"We are reviving strong awareness among our youth to take up table tennis. We are proud to say that we are ready to host our Southeast Asian neighbors and give them a taste of the world-renowned Filipino hospitality, even in times of crises," said TATAP president Victor Valbuena during the launch yesterday at the Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati City.
TATAP secretary general Oscar Santelices said Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand have already confirmed their participation in the LG Electronics-presented event to be held simultaneously at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati and Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
As host, the Philippines has the privilege of fielding two teams in each of the boys and girls divisions of this event which is supported by PCSO, Tibhar, The Philippine STAR, AIM Conference Center Manila, Accel, Rustan’s, Café Lupe, Lux Asia, Agua Vida, Ayala Center, 103.5 K Lite and Joey 92.3.
Also present during the affair was LG Collins Electronics Manila Inc. president Henry Jang who confirmed his company’s support to TATAP’s programs.
"We appreciate TATAP’s vision and efforts of bringing the sport to the Filipino youth by holding regional tournaments and hosting international tournaments," said Jang.
"They say life is too short to be wasted. That is why LG supports and encourages endeavors that make valuable use of the precious time."
The country has long suffered from talent drought in a sport where Filipinos are believed to be capable of playing toe-to-toe against the best in the world. Since Valbuena assumed presidency more than a year ago, TATAP has organized monthly regional competitions and invitationals leading up to the year-ending LG Cup Table Tennis Open where the country’s best players pit their skills.
"We are virtually starting from scratch. Although our programs are designed to reap long-term dividends, we are hard-pressed to perform better in the forthcoming tournaments like the ASEAN and the SEA Games because we do not want to disappoint our supporters," said Valbuena.