PHILIPPINE National Volleyball Federation Honorary Chairman Rep. Alan Peter S. Cayetano led the sendoff for the national men’s and women’s national teams competing in two continental club tournaments in Thailand.

The sendoff was held last Saturday at the De La Salle Sentrum in Lipa City with Taguig City District 2 Rep. Lani L. Cayetano, along with PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, Secretary General Don Caringal and National Team Commission chairman Tonyboy Liao also attending the afternoon affair.

The women’s teams, represented by Team Rebisco and Team Choco Mucho, who have just wrapped up their month-long bubble training in Lipa City, left Tuesday night for Nakhon Ratchasima to compete in the Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship slated from October 1 to 7.

The men’s squad, which will carry the name Team Rebisco, will wind down its bubble training in Lipa City this week and will fly to Thailand on October 4 for the Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship set from October 8 to 15 also in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Former House Speaker Cayetano of Taguig City, reaffirmed his being the federation’s “godfather” as he rallied the athletes to represent the country well despite the tremendous challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All three teams’ preparation and participation for the Asian championships are supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Rebisco and Taguig City.

The two women’s teams is made up of 24 athletes, eight coaches and one referee, while the national men’s squad is composed of 18 athletes, seven coaches and one referee.

Aby Maraño is the team captain of Team Rebisco, with Brazilian consultant Jorge Souza de Brito as its head coach, while Iris Tolenada will be the skipper for the Odjie Mamon-mentored Team Choco.

Handled by coach Dante Alinsunurin, John Vic De Guzman is Team Rebisco’s team captain.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado