A CALL TO BOYCOTT UAAP AND NCAA PART2

courtesy of pinoyfootball.com

Late last year, I called for a boycott of NCAA and UAAP as they sided with the obviously wrong LVPI. Nine months later, I renew the call for a boycott of these institutions.

What UAAP and NCAA did to PVF is not only illegal but morally corrupt as well. It is shocking and unforgivable that, to this day, UAAP and NCAA continue to inflict pain and damage to PVF by closely working with LVPI. To this day, not a single official from UAAP and NCAA has come to condemn what LVPI did and continues to do to PVF. And to add insult to injury, people have revealed that UAAP has imposed a ban on people identified with PVF. Referees and other tournament officials are not being hired unless they sign a document that they are members of LVPI.

The different schools and universities must do their part in putting a stop to the injustice. I guess these learning institutions must be reminded that they not only have to impart academic knowledge but proper values as well. The continued patronage of UAAP and NCAA teach students and fans to simply abandon the concept of right from wrong and to just pursue selfish interests.

Besides, what honor will schools get in winning championships from UAAP and NCAA if the men behind these tournaments are morally corrupt ? What honor do championship trophies of UAAP and NCAA carry when the very officials behind the tournaments continue to perpetuate injustice ?

A boycott is in order to teach UAAP and NCAA a lesson.

FIBA ASIA CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS AND FEARLESS FORECAST

courtesy of smartgilas.com

The cast is now complete. Below are the teams that made it to the second round of FIBA Asia Championship that is currently being held in Hunan, China.

                               Group E                                Group F

                                 Iran                                      China

                                 Palestine                             Qatar

                                 Philippines                          Korea

                                 Japan                                   Lebanon

                                 Hongkong                            Jordan

                                 India                                     Kazakhstan

Each team will now play against the teams not in its first-round group for a total of 3 games. For example, the Philippines will play against Iran, Japan and India in the second round of hostilities.

The top 4 teams in Groups E and F will then go to the knockout stages. After the knockout stage, the remaining teams will figure in another knockout stage to determine the two teams that will enter the finals.

Anything can still happen. Given the tournament format, Gilas Pilipinas has a good chance of making the final four. For the knockout stage, Korea appears as the most likely opponent of Gilas Pilipinas.

The stunning loss of Gilas to unheralded Palestine is really an eye-opener for the team and everyone else. The loss shows the vulnerability of Gilas and the need to take each opponent seriously. While Gilas massacred its next opponents, the lack of focus and discipline are just too evident in Gilas' games. The ugly incident where a Kuwaiti player ened with a bloody mouth speaks of the lack of concentration and focus of Gilas players. The lackluster performance of Andray Blatch so far is not helping the team too.

With China, Iran, Palestine and Korea showing great form, Gilas will be hard-pressed to make it to the finals. But with great focus and determination, the task on hand is attainable. 

LABAN PILIPINAS !

SOMETHING FISHY NEAR THE BEACH

courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

About a month ago, a project involving beach volleyball made several controversies. For one, the project painted a top official of an NSA as a usurper of authority through the reports of a controversial writer. The project also involved legalities pertaining to its television coverage. Lastly, a shake-up of the set of officers of an NSA was expected to take place as reports of anomalies surfaced one after the other through the writings of the controversial writer.

Now, the reports may not be true at all. According to a reliable source, the project is the brainchild of someone else and not of the NSA official who was earlier tagged as the prime mover. The only thing right about the earlier reports is that the NSA is partaking of the profit. The amount involved is $10,000.00.

But what does not add up is why the tagged villain did not say a word when he was being accused of so many anomalies. Why he chose not to say his piece remains a mystery. Could it be that his intention to help the real prime mover of the project got the better of him ? That once this official opens his mouth, the NSA could easily release to media his "indiscretion" ? And that the other stakeholder in the NSA will only be too happy to show to everyone his "indiscretion".

The whole drama surrounding the project once again proves just how powerful media is in shaping how people think and look at events. With the abundance of writers who will do anything to serve their interests, such an occurrence is not surprising anymore. Sadly, the general public is at the mercy of these writers.

PVF - TANDUAY BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT LEG 2

The second leg of the PVF - Tanduay Beach Volleyball Tournament was held last September 19, 2015. Eleven teams for men and twelve teams for women participated in the tournament held at Cantada Sports Center in Taguig. Teams from UP, DLSU, Antipolo, UPHS, Baguio, RTU Cebu, NU and Cebu showed their wares and competitive spirit in the sand.

Team Cebu, composed of Jade Becaldo and Daniel Young and Philippine Airforce 1, composed of Judy Caballero and Camille Abanto emerged champions at the end of competition. Cash prizes were awarded to the champions.

The tournament was sponsored by Tanduay Rhum, the country's No. 1 rhum.

