2016 MERALCO STA. ROSA SPORTS TOURNAMENT, UMPISA NA

Opisyal na nagbukas ang 2016 Meralco Sta. Rosa Sports Tournament nitong ika-24 ng Mayo, 2016 sa Brgy. Dita, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Labingwalong koponan ang pumarada sa pagsisimula ng torneo. Kabilang sa mga koponang sumali ay ang LAS/Noceja/Challenger, ACEC, Alegre, Security, MIESCOR, MLI-Fleet, Dyna-V, MLI-Facilities, Construction and Maintenance, SMS, Substation, CA/CBG-SME/Design, Operations, Umderground, Meter/SLEM, Calamba/San Pedro BC, Sub-transmission at SCADA/PSP/Relay.

Ayon sa Sports Chairman ng torneo na si Ruben Calderon, malaki ang expectactions niya sa torneo sa taong ito. Inaasahan niya na buong husay na maglalaro ang mga players upang mapakita ang kanilang galing at pagpapahalaga sa kanilang kalusugan. Ayon naman Kay Jose Dulin Jr. na manager ng Sta. Rosa Sector, inaasahan niya na bukod sa benepisyong pangkalusugan na makukuha ng mga players sa torneo, magtatanim rin ito ng mabuting pagsasamahan at pagkakaibigan sa pagitan ng mga mga empleyado at contractors ng Meralco. 

Nanalo sa unang laro ang SIT-V kontra SMS sa iskor na 63-50. Nagwagi naman ang DYNA-V laban South Logistics sa ikalawang laro.

CHANGE IN PHILIPPINE SPORTS WILL ONLY COME WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE

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I firmly believe that while President Duterte has the best intentions for Philippine sports, only the proper placement of highly competent, qualified and innovative people in PSC or Department of Sports will ensure the resurgence of sports in the country. Thus, it is important that President Duterte's screening committee for sports knows who are truly right for Philippine sports.

I believe that former national athletes should have an inside track in the selection of who should be considered for sports governance. After all, who else will understand the predicament of national athletes better than former national athletes themselves.

I also believe that younger leaders must be tapped to head sports in the country. The latest innovations in sports are more familiar to the younger set of sports leaders. Besides, the country has always had old sports leaders with dire results and consequences. It is about time to pick sports leaders who are young, energetic and modern in their approach to sports.

Lastly, it is time to pick sports leaders who have a track record of excellence and integrity. Political patronage should be put to an end in appointing the next sports leaders. Appointments must be based on merit and track record.

I am hopeful that sports will flourish under the Duterte adminstration. The no-nonsense style of Duterte gives me hope that things will finally be put right as far as sports are concerned. And my constant complaining of the prevalence of corruption in Philippine sports will finally come to a welcome end.

ONE-ON-ONE WITH COACH RYAN GREGORIO

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Taong 2014 nang magdesisyon si Coach Ryan Gregorio na iwan ang pagiging coach sa PBA at piliin ang pagiging pribadong empleyado. Sa kasalukuyan, ang dating PBA Coach of the Year ay Assistant Vice-President for Sports na sa Meralco. Kinausap ni Bandera Correspondent Eric Dimzon ang dating Purefoods at Meralco coach upang kamustahin ang lagay nito. Narito ang mga naging pahayag ni Ryan Gregorio.

1. As Assistant Vice-President for Sports, anu-ano ang iyong responsibilidad ?

As Assistant Vice-President for Sports, I am head of sports and youth advocacy. I am also the head of people engagement and human resources communications. So basically my role is to come up with a year-long program for our people. The comprehensive wellness program not only caters to our people but their dependents as well. We come up with activities that make our people love Meralco. On the HR side, we make sure that we communicate with our more than 5,600 people so that they engage in our program.

2. Naging malaking adjustment ba para sa iyo ang paglipat mula sa coaching sa pagiging executive ?

Yes, because we're just used to making decisions in a split second and on our feet in basketball. Is it a more relaxed environment now ? The answer is yes. We are not pressured now to decide in a second. There is less pressure now because you are not measured by the number of wins. You are now measured by the number of people who engage in your program and how happy these people are to be in the program. The measurement is engagement and a healthier manpower.

3. Do you miss coaching ?

Once in a while, especially when it's a close game. I listen to the huddle of coaches. I miss creating the right play and putting in the right people.That part I do miss. I coached for 14 straight years, after all. The good thing is, I still get to watch the games and I am still part of the Meralco which is doing well right now. I am still very much a part of the PBA family.

4. What did you learn from coaching that you now apply in the corporate world ?

Well, for one, discipline which is very basic in any environment. I tell our people to take care of their health, much like what I told my players. We try to make people enjoy their jobs and see to it that they are properly compensated. We tell our people how to be financially independent. Those are exactly what I told my players before. To work hard early on so that when they retire they won't have to worry about their finances. 

5. What makes you fulfilled now ?

Aside from my function, I also do a lot of outreach programs. We call it our Meralco Boys Clinic. We go to the poorest of the poor communities to conduct basketball clinics to the kids. We want to send the message that sports, particularly basketball, can take you out of poverty.

