pag balik nila, wala na yung team.

3. When will we have a national team for women's volleyball then ?

Garcia : PVF will be conducting the series of tryouts for the national team.

NU AND ITS GOLDEN AGE IN VOLLEYBALL

courtesy of wecantalk.wordpress.com

NU Lady Bulldogs beat Ateneo in four sets to win the first conference of Shakey's V-League season 10. The victory is a fitting end to NU's spectacular performance in the tournament.

With the victory, NU distinguishes itself as the team to beat in the coming UAAP season. With the Santiago sisters forming its frontline, NU only needs a good setter to set its championship run going in the UAAP. La Salle remains a solid contender but NU's frontline looks too formidable even for La Salle. Ateneo is a darkhorse with Valdez still going strong.

Coach Edjet, after getting his baptism of fire at the recently concluded Shakey's V-League, can only get better as UAAP unfolds. With the support of his entire team and university officials, Coach Edjet should be able to steer NU into yet another championship title.

Like I said in a previous post, 2013 could very well dawn the golden age of NU in Philippine women's volleyball.

ATENEO AS SHAKEY'S V-LEAGUE SEASON 10 CHAMPION : LIKE

I am all set to cheer for NU for tomorrow's winner-take-all championship match between Ateneo and NU. But something has made me change my mind.

NU did not allow its players to play with Bomberinas in their championship match against Air Force at the Philippine National Games. Bomberinas eventually lost the match to put their claim to being the national team in jeopardy. With the loss, things look uncertain for the Bomberinas.

I find it utterly selfish for NU to disallow its players from playing with Bomberinas in that crucial match against Air Force. In the first place, the PNG game did not come into conflict with the Shakey's V-League game. In fact, the Shakey's V-League match is a day after the PNG match. Secondly, knowing that the Bomberinas are being monitored if fit to be considered a national team, NU, at the very least could have allowed its players to play to ensure that the Bomberinas will play in full force. But NU chose to protect its interest at the expense of others.

So, for tomorrow, I am rooting for Ateneo. I am praying that Valdez and company play their best to win the championship title. I hope that the team plays with a heart of a true champion. And I pray that Coach Roger Gorayeb is blessed with a championship that he, more than anyone else, richly deserves.