United province, united country

It was heartwarming to see the response of the people from around Cebu Province yesterday during the first general assembly for the Gov. Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball Cup (GUV Cup) at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall.

Although not all towns and cities that expressed intention to join were represented, those who were there showed so much enthusiasm that could make the organizers very happy.

As a director of the Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA) and helping in putting the event together, I feel moved at how much a sport I also love to play has a huge following in my home province.

This further boosts our belief in pushing volleyball further so we can develop more talents from Cebu.

The GUV Cup is just the start of bigger things to come, but it is not yet time to celebrate. The work has just started and I call on all participating teams and those who wish to join to please abide by the rules and regulations that would be set.

We can never have a good tournament if participants will only think of putting one over and not sportsmanship.

It was also very nice to hear one of the delegates yesterday, I believe she was from the town of Alegria, who said that they are sure they can't put up a strong team, but are there to heed the call for unity.

A few towns haven't confirmed yet and I am hoping that in the next few days they will. Forget where you stand on the political fence, do this for the youth and for sports development.

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Is Cebu not getting the same treatment as the other regional hub, Bacolod, in terms of funding for the Southeast Asian Games this November?

I am asking this question so that we can clarify matters as to what the regional hubs for the biennial games should get.

My training as a journalist tells me not to use rumor as a basis for a story, but they can be used as leads for a story and you have to find the sources to confirm them.

I often wonder what transpires in the debates of the officials organizing the SEA Games in the Philippines.

Is Cebu being left out in the cold? How come they would not bring volleyball here when we have the venues that pass international standards unlike Bacolod? Is everything already final because on person says so?

How come taekwondo has moved back to Manila if the schedules are final?

There are too many questions that ought to be answered. Common guys, this one is for our country so let's work together and not pull one over each other.

If you continue acting the same way, then the country is as hopeless as many think. Why don't we just hand the SEA Games hosting to Laos then.

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MILESTONES: I got an invitation to join Manang Me'Anne Alcordo-Solomon's special treat for kids with cancer this afternoon. This is her way of celebrating her birthday and helping promote awareness about cancer.

Happy birthday Manang and I wish that we'll have more people who genuinely care so much for others like you.

Happy birthday greetings also go to one of my former students, Renee Villasin, the PR manager of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. She'll be turning a year older tomorrow.

More power!