ATENEO LADY EAGLES STEPPED UP EVEN WITHOUT VALDEZ

     

The Ateneo Lady Eagles opened the Collegiate Conference of 12^th Shakey’s V-league with a blast as they won their first game in the conference against UST Golden Tigresses on Saturday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Eagles won the opening match in four sets, 25-11, 27-25, 19-25 and 25-20… even without their star Spiker Alyssa Valdez, who was taking her rest after a multiple volleyball tournament she have played for the past months and their ace setter Jia Morado, who will be out for months because she is set to undergo a mild knee surgery for the next days.

Lady Eagle hitter Jhoanna Maraguinot shine brightest as she stepped up with a 23 point game-high on 21 kills. On the other side, Amy Ahomiro contributed 14 markers and 4 blocks, middle hitter Bea de Leon scored 12 points with 8 attacks, 2 blocks and 2 service aces.

Ateneo’s guest player file-Japanese Risa Sato, finished with 9 points and 3 digs while Kim Gequillana played to 7 points. On the other side, Gizelle Tan took charge Morado’s absence, ending the game with 23 excellent sets.

Katipunan-based squad Assistant Coach Parley Tupaz, who have been very supportive of the team from start up to finish, expressed his appreciation to the Lady Eagles effort to win their first game.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga bata kasi maganda yung nilaro nila, kahit wala yung Morado, Morente tska Valdez. Lahat naman sila nag-step up, yung Maraguinot, de Leon, Tan, de Jesus at Ahomiro… kaya gumanda yung receive naming, serve konting error.” Said Tupaz.

Aside from Coach Tupaz, middle hitter Bea de Leon also could not contain her happiness, especially the Ateneo faced challenges as they lost their key players for this season.

“Syempre we’re very thankful. We’re really, really happy to have won the game. It was a challenge syempre Ate Ly wasn’t there, Jia, we also lost Ate Den as playing this season. It was such a great challenge. But sobrang fulfilling kasi syempre grabe rin yung training naming kasi nga we know so much we’ve lost for this season. Kaya it was really fulfilling.” Said De Leon.

Meanwhile, Valdez who became Ateneo’s top cheerleader during the game expressed how proud she is to all her teammates.

“Pag nakikita ko yung mga girls sa loob, parang syempre si Kimmy (Kim Gequillana) lang yung medyo ka-age ko rin, and everyone is really medyo syempre medyo younger samin. Grabe. Grabe. Nakikita ko yung passion nila, yung hard-work, lahat talaga. Grabe, sobrang nakaka-proud lang.” Valdez closed.

The next assignment of the Ateneo Lady Eagles will be on July 19 against San Sebastian Lady Stags.

FORMER NATIONAL TEAM STALWART LIZARDO, ENJOYS HIS ROLE AS PHILIPPINE TAEKWONDO COACH

Former National Team Stalwart Japoy Lizardo shares his experiences as he started a new chapter of his life, as a full-time coach of Philippine Taekwondo Team.

Earlier this year, Lizardo decided to take an early retirement and be part of the national coaching staff, holding a huge responsibility and challenge for the young taekwondo jins in the country, today.

Two years ago, Lizardo suffered from a hamstring injury when he competed in the World Taekwondo Championships that sidelined him to play in the 2013 Myanmar SEAGAMES that same year.

The 29-year old Lizardo told PTV Sports that he's very overwhelmed with the trust that have given to him by his former trainers and coaches on the team.

In addition, Lizardo also admitted that it was such a great feeling for him to impart all his talents and experiences to the future taekwondo superstars.

"Happy naman ako na pinagkatiwalaan naman ako ni Master Ong na maging trainer at coach ng Philippine Taekwondo Team. Malaking responsibility din yun for me. Ini-impart ko lang yung mga experiences ko before, lalong lalo na sa paglalaro and yung pag-handle siguro ng training, lahat yun naramdaman ko eh. Yung maganda rin dun, ine-encourage ko rin sila kung paano yung gagawin nila kapag pagod na sila." Said Lizardo.

But above all these, Lizardo revealed that, if still given a chance, he is not yet closing his doors to still give pride and honor of the country when it comes to the International Taekwondo tournaments particularly in the Rio Olympic Games next year.

