Finds from the GUV Cup

While watching last Saturday's grand opening of the 2nd Gov. Gwendolyn F. Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex, I could not help but notice that there are more tall players this year than from last year.

The FREEMAN columnist, lawyer, volleyball enthusiast and organizer Joseph Gonzales, who sat beside me, also noticed the same. The GUV Cup has become a showcase of talents from the various towns of Cebu.

While writing this piece, we got a brief visit from Nona Catipay, who is the busiest body among us, Cebu volleyball Association (CEVA) officials, in the conduct of the GUV Cup.

She said that from last year's tournament four were discovered by collegiate coaches and are now playing varsity volleyball.

The news proved that the efforts that were poured in for last year's event were all worth it. Aside from showing that we can have a united Cebu Province through volleyball, the event also became a stepping stone for some players to good college education.

Nona said that two of the players came from Sta. Fe in Bantayan, one from Sogod, and one from Barili.

I am hopeful that this year the schools will be calling more players to join their varsity teams.

Gov. Gwen was a picture of joy last Saturday as she watched the parade of athletes from the 42 towns. In her speech, she said that she was hoping that everyone would join, but ten towns did not heed the call.

She also lauded those from the very small municipalities that really found time to be there even if they had to cross the sea to get to Mandaue and attend the opening ceremony.

Many city and municipal officials also came including Toledo City Mayor Arlene Zambo, who was probably very happy to witness the cheerdance presentation of La Salle-ASMC based in Lutopan in her city. It was also a proud moment for us, who spent some years in that school to see that presentation.

This weekend, the town of Naga will host the competition for Cluster 1 that will include the powerhouse teams of Talisay, Minglanilla and Carcar.

There is a big volleyball community in barangay Inayagan of Naga where many players seem to have found a home close to other volleyball enthusiasts. I expect to see them all there this weekend.

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MILESTONES: Advanced happy birthday greetings to Fr. Ernesto O. Javier, SJ and my compadre Michael G. Go, who both turn a year older tomorrow.

They are two of the men that I admire most. More power to both of you!