San Remigio Beach Volley Open comes off the wraps today

CEBU, Philippines – Some of Cebu’s top beach volley athletes will start their quest for supremacy as the 2nd San Remigio Beach Volley Open kicks off today in the bustling southern Cebu municipality of San Remigio.

The two-day tilt features 10 teams coming from the different universities, commercial establishments and a municipality.

Janez Armie Igot, who won last year’s title with Jusabelle Brillo, hopes to make it two in a row but she faces a tall order as she pairs up this time with new partner Che-Che Bohol under Team Janche.

They are expected to meet tough opposition from Florian Gutierrez and Marites Natad of Dilanara Marketing Technical Services. Gutierrez and Natad, then under the wings of Southwestern University (SWU), were back-to-back champions in the prestigious Neste Beach Volley National Championships in 2003 and 2004 in Boracay Island.

The other strong title contenders include reigning CESAFI beach volley champs Danika Yolanda Gendrauli and Lorie Mae Layno of SWU and this year’s lone Cebu national qualifier for the Nestea Fit Beach Volley Season 13, Erika Camille Verano and Apple Saraum of the University of Southern Philippines (USPF).

The rest of the competing squads that are capable of pulling a major surprise are Jerymie Montalvo and Chona Gesulga of the University of San Carlos (USC) and Mary Joy Bonita and Rachel Hanna Singson of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R).

Completing the list of entries are Kennette Garces and Marissa Lagancia of Team BV Addicz, Jessica Avila and Wella Malbat of Team X Var), Ma. Janica Jimenez and Danilyn Lequigan of Team Grande, and Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA) Invitational beach volley titlist Danalie Baquiro and Luilyn Paciño for Santa Fe.

Cash prizes and trophies will be given away to the top performing teams, while non-winners will not go home empty-handed as they will receive consolation prizes. – Marigold P. Lebumfacil (THE FREEMAN)