6. Anong payo ang maibibigay mo sa ibang coaches na maaring nag-iisip nang iwan ang pagiging coach ?

It depends on what you really want. There are coaches who are born to be a coach for life. Tim Cone is the best example of a coach who loves his craft and is meant to be a coach. But things can go bad in basketball. After a bad conference or season, you don't know where to go. A good solid education now comes into play. It is a fallback. At the end of the day, it is about serving people. Whether you're in a basketball court or office, it is really about being relevant and staying in the hearts of people.

7. Masaya ka ba ngayon ?

I am happy because I was blessed to win championships. Blessed to win Coach of the Year three times. I took a gample. And I think it paid off. In 2015, PMAP awarded our program, The Orange Fit, People Program of the Year.The award is a validation of our work. It somehow makes me believe that I am still relevant.

8. Is there life after PBA coaching ?

Definitely. It all depends on how you will take the opportunity and embrace the situation.

ONE-ON-ONE WITH VOLLEYBALL QUEEN GRACE ANTIGUA

Bago pa si Alyssa Valdez, nariyan na si Grace Rosario Antigua.  Si Antigua ang itinuturing na pinakamahusay na babaeng balibolista nung dekada 80. Ilang gintong medalya ang napanalunan niya mula sa iba't-ibang torneo sa loob at labas ng bansa kabilang na ang Southeast Asian Games (SEAG).

Nakapanayam sa Boracay ni Bandera Correspondent Eric Dimzon ang ngayon ay University of San Jose Recoletos volleyball head coach na si Grace Antigua. Narito ang pahayag ng dating volleyball queen ng Pilipinas.

1. Paano ka nagsimula sa volleyball ?

When I was in high school, I joined a club team. Nung una, di ko alam kung paano maglaro. Alam ko lang mag-serve at manuod sa mga marurunong maglaro. Then in college, I went to Southwestern University (SWU). Dun na ako natuto.

2. Paano ka naman naging national player ?

Sa SWU, kinukuha na kami ng GSIS team. We had a local team in Cebu na pinapadala sa Manila. Dun na nag-umpisa. During our time, maraming magagaling sa batch namin. Kaya kami yung kinuha sa national team.

3. Anu-ano ang mga tournaments na sinalihan mo ?

Before, sumasali ang SWU sa UAAP. We represented southwestern Cebu in the UAAP. Sa international, sumali kami sa 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987 at 1989 SEAG. I also joined the Asian Games twice. Once for indoor and once for beach volleyball. We won gold sa 1981 SEAG, silver sa ' 83, gold in ' 85, gold again in ' 87 and bronze in ' 89. Sa Asian Games, we gained so much experience and a lot of friends. We even played against the Olympic champions at that time.

4. Anu-ano ang tinatanggap mong benepisyo bilang atleta nung mga panahon na yun?

We were given Php 3,000.00 as monthly allowance during that time. We also had sponsors. We were able to compete in Princess Cup in Thailand because of our sponsors.

5. Ano ang pagkakaiba ng volleyball noon at ngayon ?

Grabe na ang kasikatan ng volleyball ngayon. Yung situation ngayon ng volleyball is what we dreamed of before. I am very happy na sikat na ngayon ang volleyball.

6. May gulo ngayon sa pagitan ng mga leaders ng volleyball ngayon. Ano ang masasabi mo tungkol dito ?

I too have experienced that before. Nung time namin, may gulo din. Maswerte nga sila ngayon na may willing mag-sponsor ng national teams. Kaya lang, may pumapasok. Sana, magkaisa na ang lahat. Para iisa ang goal at vision. Para maibalik yung times na lagi tayong gold sa SEAG.

7. Ano sa tingin mo ang kailangan para maibalik ang golden moments ng Pilipinas sa volleyball ?

Marami na tayong materyales ngayon. Meron na tayong mga Santiago ngayon. During our time, may 6'2" tayo pero mabagal. Now, mabibilis na. Si Alyssa, puedeng-puede. The officials must get their acts together so we can bring back our golden moments in volleyball.

8. Ano ang maipapayo mo sa mga sikat na volleyball players ngayon na iniidolo nang marami ?

Keep your two feet on the ground. Yun lang. And everything else will follow.

9. Ano naman ang maipapayo mo sa mga bata na nangangarap na maging magaling na national player na tulad mo ?

Keep on joining tournaments. Try to improve your game. Look up to your idols and try to emulate them. Wag kakalimutan ang magandang-asal. And the rest will follow.

WHY THE COMING ELECTIONS ARE IMPORTANT TO A SPORTS WRITER LIKE ME

courtesy of bastretke.com

I am not a typical sports writer. I do not merely report on box scores. I do not merely report on sporting events. I dare to write about issues that other sports writers will not write about. I dare expose corruption in Philippine sports.

My advocacy has taken my writings to the highest sports governing bodies of the world. Modesty aside, I believe I am one of the few Filipino sports writers who consistently writes to international media and sports organizations to present the various forms of oppression and corruption that seem endemic to Philippine sports.

