MANILA, Philippines – Magtatagisan ang naggagandahang volleyball players sa bansa sa Beach Volleyball Republic open tournament na gaganapin sa Sabado at Linggo sa SM Mall of Asia by the Sands sa Pasay City.
Sasabak ang 10 koponan sa pangunguna nina dating Ateneo star Charo Soriano at Filipino-American Alexa Micek, at Fille Cainglet-Cayetano at Denden Lazaro na dati ring miyembro ng Ateneo Lady Eagles.
Masisilayan rin sa aksiyon sina Bea Tan at Brazilian Rupia Inck, Janine Marciano at Bang Pineda, at dating UAAP beach volleyball champion University of Santo Tomas na babanderahan nina Rica Rivera at Cherry Rondina.
“We’re expecting nothing less than excitement this weekend,” pahayag ni Soriano na naging kapares din si Micek sa Spike for Peace na ginanap sa Philsports Arena sa Pasig City kamakailan.
Ayon kay Soriano, layunin ng torneo na mapataas ang lebel ng naturang isport sa Pinas at mabigyan ng tsansa ang mga volleyball players sa bansa na ipamalas ang kanilang husay.
Papalo rin sina Julie Ann Tiangco at Mariel Sinamban ng San Sebastian College, April Hingpit at Maica Morada, Judy Caballejo at Camille Abanto, Arielle Estranero at Vina Alinas, at sina April Romero at Rose Cailing ng University of the Philippines.
“This is more than a tournament or a beach volleyball event. Our goal is to really reach out to the provinces and spread the word that we have a chance to excel in this sport,” dagdag ni Soriano.
Nakatakda ring dayuhin ng grupo ang Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod City, Boracay, Cagayan Valley, Palawan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Dapitan City, La Union at Cebu.