A starry, sporty summer in Bora

BORACAY, Philippines  — Celebrities added glamour to the recently-held 15th Nestea Beach Volleyball. Derek Ramsay, Maja Salvador, Matteo Guidicelli, Karylle, Jake Cuenca, Erich Gonzales, Rafael Rosell and Bianca Manalo flew in for the three-day event. The games and entertainment enabled them to mingle with fans.

The star-studded sports event returned to this famous island of Aklan for its national championship. Both tourists and locals watched and cheered for the team players and took photo-ops with their favorite stars simultaneously. Other activities that celebs got to do were the paraw sailing, sand writing and the most-awaited celebrity game that capped the Nestea finale.

Derek couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with the fact that Nestea Beach Volleyball has become a popular summer event.

Paraw Sailing, one activity that celebrities like Matteo Guidicelli (right) and Jake Cuenca (center) look forward to during the Nestea Beach Volleyball event

“There are more people now. Even with the (invited personalities), I think we’ve doubled (in number). It’s nice to see that it’s growing. The Nestea Beach Volleyball is getting bigger and bigger. (There are) more teams, better teams (participating). It’s becoming like a prestigious event in the volleyball scene,” Derek told The STAR and other members of the entertainment press during random interviews at the Crystal Sand Beach Resort.

According to Nestea marketing promotions and events executive Jose Manuel Santos, “Through Nestea Beach Volleyball, Nestea aims to bring together the youth in the ultimate beach summer event that promotes refreshing goodness through a healthy, active and responsible lifestyle.”

Joining Derek were Karylle, who was also invited in the previous season, and first-timers Maja, Matteo, Jake, Erich, Rafael and Bianca.

Maja, who has been to Boracay many times, was delighted to be part of Nestea event. “This is the best vacation (for me), even if it’s really work that we’re here for. (We) appreciate the Nestea (team) for inviting us. Organizing this event made it more memorable for the locals.”

The winning women’s team from Central Philippines University, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Flora Mae Ceballos

Maja didn’t mind if she wasn’t the best volleyball player during the celebrity games. “I enjoy playing (volleyball) and I tried many times to become a varsity player but still the game doesn’t love me back,” giggled Maja. But she was quick to claim that thanks to Thelma (the movie she topbilled as a runner), she’s sporty now. She also gave credit to boyfriend Matteo for inspiring her to try sports. She runs, plays badminton and goes to the gym with him.

Like Maja, Bianca is a frequent Boracay tourist. It was a fortunate occasion for Bianca to have attended the Nestea event because she loves the beach, especially the sunbathing. “I love the sun, the beach and the sand,” said Bianca, who enjoyed basking under the sun at the celebrity game.

For the locals, the event served as an avenue to meet and greet stars upclose. The celebrities also initiated the beach cleanup drive and encouraged everyone to continue this undertaking.

As stated by Nestea management, the effort was really to raise awareness in preserving the country’s many pristine beaches. It had been a solid partnership with the local government units and the Boracay Beach Management Program for the past seasons in awakening the public through the theme Nestea Loves the Beach.

Derek Ramsay (right) and Jake join the beach cleanup

“The best thing about Boracay is the beach. It is something that we can be proud of,” Jake affirmed. Erich seconded, “I’m happy to be part of the beach cleanup and that this (effort) will at least help preserve the beauty of Boracay.”

If there were individuals who felt happiest, it would be the reigning champions of this year’s Nestea Beach Volleyball. They are the Central Philippine University bets Jovelyn Gonzaga and Fiola Mae Ceballos in the women’s division and University of Visayas spikers Jade Becaldo and Mike Abria for men’s category. They happily took home the coveted prize of P100,000, plus a trophy each.