GUV unity cup volleyball: Mandaue, Talisay soars

Host team Mandaue City and Talisay City scored contrasting routes to victory as the Governor Gwen Garcia Volleyball Unity Cup blasted off at the Mandaue Sports and Cultural Complex. With the able support of Mayor Thadeo Ouano, Mandaue City volleybelles defeated Lapu-Lapu, 25-26, 25-26, to log its first win in Cluster VI.

Talisay City, on the other hand, with the presence of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, took the scalp off Carcar, 25-19, 25-9, in the Cluster I. The team is powered by Nestea Beach Volleyball three-time champion Floriane Gutierrez.

The opening ceremony started off with the parade of delegates of around 30 teams with its respective mayors leading the group.

Aside from the opening games, Daan Bantayan team won two special awards namely best in uniform and most punctual.

Philippine Sports Commission consultant Fr. Vicente Uy of Region VII, who spoke in behalf of PSC chairman William "Butch" Ramirez, said the parade was a show of unity among the Cebuanos. "I salute the leadership of province of Cebu for coming up with event," said Uy, who is also the athletic director of the University of San Carlos.

Ramirez was given a plaque of appreciation for his support of the tournament.

Governor Garcia, on the other hand, said Cebu will and always remain a one united province. The University of Cebu-Main Cheer Dance squad added glitter to the affair with its breathtaking somersaults that caught the audience awestruck.

Some of the distinguished personalities who were present in the opening ceremonies were Danao City Councilor Boying Rodriguez, Cebu City Dancesport director Edward Hayco, Cebu City Sports Commission chairman and CebuSoc chairman Jonathan Guardo and Cebu Football Association President Jonathan Maximo.