Amihan, Bagwis kick off national volleyball tour in Gen. Trias

MANILA, Philippines -- The best volleyball players in the country invade General Trias, Cavite for the first in a series of stops to help propagate the sport and promote a healthy lifestyle as PLDT Home Ultera brings the Amihan (women’s) and Bagwis (men’s) volleyball teams around the archipelago starting Sunday, February 22.

“This is an initiative of PLDT Home Ultera to bring Amihan and Bagwis to the very fans that helped make them superstars and hopefully the players can impart some of their knowledge and passion for volleyball to the masses,” said former national team skipper Michelle Datuin, the tour’s operations officer.

This follows the two squads’ recent successful sortie in Tuguegarao City wherein hundreds of fans braved the sweltering heat to catch a glimpse of their volleyball heroes and many were not even able to enter the venue as the crowds packed the gym to the rafters.

Iconic figures such as Shakey’s V-League MVPs Rachel Anne Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Mary Jean Balse along with college sensations Peter Den Mar Torres, Mark Gil Alfafara and NCAA MVP Howard Mojica headline the first leg of the endeavor which will bring the teams to a multitude of provinces over the next few months.

“Amihan and Bagwis will be conducting free volleyball clinics and fans have the opportunity to learn from the best and mingle with their idols as well as take in an exhibition game,” Datuin said. “We hope this tour can help the spread of the sport and touch the lives of those who make a difference in these athletes’ lives daily.”

Despite the ongoing turmoil between the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), PLDT Home Ultera continues its support for Amihan and Bagwis and the teams now showcase their talents for the entire nation.

“The team continues to train daily and this tour is our way of giving back to the true supporters of Philippine volleyball: the fans,” an official of the teams said. “We thank PLDT Home Ultera for its sustained commitment to Amihan and Bagwis and to Philippine volleyball.”

The General Trias leg begins with a motorcade at 9:00 A.M. with Amihan and Bagwis holding their clinic and exhibition games in the afternoon at the General Trias Sports Complex.

PLDT Home Ultera also gives a few lucky fans the chance of a lifetime as those who subscribe at the venue get to spend special time with their favorite players after the games.