PVF PRESIDENT BOY CANTADA AND WHAT HE STANDS FOR

courtesy of spin.ph

Writing for Bandera has given me the opportunity to know a lot of people. And Philippine Volleyball Federation President Boy Cantada stands out among the sports personalities I have come to know.

With Sir Boy, my advocacy in writing has been reinforced, His brave effort to put a stop to the evil ways of Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission and Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas has given me further encouragement to write about the truth at all cost. With Sir Boy, I find a person who is willing to do everything to do what is right despite the great odds. These days, such a person is a rarity.

As Sir Boy celebrates his birthday, I pray that he continues to fight the good fight and not grow weary to effect significant change in Philippine sports management.

Happy birthday, Sir Boy !

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW : PVF SEC-GEN KARL CHAN

Karl Chan is the current Secretary-General of Philippine Volleyball Federation. He was the PVF president when the biggest support for Philippine volleyball came in. It was also under his presidency that Pilipinas Amihan and Bagwis were formed. Together with current PVF President Boy Cantada, Executive Director Otie Camangian and Deputy Sec-Gen Gerard Cantada, Karl Chan continues to help Philippine volleyball gain better support despite the emergence of a rival group.

Here is his exclusive interview.

1. How did you get involved with volleyball ?

I started playing volleyball in 1990. During that era, volleyball in Tacloban was mostly self taught and learned through experience. I was never very serious with volleyball since I was a Sepak Takraw varsity player during my high school days. In my first year of college in 1994, I shifted to volleyball and eventually became a varsity player in my 2^nd year in U.P. – Tacloban College. Since I was also helping out in our family business, I didn’t continue playing but instead became the trainer of our women's teams for the remaining 2 years of my college years. I became head coach of my high school alma mater from 1998 - 2001. Volleyball was an exclusive sport in Tacloban back then but in 1997, a colleague and I organized the Tacloban City Volleyball Club. The group participated in numerous competitions. So most of my experience was centered in Tacloban City.

Since volleyball was doing well in Tacloban and with the foundations supposedly cemented, I retired from my volleyball activities in 2004 to concentrate fully on my business ventures. Until in 2006, I was urged by my peers to once again come back to volleyball life. What was the reason? First, in the 2 years I was absent, a gap in the level of development was created. The experienced players became hesitant and didn’t want to teach the new and aspiring players for fear of being out skilled in the near future. Second, the people within the organization had become nonfunctional and personal grudges surfaced due to monetary reasons which left bad impressions and created doubt from people who deals with the organization.

So in the same year we renamed the Tacloban City Volleyball Club to Volleyball Associationof Leyte – Tacloban City, elevating our status from club to association and in the process affiliated ourselves with the Philippine Volleyball Federation which was long overdue.

In 2007, I was invited by then PVF President Roger Banzuela to join the PVF Board. At first, the question I had was if I was ready and deserving to be part of the PVF Board. But as Mr. Banzuela said, the efforts I have done for my association merits such an opportunity and it would progress to an even bigger scope. So here I am now, being a member of the board, to vice president and eventually becoming acting president of the PVF has been a very fruitful journey which I think is worth reliving again because volleyball in our region has steadily improved and more people are enjoying the sport of volleyball.

2. What do you consider your biggest contribution to volleyball so far ?

My meager contributions are more on the grassroots and development of volleyball in our region especially in Tacloban City. The level of skills and competitions in my region has steadily grown in the past 9 years. I have been able to provide an avenue for kids to showcase a healthier and fun activity by introducing them to volleyball rather than immerse themselves in computer games and other vices. Through my volleyball program I have been able to provide the student athletes with the limitless opportunities to pursue their education further in the absence of scholarships and monetary incentives. The culture of sports has changed wherein other locales in the region has used my volleyball as a blueprint for their respective sports programs. The sense of loyalty, commitment, respect, pride and volunteerism has been instilled into the young minds of my student athletes with which they bring to even the colleges in Manila.

Nationally, I have done my share to impart and promote volleyball to the regions which is my primary responsibility. I am not as popular as other sports officials but it is of little importance. Seeing your program flourish and your visions met regardless of who gets the credit is satisfaction and justification enough that I have done something good. When I became acting president, the advocacy that I and my colleagues wanted to show is a PVF that is open and transparent, a PVF that will unify all the stakeholders as one and to be accountable to the Philippine volleyball community. In that short span, I believe we did that.

3. What do you think is the solution to the conflict in Philippine volleyball ?

The PVF sought to change the corrupt culture of sports. Reuniting the regions and showing that there is true progress for volleyball. The PVF did that. But unfortunately not all share the same insight. The only solution is for the people concerned to sit down, show their integrity and be united. Yet this did not happen as well. When people learn to start letting go of personal interests such as power and money and work and sacrifice for the greater good of volleyball, then that would solve everything.