Through all the issues I have presented, I realize the importance of how the international community perceives a Filipino. That the view of what and who a Filipino is, is extremely important in presenting a case. That my credibility is somehow attached to being a Filipino.

Thus, I pray that the coming elections bring out what the international community will perceive as something honorable, admirable and worthy of respect. That the elections will tell the whole world that the Filipino is intelligent and worth listening to. That the election will bring forth a Philippine president who will prioritize sports and all the good values they hold.

I truly hope that the coming elections bring out the best in every Filipino. It will really make my work a lot easier if the world sees the nobility of the Filipino race in the coming elections.

OPEN LETTER TO COACH CHOT REYES

courtesy of news.abs-cbn.com

Dear Coach Chot,

Greetings.

Exactly a year ago, at the height of the Philippine volleyball crisis, you decided to side with Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Incorporated (LVPI). You recognized LVPI as the new national sports association for Philippine volleyball even before FIVB did. And to make matters worse, TV5, through your efforts, became the official TV partner of LVPI.

Now after a year, LVPI has yet to create a comprehensive program for the national teams. All that LVPI can show are the hosting rights of international events, which benefits TV5 quite substantially. All that LVPI can show are national teams formed at the airport at the last minute.

Being a former head coach and a current consultant for Philippine basketball, you know very well the importance of a well-crafted and long-term program for any sport. You know very well that for Philippine teams to do well in international tournaments, an effective national program is vital. Thus, I am in total disbelief that you continue to favor LVPI. That you hastened the disenfranchisement of and continue to cause irreparable damage to Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF), which by the way, had a 5-year volleyball program that PLDT Home Ultera supported.

It is only right then that you take the initiative to repair the damage that you caused PVF and Philippine volleyball in general. Withdraw your support to LVPI and help re-install PVF as the true national sports association for volleyball. Justice demands nothing more, nothing less.

Thank you.

The Gold Medal

WAGI ANG UST SA 19TH NESTEA BEACH VOLLEYBALL SA BORACAY

courtesy of pilipinasdaily.com

UST ang hari at reyna ng collegiate beach volleyball sa Pilipinas!

Tinanghal na kampeon ang University of Santo Tomas (UST) sa men's at women's division sa pagtatapos ng 19th Nestle Beach Volleyball sa Villa de Oro beachfront, Boracay nitong ika-30 ng Abril, 2016.

Tinalo ng UST ang University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) sa men's division sa iskor na 21-11 at 21-18, para makopo ang kampeonato. Naging mautak sa paglalaro ang UST tandem na sina Kris Rey Guzman at Anthony Lemuel Arbastro kontra sa pares ng USJR na sina Alastair Ian Gairanod at Kent Jay Verbosidad. Nilalaglag ng mga taga-UST ang bola sa lugar na walang katao-tao. Sinabi ni UST Men's Beach Volleyball Team Coach Paul Jan Doloiras, sobrang saya niya sa pagkapanalo ng kanyang koponan dahil pinaghirapan nila ito. Masaya siya sa pagkakasali ng kanyang koponan sa torneo at binigyan pa raw sila ng bonus sa pagkakapanalo bilang kampeon. Hindi nila inasahan na mag-champion dahil lahat ng kasali ay magagaling. Lalo pa raw na pumasok lang sila sa finals bilang wildcard. Pero ipinaubaya daw nila ang lahat sa Diyos at ginawa lang nila ang kanilang makakaya. Nakatulong daw nang malaki sa kanilang tagumpay ang hindi pagbitiw ng kanyang mga players hanggang sa dulo.

Sa panig ng kababaihan, tinalo naman ng UST ang University of Mindanao Tagum (UMT) sa iskor na 21-14 at 21-14. Maraming errors ang pares ng UMT na sina Dannah Angela Quisado at Cris Asena sa kabuuan ng laro. Naging epektibo naman ang mga spikes nina Cherry Rondina at Jem Nicole Gutierrez ng UST. Kaya naging madali para kina Rondina at Gutierrez na sungkitin ang titulo. Ayon kay Coach Emil Lontoc ng UST Women's Beach Volleyball Team. naging susi sa tagumpay ng UST ang training nila. Naging dedicated ang players nila sa training at very cooperative ang lahat. On time daw palagi sa training ang mga players ng UST. At higit sa lahat, nakikinig ang mga players sa coaches nila. Dagdag pa ni Coach Emil, pag gifted ang players at dedicated sa training, maganda ang magiging resulta.

Nagtapos bilang 1st runner-up ang USJR, 2nd runner-up ang Holy Child of Davao College at 3rd runner-up ang Southwestern University sa men's division. Sa panig ng kababaihan, 1st runner-up ang UMT, 2nd runner-up ang San Sebastian College Recoletos at 3rd runner-up ang University of Negros Occidental Recoletos.

Ito ang unang pagkakataon sa kasaysayan ng Nestle Beach Volleyball na nagmula sa iisang paaralan ang kampeon sa dalawang dibisyon. Nag-uwi ng tropeo, medalya at dalawang daang libong piso ang men's at women's beach volleyball team ng UST sa kanilang pagkakapanalo