Volleyball in Cebu

Though not as well funded as basketball, volleyball continues to be a popular sport around the country particularly the province of Cebu.

Yesterday, I was in a meeting with Gov. Gwen Garcia when the officers of the Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA) presented the proposed Governor's Unified Volleyball League.

This is going to be a major volleyball tournament involving the various towns around the province where teams will play within their district then the champions will advance to the provincial finals for the overall title.

While organizing tournaments can sometimes sound very simple, this is a gargantuan task that the CEVA is embarking with the support of the governor, who is also a big fan of volleyball.

As soon as more details about the event will be ironed out, I'll be giving you more information.

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I learned yesterday afternoon from CEVA president Glen Anthony Soco that there is an interest to really hold the volleyball event for the Southeast Asian Games in Cebu.

This was something I confirmed with my sources in Manila.

If you can remember, Cebu offered to host volleyball as early as March this year, but Bacolod City, which has been appointed as venue for such is not giving it up.

What I learned from my sources is that the proposed venue in Bacolod is not up to the standards set by the international governing body of volleyball, the FIVB.

The only venue in Bacolod City that would qualify is the University of St. La Salle gym, but this venue is reserved for boxing.

So many things can still happen in the next few days and then maybe the prayers of the huge volleyball community in Cebu would be answered.

We can't be too hopeful, but then recent developments seem to favor Cebu and I hope that this one will push through.

No offense to my good friend and former golfing partner, Cong. Monico Puentevella of Bacolod City, I believe Cebu has two venues that are up to par for such event unlike the City of Smiles.

Let's see what happens in the next few days. Cebu has given up taekwondo and this mean changes can still be made if the regional hub can't meet with the standards set by the international governing body.

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MILESTONES: One of my buddies is turning a year older today, 40, if I'm not mistaken. I'd like to greet Carl Veloso a very happy birthday!

Birthday greetings also go to my nephew MJ Briggs Nahiolea Addington, who turns two years old today.

Belated greetings go to the executive director of the Cebu City Sports Commission, Alan Torrevillas, who invited me yesterday to his celebration in the town of San Remigio. I'd surely want to go, but unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of time.

More power to all of you!