Super imports grace Super Liga GP kickoff

Games today

(Alonte Sports Arena – Biñan, Laguna)

12 noon – Opening Ceremonies

1 p.m. – Petron vs Cignal

3 p.m. – Meralco vs Foton

MANILA, Philippines - Powerhouse Petron kicks off its title-retention campaign even as heavy contenders Meralco and Foton show off their vaunted power when the 2015 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix unwraps today at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

The queens of last year’s import-flavored conference and the All-Filipino Cup, the Blaze Spikers will take on Cignal at 1 p.m. while the Power Spikers and Tornadoes collide in the 3 p.m. featured battle of this prestigious women’s volleyball tournament presented by Asics and Milo with TV5 as official broadcast partner.

A mini-concert will open the day’s festivities followed by colorful ceremonies where 12 of the world’s best – and prettiest – imports will parade with their respective teammates, coaches and escorts in a magical, glittery affair. Tickets will be given for free on a first-come-first-served basis.

“It’s going to be one for the books,” said Ramon Suzara, adding that they will be introducing the video challenge system in the second round to further improve officiating and maintain the fairness and transparency of the game.

“The FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) is strongly recommending the challenge system among all club leagues in the world. Fortunately, we will be among the first club leagues in Asia to implement such system. This is such a breakthrough, a great innovation in Philippine volleyball.”

Suzara was joined by FIVB executive Stav Jacobi, who confirmed that the Philippines is among the countries bidding for the prestigious FIVB World Women’s Club Championship next year.

“Yes, we’re seriously looking at holding it here,” said Jacobi, who will also serve as guest of honor in the opening ceremonies. “With the Filipinos’ passion for the sport, not to mention their promising players, I think it will be perfect to hold a prestigious event in this country.”

But come game time, it’s going to be a serious battle as Petron declared readiness to go for another Grand Prix crown.

With American stunner Alaina Bergsma no longer around, pressure will be on playmaker Erica Adachi and her Brazilian juniors squad teammate Rupia Inck as they try to tow the star-studded Blaze Spikers to another impressive finish.

Petron is coming off a successful stint in the 2015 AVC Asian Club Women’s Championship in Phu Ly, Vietnam recently where it sharpened its offensive attacks, fortified its defense and developed its chemistry that makes it one of the teams to watch.

“All teams are strong, but I remain confident on my team,” said Petron coach George Pascua, who will pin his hopes anew on the troika of Rachel Anne Daquis, Dindin Manabat and Aby Marano as well as the solid crew of Mina Aganon, Maica Morada, Ces Molina and Jen Reyes.

Cignal, however, will be a tough nut to crack.

Bannered by veterans Michelle Laborte, April Ross Hingpit and Rizza Mandapat, the new-look HD Spikers will bank on comely imports Ariel Usher and Amanda Anderson, who vowed readiness to deliver the crown.

“They are strong, pretty and very vocal about winning,” said Cignal coach Sammy Acaylar.

The main encounter will be equally interesting as Foton and Meralco are touted as two of the teams favored to knock the crown off Petron’s head.

The Tornadoes will parade a pair of blue chip recruits in 6-foot-4 Jaja Santiago and beah volley expert Fiola ceballos together with mainstays Angeli Araneta and Patty Jane Orendain. Katie Messing and Lindsay Stalzer will serve as their reinforcements.

On the other hand, Meralco will be carried by three premier veterans – Cha Cruz, Celine Hernandez and Paneng Mercado – together with the core of UAAP powerhouse De La Salle Lady Spikers with Christina Alessi and Liis Kullerkann as imports.