CESAFI vs. GUV Cup all-star volleyballfest

CEBU, Philippines - It started as a challenge and now it will be realized as Cebu’s best volleyball players clash in the much-awaited 1st CESAFI versus GUV Cup All-Stars Friendship Game on January 13, 5:00 pm, at the University of San Carlos (USC)-Main Gymnasium.

For the very first time, the best of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) and the Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup would be showcased in one venue.

“This would be a very exciting and challenging tournament as it will feature the selection of the best players in the GUV Cup and the CESAFI men and women’s squads,” said CEVA president Antonino ‘Jun’ San Juan.

The GUV Cup belles will feature former RP youth member Genie Sabas, RP team member Jusabelle Brillo, Jullett Mae Marikit, Kenneth Garces, Lovena Amor Pepito, Katherine Jumapao, Rachelle Hanna Singson, Catherine Marquez, Melanie Silvestre, Gretchel Soltones, Athena Sucalit, Queenie Rivera, Christy Sucalit, and Apple Eve Saraum.

The reigning CESAFI champions, Southwestern University will form the core of the team. These are Princess Anne Pido, Danika Yolanda Gendrauli, Raphril Aguilar, Danalie Baquiro, Fritzie Aligway, Elizabeth Emnace, Lorie Mae Layno, Mary Luilyn Pacinio, Christalie Picos, Anna Sabanal and Rhea Loayon.

They will be reinforced by Suzette Panis of USC, Abegail Praca of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) and Erika Camille Verano of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF).

An exciting line up of players will also be featured in the men’s bracket.

The GUV Cup All Stars would be manned by Norvie Labuga, RP team member Jonrey Sasing, Roderick Arenasa, Edward Carlo Tecson, Kennith Bensig, Ronald Acojedo, Ronald Moreno, Rolly Mancao, Alfred Daan, Jacky Yrog-irog, Dave Aresa, Mike Abria and Jade Becaldo.

CESAFI men’s champ, USJ-R, will lead the team. Its players are Leoniel Sanchez, Loujei Tipgos, Kevin Casia, Jason Uy, Ken Bhoyd Abunda, Jayvelle Roxas and Jan Manalili.

Also joining the team are Edward Ybanez and Allan Caspillo of USPF, Mark Giducos of the University of the Visayas (UV) and Dennis Sepulveda of USC.

The idea of staging the battle of the champions was initiated by CESAFI Commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy, who opened it up to Gov. Garcia during the opening of the GUV Cup last September in Mandaue City.

   San Juan said that Tiukinhoy showed his full support to this endeavor.

Tiukinhoy, for his part, said that upon learning the plan from San Juan he already started with the selection of the CESAFI players by asking the coaches of the champion teams, Grace Antigua and Jordan Paca, to spearhead the selection.

“I initiated this plan because GUV Cup is a big event and by letting the CESAFI players play against them (GUV Cup players), we would be able to assess on the skills of our players on how competitive they are. This is one way of having a good will match between the two teams,” said Tiukinhoy.

The one-day tournament is presented by Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF), Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA), GUV Cup and Sunsport. 

The champions will receive a trophy and medals from PVF’s newly-elected president Gener Dungo, who made the pronouncement of making Cebu as the “Volleyball Capital of the Philippines”. (FREEMAN)