F2 Logistics backs PSL Manila’s world tilt bid

MANILA, Philippines – F2 Logistics will serve as official sponsor of the Philippine Superliga team set to compete in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship Oct. 18-23 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

PSL president Ramon Suzara, PSL chairman Philip Ella Juico and F2 Logistics president and CEO Efren Uy formally signed an agreement that will allow the star-studded team to carry the name of the brand during the week-long volleyball festival.

The PSL-F2 Logistics Manila will slug it out with top teams from the Hisamitsu Springs Kobe of Japan, Bangkok Glass of Thailand, Rexona-SESC Rio of Brazil, Volero Zurich of Switzerland, Pomi Casalmaggiore of Italy and Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul and VakifBank Istanbul of Turkey.

The host team will be led by Serbian coach Moro Branislav and assistant coach Shun Takahashi and will be powered by seven foreign players in Tichaya Boonlert of Thailand, Yuri Fukuda of Japan, Stephanie Niemer and Lindsay Stalzer of the US, Ekaterina Krivets of Russia, Yevgeniya Nyukhalova of Ukraine and Lynda Morales of Puerto Rico.

Rachel Anne Daquis of RC Cola-Army will skipper the team composed of Jovelyn Gonzaga of RC Cola-Army, Jen Reyes and Frances Molina of Petron, Kim Fajardo and Mika Reyes of F2 Logistics and Jaja Santiago of Foton.

“The inclusion of F2 Logistics in this tournament is such a big boost to the team,” said Suzara during the signing of memorandum of agreement Friday night that was witnessed by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and Eventcourt events manager Siegbert Brutschin.

“Rest assured that the team will return its support with an inspired performance against the best, and most famous, volleyball clubs in the world. We have a very solid roster. We expect the team to go all out in this tournament.”

Aside from F2 Logistics, the PSL also entered into a memorandum of agreement with Foton as official transportation provider and Turkish Airlines as official airlines.

Uy, whose active participation and hands-on approach prompted the Cargo Movers to clinch the title in the PSL All-Filipino Conference, said supporting a global event like this is in line with their advocacy of inspiring youth and combatting illegal drugs.

“I believe that the growing volleyball community is the best vessel to support the government’s rally against illegal drugs,” he said. “Sports is the best paradigm for discipline and values to guide our youth.”

Training and preparation of PSL-F2 Logistics Pilipinas are now in full swing.

In fact, it is now having some friendly matches against collegiate and PSL teams while starting to become more visible to fans to promote the biggest volleyball tournament the country will ever host.

The squad will be recognized by the Senate on Monday and is expected to make a courtesy call with President Duterte in Malacañang. It will also embark on a campus tour and fans’ day in the next few days.