MANILA, Philippines - The country’s leading volley stars take the spotlight on a different stage as the likes of Alyssa Valdez, Abby Marano and Jaja Santiago strut their wares in the Tanduay Rhum women’s beach volleyball tournament which unwraps today at the Cantada Sports Center’s sand courts in Taguig City.
Valdez, who powered Ateneo to the UAAP championship last year, teams up with Michelle Morente as they banner the Lady Eagles’ bid in the tournament which has hosted a number of beach volleyball compettiions.
The event also drew the participation of former La Salle aces Marano and April Hingpit; former Ateneo mainstays Dzi Gervacio and Bea Tan and Sharah So and Khryzette Onishi; Camille Abanto and Beauty Denila, and Angel Antipuesto and Mariel Legazpi of Philippine Air Force; and Micmic Laborte and Wensh Tiu.
Santiago will suit up again for National U which will field in two teams, along with Adamson U, to be led by Amanda Villanueva, while Rizal Technological U has also confirmed its participation in the inaugural staging of the beach volley event sponsored by Tanduay Rhum and sports patron Lucio “Bong” Tan, Jr.
The event, which stakes cash prizes, is organized by sportsmen Edgardo “Boy” Cantada and Gerard Cantada, who waived the entry fees as in their past sports projects while providing the field, including officials and invited guests, complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The matches will be telecast on a delayed basis on GMA7 News Channel, according to Gerard Cantada.