GUV Cup stars vs. CESAFI's best

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano volleyball fans are in for a big treat as the 'best of the best' will slug it out for prestige and bragging rights via the 1st CESAFI vs. GUV Cup All-Stars Friendship Game at 6:00 tonight at the University of San Carlos (USC)-Main gym.

For the first time, the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) and the Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup came up with unified decision that led to the showdown of Cebu volleyball stars.

The GUV Cup side will be manned by former RP Youth member Genie Sabas, RP Team member Jusabelle Brillo, Jullett Mae Marikit, Kennette 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 CESAFI selection, on the other hand, is composed of Princess Anne Pido, Danika Yolanda Gendrauli, Raphril Aguilar, Danalie Baquiro, Fritzie Aligway, Elizabeth Emnace, Lorie Mae Layno, Mary Luilyn Paciño, Christalie Picos, Anna Sabanal and Rhea Loayon of Southwestern University (SWU), Suzette Panis of the University of San Carlos (USC), Abegail Prace of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) and Erika Camiulle Verano of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF).

In the men's bracket, the GUV Cup stars include 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.

The CESAFI will parade Leoniel Sanchez, Loujei Tipgos, Kevin Casia, Jason Uy, Ken Bhoyd Abunda, Jayvelle Roxas and Jan Manalili of USJ-R, Edward Ybanez and Allan Caspillo of USPF, Mark Giducos of the University of the Visayas (UV) and Dennis Sepulveda of USC.

Cebu Vollleyball Association (CEVA) president Jun San Juan said he is expecting a huge crowd as the event is open to the public for free.

“We decided to open it to the public for free so that there will be a huge crowd. Also, this event is one way of entertaining volleyball enthusiasts since the games will surely be exciting considering that the best players in Cebu are going up against each other. We’re hoping that this will be an annual event,” said San Juan.

CESAFI commissioner Felix "Boy" O. Tiukinhoy, Jr. initiated this project to assess the competitive skills of CESAFI players.

No less than Governor Gwen Garcia will grace the show along with Tiukinhoy, CESAFI president Rolando Villa and the rest of CEVA officers.

The champions will receive trophy and medals from Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) president Gener Dungo. - THE FREEMAN