Shakey's goes international with 4-nation tourney

MANILA, Philippines - Inspired by Shakey’s V-League continued success, the organizing Sports Vision is bringing the sport to a higher level as it stages an invitational tournament this year that would gather teams from the Southeast Asian region.

“We’re trying to calendar it for November and we will invite teams from Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia,” said Sports Vision chair Moying Martelino during the launch of the Shakey’s V-League eighth season at the PSA Forum last Tuesday.

It was actually intended to be held last year but the men behind women’s volleyball renaissance in the country decided to defer its staging in the aftermath of the hostage-taking crisis at Luneta last August.

“But definitely, we will have one this year,” said Martelino.

He added that they plan to field in the national women’s team in the event in an effort to help toughen up the squad in its buildup for this year’s SEA Games in Indonesia.

“But if they’re not ready, we’ll field in a Shakey’s all-star squad,” said Martelino. Sports Vision president Ricky Palou said they have been in constant talks with the Philippine Volleyball Federation with regard to scheduling of games so as not to overlap with that of PVF program since most members of the Phl team are seeing action in the Shakey’s V-League.

“PVF president Gener Dungo said the PVF is willing to support us and so are we,” said Palou. “In fact, part of the agreement is to allow their referees to officiate in the league.”

Meanwhile, league officials brace for another banner season with 10 teams disputing the first conference championship of the Shakey’s V-League eighth season beginning Sunday at the Arena in San Juan.

Shakey’s EVP and COO Vic Gregorio said he expects another exciting year for women’s volley with a level playing field among 10 teams, adding “the absence of La Salle and UST gives other teams the chance and opportunity to show their talent.”

Ateneo, still in search of a breakthrough win, opens its title campaign against Far Eastern U, another contender, in the 2 p.m. opener of a twinbill that also features the Perpetual Help-National U clash at 4 p.m.

The traditional opening ceremony is set at 1 p.m., with former outstanding male players of each school acting as team escorts.

To spice up the inaugurals, Martelino said that they have invited all MVPs from Season I to lead the oath of sportsmanship, including two-time winners Mary Jean Balse and Suzanne Roces, Michelle Carolino, Maureen Penetrante, Cherry Rose Macatangay, Nerissa Bautista, Laurence Ann Latigay and Aiza Maizo.

Games will be aired on a delayed basis over NBN-4 from 2 to 4 p.m., although live coverage of the matches can be watched on live streaming at www.v-league.ph.