"I'm not closing my doors naman. Minsan nakikisabay ako sa training para kahit papaano kundisyon pa rin ako. Kung siguro sabihin ni Master Ong, maglalaro pa ako. Kung may mga competitions na maaaring paglaruan at kung kaya ko pa, pwde siguro akong maglaro." Said Lizardo.

Lizardo is one of the most calibrated Filipino taekwondo practitioner in the country, one of its great proofs was his gold medal feat in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

ATENEO'S LIAO ON DLSU LADY SPIKERS V-LEAGUE ISSUE: "TALAGANG COMMON SENSE!"

Sports Vision Management Tournament Commissioner Tony Boy Liao said on Tuesday during Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum in Manila, that De La Salle University Lady Spikers’ assertions on the “no formal invitation” issues in the Shakey’s V-league was “common sense”.

The issue has something to do with the reports that Lady Spikers head coach Ramil De Jesus affirmations’ that the DLSU didn’t receive (really) any letter of invitation from the Sports Vision, in contradict to the latter statement that they did invite the team.

According to Liao, maybe De Jesus was just reasoning out because most of its players are still recovering from the injuries they suffered from the recent UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament last March.

“Talagang common sense na text message. Yung lalaki nila sumali, bakit yung babae hindi? So, yun na nga yun. Ah, siguro the reason also ayaw nilang sumali dahil nga ang daming injuries eh. Si (Mika) Esperanza injured, si (Ara) Galang still injured, si (Camille) Cruz, lately itong si Denise Cheng injures. Siguro gumagawa lang ng ibang reasons, kaya ayaw nilang sumali. Because of the injuries also.” Said Liao.

Additionally, Liao told PTV Sports that he used to serve the Taft-based squad as team manager for five years and have worked with De Jesus before, while saying he knows De Jesus very well and maybe it’s his (De Jesus) strategy to give Lady Spikers exposures by joining shorter and easier volleyball tournaments.

“Mas kilala ko siya (Ramil de Jesus). Kaya hindi ko alam kung bakit ganun yung ginagawa niya. Baka siguro mas gusto niyang sumali sa mga liga na madali, para manalo like PNG (Philippine National Games), Intercollegiate (Volleyball leagues).” Said Liao.

But despite the misunderstanding of the two groups, the opening of the 12th Shakey’s V-league Collegiate Conference will still take place on Saturday at the San Juan Arena, with or without the Lady Spikers.

HOW WILL THE LADY EAGLES SURVIVE IN THE HANDS OF TIGRESSES WITHOUT THEIR STAR SPIKERS? ATENEO'S TONY BOY LIAO ANSWERS.

Five whole nights. Just five more nights for all the volleyball fans, before the most-awaited volleyball showdown in the 12th Shakey’s V-league Collegiate Conference which will officially open at the Arena in San Juan.

Ateneo Lady Eagles, who recently rule the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament last March, will heat up the stage as they take on University of Santo Tomas or named as UST Tigresses in the opening match this Saturday.

The Ateneo Lady Eagles Management disclosed to PTV Sports, that they expect a tough game against UST Tigresses since they may feel the absence of their head coach Tai Bundit, star striker Alyssa Valdez and best setter Jia Morado.

Bundit is currently taking his vacation in his homeland, Thailand. Valdez is suffering from her shoulder sprain while Morado is set to undergo a knee surgery for the next weeks.

Ateneo’s team manager Tony Boy Liao told PTV Sports, that even he, cannot forecast what will happen in the opening game while saying, they have reserve players that will take the position of Valdez and Morado.

“Meron kaming isang bago, si Katrina Tolentino. Tapos si Risa Sato yung aming guest player na naglaro noong Under-23 (1st Asian Under-23 Women’s Volleyball Championships in Manila last May 1-9, 2015), she also play. So baka these two can cover Alyssa’s absence. Ang aming setters ngayon ay si Gizelle Tan at saka si Jamie Lavitoria. Both of these girls hindi masyadong nagagamit, so maybe let’s see.” Said Liao.

In addition, Liao shared that Lady Eagles had a solid preparation and training for V-league and hopes for the best for the team.

“Nag-eensayo naman sila. Yung confidence level ng team sa ensayo tinitingnan. Yung set ng set, titingnan natin sa actual game kung makakatulong talaga.” Said Liao.

Lastly, Liao gives his assurance to all the Lady Eagles fans that they will give their best shot against España-based team.

