PH to host Asian U-23 volleyball tilt
THE LOCAL sporting world has been so focused on the upcoming “Battle for Greatness” between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., we might have failed to notice that a big Asian volleyball event will happen here from May 1 to 9.
From among 12 Asian countries, LVPI (Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas Inc) president Joey Romasanta said the Philippines was chosen to host the First Asian Women’s Under-23 Volleyball Championship after Vietnam begged off.
“This event which will be staged at the Philsports Arena in Pasig is in the 2015 calendar of the Asian volleyball federation. We are honored to be hosting a volleyball competition as big and prestigious as this one,” said Romasanta.
“Through this tournament, we hope to be able to gauge how we rank among the other Asian nations.”
Kazakhstan, Iran, China, India, Japan, Maldives, South Korea, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Taiwan and Macau are also participating.
Leading the Philippine lineup are Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago and Jia Morado.
According to Eleanor Navarro of the local organizing committee, the Philippines will only need one win in the first round to advance to the second round.
The Philippines’ preliminary games will be against Iran on Friday at 4:15 p.m. and versus Kazakhstan the following day at 2:30 p.m. Both will be aired live on TV5.
* * *
The selection process for a PBA commissioner is nearing its final phase.
Media bureau chief Willie Marcial confirmed yesterday that the final four candidates—former pro Vince Hizon, Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines president Chito Narvasa, Naascu head Jay Adalem and PBA operations director Rickie Santos—are scheduled for interview on April 30. The new commissioner is expected to be announced on or before May 15.
* * *
Don’t be surprised if Manny Pacquiao ultimately evolves into a faith-healer.
Not a few people are willing to accept a wager on this.
The other day, a man suffering from liver cancer drove for 30 hours with his wife from Kentucky to Los Angeles just to see the Pacman.
Although Pacquiao was tired from his morning workout, he entertained the man in his van and together they prayed. Before the man left, Pacquiao sent him off with words of encouragement and inspiration. The man said he felt strong and energized after spending some minutes with his idol.
