Stars add sizzle to Nestea Beach Volley in Bora

MANILA, Philippines - Celebs converged at the tropical island-paradise of Boracay for the hottest beach volley tilt done every summer – the 13th Nestea Fit Beach Volley National Circuit ’09 held last May 7-9.

The Kapuso network came full force as its artists Rhian Ramos, Iza Calzado, Alfred Vargas, Paolo Contis, Polo Ravales, Survivor Philippines Sole Survivor JC Tiuseco with runners-up Jace Flores, Kiko Rustia, Kaye Alipio, Nikki Dacullo and Rob Sy provided the star power during the entire duration of competition.

The muscle man Rob Sy, who missed his flight with his co-survivors, accidentally bumped into the Cebu media during the arrival of the Cebu-Manila-Caticlan flight via Zest Air. Sy courteously introduced himself after knowing the group was also headed for the Nestea event and immediately spoke in Bisaya to relate to the Cebuanos. Sy confessed he misses Cebu and was all praises for Cebu’s barbecue haven, Larsian. According to the Survivor Philippines 1st runner-up, he could eat up to 15 “puso” in one seating! Beat that! Sy displays a very self-confident aura and converses very well, the salesman that he truly is.

During the welcome dinner last May 6 held at La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel (Station 3), among the celebrities present, Paolo Contis was the early bird together with girlfriend, EB Babe Lian Paz. JC Tiuseco, in an all-white sando and board shorts, came in next along with the heavily-tattooed and super fit Jace Flores.

“After Survivor, there were a lot of opportunities that came like endorsements. However, future projects are still under negotiation. I’m still under contract with GMA. We’re helping in the ongoing auditions of the next Survivor Philippines,” said Tiuseco in an exclusive interview with The FREEMAN.

“I’m going to graduate this summer with a Management degree. Currently, I’m hosting for ‘Unang Hirit.’ I have a segment there called Extreme Mornings with JC where I get to try different kinds of extreme sports. I want show business to be my long-term career for as long as the fans like me. I want to be in showbiz talaga. Right now, I’m just having fun...I’m just enjoying the moment,” JC further related.

On the second day of the competition (May 8), the GMA stars were seen in the Nestea sand court off to spike during the celebrity games at midday. Among the crowd favorites were Paolo Contis, Alfred Vargas, Iza Calzado, Kiko Rustia and QTV’s Sam Oh. Beach volley players from the different collegiate teams took a pause from their volley matches as these celebrities tried to display their beach volley prowess, if there was any. Star players were Alfred, JC, Jace and Paolo. For two days, these Kapuso stars stole the spotlight at the sand court, sizzling the competitions even more.

The formidable team of Iza, who served as the gorgeous team captain, Alfred and JC were successful in thrashing the equally-tough squad of Paolo, Rhian and Kiko with a 21-17 finish, thus winning the first day of action in the celebrity games.

On the second day, Iza’s team continued their winning streak. The scorching heat of the sun did not hamper them in getting the celebrity games’ championship crown along with the Nestea Fit Beach Volley collegiate champs who all came from Cebu—Erika Camille Verano and Apple Saraum of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) and the duo of Ariel Carumba and Loujei Tipgos of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R).

Fans also swooned over them during the fashion show held at Juice Bar at Plazoleta featuring the latest resort wear collection of Nautilus by PJ Arañador. On the other hand, the Capoeira Class held last May 8 at Hey Jude!, which was just right across the sand court, was an instant crowd-drawer especially when Kiko and JC showed off their dance/martial arts stunts.

During the victory party held at the Paraiso Bar (Station 2), Rhian, together with the Survivors, volleyball players, coaches, Nestle Philippines executives, media, partied like rock stars as top bands 6Cyclemind and Sandwich rocked Boracay with their hits and chart-toppers.