“Ang UST kasi, malakas yan. Hindi yan basta-basta. Kaya hindi mo pwedeng balewalain, so kaya kailangan bigyan mo ng magandang laban kundi baka talunin ka.” Liao disclosed.

The Lady Eagles will face the Tigresses at 12:45pm which will be aired live on GMA News TV.

“VALDEZ, GONZAGA, MARAÑO, ORTIZ AND DAQUIS TO COMPETE IN THE VIETNAM SHOWPIECE.” SAID L-V-P-I SEC-GEN RICKY PALOU.

More than a month now, after the country’s come back campaign in the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore, it seems like doors and windows of opportunities has opened for the Philippine Volleyball.

This month, the country is set to send the National Volleybelles in the VTV International Women’s Volleyball Cup in Vietnam, to give another exposure to the Pinay squad after their medal-less campaign in the biennial regional sports fest.

In the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum in Shakey’s Restaurant in Malate, Manila, PTV Sports had a one-on-one interview with the Larong Volleyball SA Pilipinas Incorporated Secretary General Ricky Palou, in which he revealed the five names that are assured in the lineup of the Vietnam-bound team.

These names are national hitter Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Abegail Maraño, Maika Ortiz and Rachel Anne Daquis.

Alyssa Valdez

Jovelyn Gonzaga

Abegail Marano

Maika Ortiz

Rachel Anne Daquis

“I had a chance to talk to Abby (Maraño), Jovelyn Gonzaga and Maika Ortiz. They said that they are willing to join this team, so we’re happy with those developments. I understand that Rachel Daquis is also re-thinking her trip to Canada. Hopefully, she’ll be able to re-schedule her trip and be part of this team.” said Palou.

In addition, Palou also admitted that their mission in the L-V-P-I (official NSA for Volleyball in the Philippines) is to give the local squad continuous competitions abroad to level up their talents and skills against foreign counterparts.

”Ang gusto namin talaga, sumali sa mga iba-ibang invitational or regular foreign tournaments para magkaroon ng experience yung mga local players natin. Kasi nakita namin sa Southeast Asian Games, yun yung naging problema noh…” Palou added.

Aside from the anticipated Vietnam joust, LVPI group also planning to have a stable national pool of players that they will use in the bigger volleyball tournaments like the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games in particular.

“Pagdating ng team from Vietnam, by that time we will have a list of 18 players para sa women’s (team) and 18 players para sa men’s (team) pool. Isa-submit namin ito sa Philippine Sports Commission para ma-recognize rin sila as the official pool of the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas.” said Palou.

The Vietnam event is slated to officially open on the 25th of July and will run until the 1st day of August.

Sports Vision's Ricky Palou, denied "lifetime ban" issues on DLSU Lady Spikers

Sports Vision Management has broken their silence on the unending issues between them and the De La Salle University Lady Spikers Athletic Management.

The issue has something to do with the report that V-league has imposed a "lifetime ban" on the De La Salle Lady Spikers.

Sports Vision President Ricky Palou denied a report where De La Salle head coach Ramil De Jesus claimed (in a published article) that they never received any formal invitation from the V-league to join the Collegiate Conference.



The said event is slated to officially open \this Saturday at the Arena in San Juan.

The same report said that De Jesus is asking for a public apology from the V-League management regarding the lifetime ban that was supposedly meted on them.

"We never said that. Wala kaming bina-ban na teams, we don't ban any teams. Alam mo si Ramil (De Jesus) gumagawa lang ng kwento yan dahil ayaw niyang sumali. Siya yung ayaw sumali hindi yung atleta eh. Yung Coach ang ayaw sumali. Ewan ko kung ano yung galit niya sa V-league. Alam mo, they used to join dba? Nung nanalo sila, sali sila ng sali, nung natatalo na, ayaw ng sumali. So there's no ban, walabg ban yan," said Palou.

But despite the misunderstanding, Palou said that they would still open their doors should De La Salle reconsider their decision.

"Every Conference nag-iimbita kami. It's up to them kung gusto nilang sumali or ayaw nilang sumali. Bahala sila, dba? Basta we invite. Ganun lang yun eh..." said Palou.

The DLSU Lady Spikers won three V-League crowns before taking a hiatus in 2008.