4. What is needed for the quality of Philippine volleyball to improve ?

Let me clarify this, everyone thinks that volleyball in the country is already of high caliber but this is far from the truth. The reality is that the popularity of the sport is great but the quality and level of play is not that great. Because of TV and media, we are shown only the positive side but when we watch how other countries play then we are left to wonder when our country can be like them. Don’t get me wrong but the level of our players are high but not at the level we want to attain. The development of Philippine volleyball in reality comes from the grassroots level. Without the regional associations, who toil and sacrifice without anything in return, supplying the pipeline of players whom we see on TV then our level will be lower. So this is why the regional association are vital to our improvement.

There are many ways to improve our volleyball status. The main thing is to come up with events without considering something in return but the only return which is that volleyball was promoted. One such event is to bring more volleyball promotion to the different regions through clinics tours. In this manner, volleyball can be introduced to everyone who are considering taking up the sport and spread the good news of volleyball. Second, is to upgrade and adapt to the modern trends and technologies related to volleyball such as the application of volleyball statistics, new training methods and purchase of essential volleyball equipment. Third, establish more international exposures for our teams to gain more experience and get a feel of how the international game is. This DOES NOT mean going out of the country. We can bring in international teams instead. This is most evident with what we did for the Shakeys Girls League. League brought in the Victoria team from Australia and New Zealand Natioal Youth Girls teams. Through that experience our players are able to get a glimpse of how the game is played in other countries which will aid in their learning. For now I will just cite this 3 ways but there are more.

5. What do you want to happen in Philippine volleyball ?

My wish for Philippine volleyball is to have a TRUE resurgence. Not the resurgence of popularity but a resurgence in the quality of our sport. That all the TRUE volleyball personalities and entities become one in making the sports grander than any other.To one day see that integrity for the sport rises above and becomes the main reason for their sacrifice rather than personal and conflicting interests for power and money.

ONE-ON-ONE WITH BAGWIS AND PHILIPPINE AIRFORCE TEAM CAPTAIN JESSIE LOPEZ

Di maiwasan na maipit ang ilang volleyball players sa patuloy na girian ng Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas (LVPI) at Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF). Isa sa mga labis na naapektuhan ng gulo ay ang dating FEU star at kasalukuyang Philippine Airforce team captain na si Jessie Lopez. Biglang nawala ang Pilipinas Bagwis sa pagsulpot ng LVPI at si Jessie, bilang team captain ng Bagwis, ang unang nawalan ng pagkakataong muling kumatawan sa bansa sa international tournaments.

Ang dating UAAP MVP at national player ay kinapanayam ni Bandera Correspondent Eric Dimzon upang maihayag ang kanyang saloobin sa tumatagal at lumalalang gulo sa volleyball. Narito ang kanyang mga sinabi.

1. Paano ka naapektuhan ng gulo sa pagitan ng LVPI at PVF ?

Bilang isang atleta, malaking impact sa akin. After a long wait, sa wakas, may malaking company na sumuporta sa volleyball. Ang nakakalungkot, nagkaroon pa ng malaking gulo. Nakaka-down ng morale. Pagkakataon na sanang umangat nang pinakamamahal kong sport, naudlot pa.

2. Ikaw ang nag-iisang volleyball player na matapang na naghayag ng suporta sa PVF. Bakit ka kumampi sa PVF ?

Family kami sa PVF ever since napili ako maging member ng national team noong 2007. Naranasan ng team namin noon kung gaano kahirap mag-ensayo na hindi buo ang suporta at sumali sa torneo nang kulang ang gamit. Ang PVF ang nagpabago nito nang mabuo ang Pilipinas Bagwis. Kaya ipinaglaban at patuloy na ipinaglalaban ko ang PVF.

3. Bakit ka naging matapang sa social media sa pagbatikos ng mga sports writers na sumusulat patungkol sa gulo sa volleyball ?

Kailangan kasi may manindigan. I don't care kung ano isipin nila o itawag sa akin. Nirerespeto ko ang mga sports writers natin sa bansa. Alam ko na trabaho nila ang sumulat at dito sila kumukuha ng ikabubuhay. Pero ang mali ay mali at kailan man hindi magiging tama ang mali.

4. Ano sa tingin mo ang solusyon sa gulo sa pagitan ng PVF at LVPI ?

Magkaisa ang mga opisyal. Kung ang ibang opisyal ay di kayang gumawa nang mabuti, wag na sana silang sumali at makialam. Ang kailangan ng mga atleta ngayon  sa volleyball ay maayos na pamumuno.

5. Bilang player, ano ang nais mong makita sa kasalukuyang namumuno sa volleyball ?

Konkretong programa para sa mga batang manlalaro, tulu-tuloy na ensayo at exposure sa international tournaments at pangmatagalang suporta sa national teams. Maglagay ng mga opisyal na nakakaalam sa volleyball at naiintindihan ang pangangailangan ng atleta.

