Rondina, Gervacio banner Philippine bid in beach volley

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines takes center stage as first-time FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour host with Sisi Rondina and Dzi Gervacio bannering the country’s campaign in women’s play of the elite event at the Sands by the Bay at the MOA grounds tomorrow.

“It’s an overwhelming feeling because we’re hosting this world event and we are playing for the country,” said Rondina ahead of the one-star tournament organized by the Beach Volleyball Republic.

The event actually starts today with the staging of the men’s division qualifiers starting at 8 a.m. with four slots in the main draw up for grabs.

But focus will surely be on the women’s side with Rondina, the three-time UAAP champion who played in last year’s 29th Southeast Asian Beach Volleyball Championships in Singapore, vowing to deliver in the 16-team women’s draw.

“We’ve trained very hard. Since the league is the FIVB World Tour, we expect taller and really very strong competition. What we’re focusing on is how we can strengthen our bonds and connect with each other on court. So far, in training, we have developed good communication with one another and have started to jell,” said Rondina.