Young Filipina Cyclist Irish Yang Wong, rules the 2015 PH National Games Luzon Qualifying Leg

Congratulations to our Young Pinay Cyclist Irish Yang Wong after ruling the Cycling Event of the 2015 Philippine National Games Luzon Qualifying Leg at the Rizal Memorial Sports Coliseum, this afternoon.

The 16-year old Olongapo City pride topped the 56-kilometer Road Race (Age Category) and Women's Individual Time Trial (both Age and Open Event) against young riders from the town.

Wong, who considered herself a newbie in the sports, told PTV Sports that Road Race is actually her favorite than ITT. But who knows that this will be her day to shine in both events?

Wong, wearing her Team Corratec uniform, also added that this was only her second time to race in ITT, the first one was in Batang Pinoy last year where she placed 2nd.

Wong is currently a Freshman class in the Columban College in Olongapo City taking up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Management.

How's National Triathlete Claire Adorna, after 2015 SEAGAMES Gold Medal Conquest?

National Triathlete Maria Claire Adorna is one of the hottest names of Philippine Triathlon today.

In the recent Southeast Asian Games in Singapore, Adorna is one of the Filipino National Athletes that really shine brightest and give the highest honor and pride to the country as she ruled the Women's Triathlon event and delivered the first ever Gold Medal for the Philippines during the June 5-16 biennial regional sportsfest.

After a month of her victory, the 21-year old University of the Philippines Sports Science student humbly told to PTV Sports that she has more to learn and improve with her performance.

"For me kasi, I considered it as learning experience eh. So marami pa akong matututunan siguro along the way. Marami pa akong kailangang I-improve, marami pa akong kailangang palakasin so yun. I know naman na may mga taong maggagabay sakin para matutunan ko yung mga pagkukulang ko para makaabot ako sa mga goals namin." said Adorna.

Adorna is one of the national lady triathletes that has a huge chance to grab a slot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The other one is Seagames Silver Medalist Kim Mangrobang.

With this, Adorna revealed that she has no time to waste for she will join various International Triathlon Races for the next months to earn points that will give her ticket to participate in the Olympics... one of those is the 2015 ITU Triathlon World Cup in Tongyeong, South Korea in October.

"Madami po eh. We have the Tongyeong this October. We have to go to abroad po. Tapos we have to undergo training camps for like years and months. tapos we have to win Asian Cup, Continental Cup and World Cup to earn points for the 2020 Olympics. " said Adorna.

In the past Singapore games, Philippine Triathlon Team finished with 2-gold medals through the courtesy of Adorna for Women's and Nicko Huelgas for Men's side which was the great cause for the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) to be officially included in the Priority Sports List of Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee.

PH's Top Chess GM John Paul Gomez, eyes 2015 Chess World Cup

Photo from Rappler.com

Philippines' Top Chess Grand Master John Paul Gomez gears up for Asian Continental Chess Championships on August 1st at the Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

The 29-year old Gomez told PTV Sports, that he is currently 100% focus on his training and so to maintain his good form coming to the August 1-13 chessfest.

"Kailangan yung materials, kumpleto sa materials. Yung computer tska sa books. Tapos sa physical exercise, jogging ganun. Kung anumang physical, part yun eh. Kasi mahaba yung game, yung isang laro umaabot ng 5-6 hours." said Gomez.

Asian Continental event will be the qualifying tournament for the 2015 Chess World Cup in Azerbaijan in September wherein only the top 5 winners can advance to the prestigious World Cup tournament.

Meanwhile, Gomez admitted that his dream to compete in the World Cup will never be easy as he will face Asian bets from China and India, who are considered to be the powerhouses in the said tournament.

"Maraming malalakas sa China at sa India eh. So most likely, puro sila yung makakakuha nung slots. So kung may makakapasok satin, from Philippines na isa, ano na yun... sobrang laking bagay na. Kaya gusto kong makasali talaga." Gomez added.

Although more than 15 years now in his Chess career and three-time World Chess Olympiad campaigner, Gomez have not yet competed in the World Cup.

Gomez is currently the 1st Ranked Chess Grand Master in the Philippines with his ELO Ratings of 2,512 points.

Strong Partnership for PTV Network and Spikers' Turf Management

People's Television Network, will once again act as the official Broadcast Media Partner of the Spikers' Turf Collegiate Conference starting on the 13th of July at The Arena in San Juan.