6. Ano ang gusto mong mangyari sa Philippine volleyball ?

Magkaroon sana ng isang company na magtitiwala sa NSA ng volleyball para may magandang suporta sa mga players. Sana dumating rin ang panahon na ang Pilipinas na ang pinakamalakas sa volleyball sa Southeast Asia.

7. Anong aral ang natutunan mo sa gulong nangyayari sa volleyball ?

Manindigan sa tama. Wag magpagamit sa mga sports officials na tiwali at pansariling interes lang ang iniisip. Mas maging mapanuri sa nangyayari. Higit sa lahat, piliin ang taong pagkakatiwalaan.

THE MEN BEHIND LVPI

courtesy of pba-online.net

The "Palou Incident" tells a lot about the men behind Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas (LVPI).

1. The men of LVPI are bereft of moral values. Misrepresentation is a criminal act. It is certainly not to be expected from a secretary-general of an NSA. It is simply mind-boggling why a person like Ricky Palou will commit such an act. Worse, Romasanta and his board simply resort to ways to avoid  the dire consequences of Palou's action. Romasanta and his men choose to miss out on a great opportunity to show their moral ascendancy as they choose to circumvent the law on misrepresentation.

2. LVPI men easily resort to deception and lies to achieve their goals. Much like what LVPI did to dislodge PVF as the NSA for volleyball, Palou deceived FIVB and AVC to get what he wanted.

3. LVPI men are all in on the dastardly act of each and everyone in the organization. It is so shocking that no one from LVPI sees the need to punish Palou for what he did.

4. Money binds the men of LVPI. According to reports, Romasanta and his board members agreed not to punish Palou provide that the secretary-general shares the profit of his beach volleyball tournament with LVPI. Everything is taken to be fine as long as everyone gets a share of the profit.

Truly, it is offensive to see and realize that we have sports leaders that can be considered a disgrace to society. And what is more revolting is that we allow these scums of the earth to rule over an important part of our lives. What have we become as a nation and people ?

TEXT MESSAGES FROM LVPI SEC-GEN RICKY PALOU

courtesy of pba-online.net

Below are the text messages I received from LVPI Sec-Gen Ricky Palou dated September 2-3, 2015 :

Me : Good evening sir. May ITC na po ba ang mga foreign players na maglalaro sa PSL ? Thank you sir.

Palou : Yes, all the imports have their ITC already. We have started registering them beginning with Petron imports who are joining AWCC in Vietnam. Upon payment with their clubs, NF's, ITC will be good for release in time for PSL ang arrival of bulk imports.

Me : So what is the drama that Manicad is referring to ? It is in LVPI daw po. Also sir, how come LVPI has yet to submit its papers to PSC ? Salamat po.

Palou : I am not aware of any drama. Who is Manicad and can I know who this is also ? Who is this ?

Me : This is Eric po of Bandera.

Palou : Eric who ?

Me : Eric Dimzon po. The one who is asking po for an interview with you.

Palou : Weren't you the one who has been hitting me and LVPI in the press and social media ?

Me : What do you mean po na hitting you ?

Palou : Writing to discredit me and LVPI.

Me : I have always written the truth po. And in fact, I have asked for an interview to get your side po.

Palou : You don't know the truth, Eric. And you have been very unfair to me and LVPI. So keep it that way. You wanting our side is months too late.

Me : What is the truth then, sir ?

Palou : Seems you are the only one who doesn't know the truth, Eric. Let's leave it at that. Hope you won't bother me anymore.

Eric : If you really want the truth out, grant me that interview.

Palou : No, not after what you have done. Sorry.

Me : Ok po. Salamat pa rin po.

THE PHILIPPINE BASEBALL TEAM AND ITS QUEST FOR JUSTICE

By winning the East Asia Cup, the Philippine Baseball Team qualifies for the 27th Asian Baseball Championship in Taiwan this September.

But the team will not compete in the prestigious tournament as Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), according to a reliable source, refuses to financially support the team. The source says that Philippine Amateur Baseball Association President Marty Eizmendi was not able to secure from PSC the necessary funding for the team.

The refusal of PSC to fund the baseball team is yet another clear indication of its stupidity as a sports- governing body. For one, why did PSC allow the team to compete in East Asia Cup which is a qualifying tournament for the Asian Baseball Championship ? Why is PSC now penalizing the baseball team for winning the East Asia Cup by not sending the team to the major tournament ? And why, o why, is PSC not funding a winning team ?

Sadly,a winning team must suffer because of the stupidity and ineptitude of PSC. This vicious cycle of PSC not recognizing and supporting winning teams must stop. The Filipino people must take up the cudgels for the beleaguered Philippine Baseball Team. Justice must be served to the baseball team that has brought honor and pride to the country despite the utter lack of support from the country's sports leaders.