PLDT backs Palarong Pambansa
UV, CPU start title defense in Nestea beach volleyball
BORACAY – Holders University of the Visayas and Central Philippine University defend their respective crowns against a host of crack challengers led by UAAP champs National U and Adamson in the 17th Nestea Beach Volleyball that unwraps today infront of Boracay Beach Chalets in Station 2.
UV will be gunning for a third straight men’s title and will field Jade Becaldo, a member of last year’s champion pair who will team up with Mark Anthony Fernandez this time.
Out to challenge the UV spikers are NU’s Edwin Tolentino and Joseph Henry Tipay, who are fresh from their romp in the UAAP, and College of St. Benilde’s Marjun Alingasa and John Vic de Guzman, who dominated the NCAA beach volley action.
First Asian Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH), Saint Louis University, University of St. La Salle, Southwestern U, Foundation U, University of San Carlos, University of Southern Philippines, University of Mindanao Tagum and Mindanao State U Tawi Tawi are also vying for the men’s plum.
On the distaff side, three-peat queen CPU will anchor its bid on returnee Fiola Mae Ceballos and Valerie Jen Amar.
Expected to give CPU a hard time are reigning UAAP titlist Adamson, which will be bannered by MVP Shiela Pineda and Amanda Villanueva; NCAA ruler San Sebastian, which will be represented by Bea Camille Uy and Denice Francesca Lim; La Salle, which will have Ara Galang and Kim Fajardo; and last year’s NBV runner-up Santo Tomas, which will field Pam Lastimosa, who will join hands with Carmela Tunay.
Also in the mix are Lyceum Batangas, UB, SWU, USLS, University of Mindanao Tagum, MSU Tawi Tawi and Jose Maria College.
The Palarong Pambansa has partnered with PLDT Home DSL when it holds its 57th edition beginning Sunday at the sprawling Laguna Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
The weeklong sporting meet, featuring the country’s leading and rising athletes from grade school and secondary level, will also coincide with the Laguna Festival celebrations.
“It is most fitting that our country’s elite athletes experience the genuine and true spirit of the Palaro and the best that Laguna has to offer because the province is the best place to visit, to invest in and to live in,” said Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito.
PLDT Home DSL VP and Home broadband head Gary Dujali and Ejercito had signed a memorandum of agreement, making the former the official broadband arm for the event.
“We are very excited to take part in this prestigious event, as one of our advocacies is to promote youth development through sports excellence,” said Dujali.
Dujali said PLDT Home DSL will provide broadband connections and live streaming facilities for the event.
“Competitions will be viewed live at three SM malls in Laguna because at PLDT Home DSL we encourage the youth to push their limits with support of the whole family,” said Dujali.
It marks the first time in its 66-year history that this annual multi-sports meet for elementary and high school students will be held in Laguna. “It’s all systems go,” said Ejercito. He said the province is all set and ready to host the meet as it renovated its sports complex as early as last year and constructed an athletes’ village for the meet.