In a simple roundtable meeting earlier at the PTV Network, Sports Vision Management President Ricky Palou and PTV's Sales and Marketing Director Eric Go, finalized the airtime and schedule of the games in the league.

Games in the Spikers' will be on Mondays and Wednesdays, while PTV will air the action on a delayed basis at 10:45 in the evening.

Palou expressed his gratitude and high expectation over PTV as they promote the level of Men's Volleyball here in the country.

"Ayos naman yung usapan namin with Mr. Eric Go (and Sol). So we are still going to air it in PTV 4 sa gabi. May slight change lang kasi there is a pre-SONA 15-minute program that they want to do at 10:30pm. So, our Spikers' Turf mag-uumpisa yan ng 10:45pm hanggang 12:30am. That's good for volleyball. Dahil mas madalas makita ng mga tao yung laro ng volleyball, it promotes the game," said Palou.

On the other hand, Mr. Go of PTV believes that the airing of Spikers' Turf will help strengthen the Sports Program and television viewership of People's Television.

"We're very glad and excited that Mr. Palou...they're happy with our partnership. In fact, we are entering our Second Conference and airing Spikers' Turf on PTV was really monumental kasi we were able to capture different audiences especially ito yung mahihilig sa mga sports na volleyball. Hopefully, tuloy tuloy na ito, " said Go.

This will be the second time PTV 4 and Sports Vision Management agreed with the partnership after the success of its Inaugural Staging last April.

Every 'Second' Count for Pinay Bantamweight Nesthy Petecio

Pinay Bantamweight Nesthy Petecio and the rest of the Philippine Women's Boxing Team, undergo solid training in Baguio to secure an impressive finish in the Asian Women's Boxing Championships which will finally open on August 6 in China.

"Ngayong Asian pong ito, sobrang importante po kasi... sabi po ng mga Coaches, sabi po ng officials ng ABAP na, one of the qualifying for Olympics daw po. So sobrang importante po. Pag hindi po kami naka-place dito sa Asian Championships, hindi po kami makakalaro sa World Championship," said the 23-year old Petecio.

Only the top finishers in the Asian slugfest can advance to the World Championships in February next year, as the final qualifying tournament for Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games.

Last month, Petecio grabbed her 3rd silver medal in the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore after she bowed to Vietnamese Rival Le Thi Bang. The other SEAG editions of Petecio's runner up finished was on year 2011 and 2013.

Petecio defeated Le Thi Bang in the 2010 President's Cup. With this, Petecio admitted that overconfidence made her suffer in the SEAGAMES, "Nagsobrang confidence lng po ako sa sarili ko. Ah, kasi alam ko pong kaya ko siya kasi po natalo ko na siya dati eh. Nakaka-sparring ko na po siya dati."

In addition, Petecio said that they adapted new game plan and strategies as they prepare for the Asian tournament, "Nandyan naman po sila Coach Roel, Coach Mitchel... para tutukan po kami lagi kung ano pa po yung kulang. Kung paano po mag-adjust tska pati po yung psychology namin, nutrition namin, lahat po. Nandyan po sila sumusuporta samin. Parang nag-focus po sila ngayon sa mental training namin."

In the recent SEAG, Philippine Boxing Team is one of the National Sports that really gave pride and glory to the country as they bring home 5 - gold medals in the June 5 to 16 biennial meet.

UE Red Warriors, officially in for the Spikers' Turf Collegiate Conference

University of the East Red Warriors is officially one of the Collegiate teams that will see action in the Spikers' Turf Collegiate Conference on the 13th of July at the San Juan, Arena.

This is according to Sports Vision President Ricky Palou... after the UST Tigers beg-off in the tournament due to conflict of its schedule.

"Maganda pa rin. We expect the same diba. We're hoping that the edition of this year will generate the interest also. Although you know UST has a bigger following pero... and also sana magkaroon din ng following yung UE. We're optimistic to it," said Palou.

Aside from UE, other Collegiate teams that will participate in the league are Ateneo De Manila University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, College of Saint Benilde, Arellano University, National University, Far Eastern University, University of the Philipines, De La Salle University, La Salle-Dasmariñas, Mapua Institute of Technology and National College of Business and Arts.

Games in the Spikers' Turf will be aired in the People's Television Network (PTV 4).