Shakey’s V-League serves up fresh twist

Now on its 10th season, the Shakey’s V-League will infuse a novel, exciting twist to its annual calendar.

Aside from the regular tournament, which kicks off Sunday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan, the league is planning to hold a maiden All-Star weekend where it hopes to bring its stars even closer to the country’s growing volleyball fan base.

The league has long wanted to hold an event similar to the All-Star weekend of the NBA, but was eventually convinced when a volleyball clinic conducted by some of the top players in the league drew a huge turnout late last month at Blue Eagle gym.

“Based on our experience during the volleyball camp, we believed that it’s about time we hold an All-Star weekend,” Sports Vision chair Moying Martelino said in yesterday’s PSA Forum presented by Shakey’s and the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp.

An explosive doubleheader ushers in the 10th season of the league with six-time champion University of Santo Tomas colliding with two-time reigning champion Ateneo in the curtain-raiser. Newcomer Arellano faces National University in the second match.

Sports Vision president Ricky Palou, Shakey’s COO Vic Gregorio, brand manager Koi Castillo and PR director Jam Evaristo joined Martelino at the Forum.

Competing the 10-team field are University of San Carlos, De La Salle-Dasmariñas, Letran, San Sebastian, Perpetual Help and Adamson.