Shakey's V-League links up with GMA-7

MANILA, Philippines -  Simultaneous with the staging of the first Shakey’s V-League Open conference is the league’s venture to go “international” as far as the television coverage of the games is concerned with GMA’s international channels to telecast the matches of the upcoming tournament.

Sports Vision, organizer of the country’s premier women’s volley league, and the sponsoring Shakey’s Pizza have linked up with GMA-7 to air the games on its international channels – GMA Pinoy TV, GMA LifeTV and GMA News TV.

“As we reach new heights with the staging of the Open tournament, we believe that by giving our fellow Filipinos abroad, especially the OFWs, the chance to watch the games will further boost the sport and give women’s volley a mainstream appeal,” said Sports Vision chair Moying Martelino.

Games can also be viewed on live streaming via www.v-league.ph.

Martelino added that games in the Open conference will also be aired nationwide over NBN Channel 4, 2-4 p.m.

Meanwhile, the league will still adopt its “Bring a Friend” promo for the coming conference where a purchase of one lower box ticket will entitle one to bring along a friend for free.

Ticket prices are pegged at P200 for ringside, P150 for lower box and P30 for general admission.

Seven teams, including four non-school squads, make up this conference’s cast which will vie for top honors beginning tomorrow.

Maynilad, Army, Air Force and Navy are joining the title hunt along with 2011 first conference champion Ateneo, former titlist San Sebastian and Perpetual Help with the three school teams allowed to tap non-student or two foreign players as reinforcements to level the playing field.

Each squad is actually reinforced by the league’s former MVPs and stars, ensuring a spirited chase for the crown in the event sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza and backed by Mikasa as official volleyball, Accel as official outfitter and Maynilad Water as the official drinking water provider.