Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 27) — Just weeks after the country’s successful staging of the Volleyball Nations League, Filipino fans are in for another treat with the return of international men’s volleyball action.
This weekend, the Philippines will host the second leg of the inaugural Southeast Asia Volleyball League (SEA VLeague), which opened last July 21 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The indoor volleyball tournament features games between four regional powerhouses: the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
The three-day leg will take place in the city of Sta. Rosa in Laguna from July 28 to 30 to wrap up the single-round elimination competition.
\”I think it’s very good opportunity for the four countries not only for developing the main national team but also promoting the young player,\” said Tats Suzara, president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF). He was referring to Filipino American rising star Steven Rotter, who earned best opposite spiker honors in the first leg.
\”This Southeast Asian League is just the start it’s the second year and I hope we can add more countries like Singapore and Malaysia next year aside from the men’s volleyball as well as women’s volleyball,\” he added.
Two of the country’s top spikers, Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, will be leading the Filipinos’ side in their return to the national team together.
Indonesia emerged as the champion of the first leg after going unbeaten, while Thailand and Vietnam completed the podium.
The Philippines, on the other hand, still remains on the hunt for its first win after losing its first three games, including a heartbreaking five-setter defeat against Vietnam.
This time, the national team is hoping for a breakthrough on home soil.
\”The level of the teams is strong if you saw Indonesia won SEA Games, Thailand won the ASEAN Games and they’re strong teams,\” said Sergio Veloso, the head coach of the Philippine men’s volleyball team. \”For us, it’s important because if you want to play and improve, you need to play strong teams too and I’m so happy for this opportunity for the players.\”
Vince Mangulabnan, team captain of the national team, said they are excited about the upcoming competition.
\”Madami kaming nakuhang learnings sa last leg na maa-apply namin dito nung nagte-training kami here, ‘yun ‘yung pinakainaral namin ‘yung mga kulang last leg na sana ma-apply namin ngayon,\” Mangulabnan said.
\”Gagawin namin yung best namin na kung ano ‘yung wala dun ‘yun ang iko-cover namin at dadagdagan pa namin. Sabi nga ni Coach Sergio 110% lagi,\” he added.
