‘Suspense Theater’

MANILA, Philippines — There was this TV series generations ago which would craft pulsating tales of mystery, deception and deceits to be savored and relished by diehard viewers.

It was called the “Suspense Theater,” the series drawing inspired performances week in and week out and stayed one of the best in that era.

Tuesday night the MOA Arena was magically transformed into a “Suspense Theater” for the liberal dose of thrillers and cliffhangers dished out by four teams in the playoffs of the PVL All-Filipino Conference before close to 10,000 roaring fans.

“It was like playing a fifth set in every set, sudden death in every turn and possession,”said an old volleyball mainstay.

First the F2 Logistic Cargo Movers repeated over the PLDT High Speed Hitters in four sets with the first three sets going the full distance for a 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-15 decision.

It was their first podium finish in the three-year-old pro league.

The embattled Creamline showed poise and guts in keeping the pressure on the fancied Petro Gazz, scoring an 18-25, 25-16, 25-18, 23-25, 15-6 victory as they foiled the Angels to extend their side of the playoff in the main game.

The Cool Smashers churned in heroes after heroes to weather the comeback assault of the Petro Gazz crew.

Behind Michele Gumabao whose spunk and spirit kept the team intact and Tots Carlos, and Jema Galanza unleashing offensive thrusts, the Cool Smashers lived for sudden death today.

There were incredible saves, long rallies, vicious kills, net tussles and great walls of defense in the two matches that ran for six hours amid the cheers resonating in the confines of MOA that – thanks to the PVL – became a source of joy, pleasure and delight and a sporting “Suspense Theater” this summer day.