Sisi Rondina’s biggest motivation heading into the FIVB Beach Volleyball World is making the country proud.
Rondina, who is paired with Dzi Gervacio, and three other duos are representing the Philippines in the women’s tie of of the one–star FIVB tournament being hosted by the country for the first time.
“It’s an overwhelming feeling. First, because we’re hosting this world event. Second, because we are playing for the country. It makes me really proud,” said Rondina, who was the best scorer in the UAAP Season 80 tournament.
The qualifiers starts on Thursday at Sands SM By The Bay but the competition in the 16-team women’s action begins on Friday.
Rondina and Gervacio wrapped up their preparations on Tuesday as they expected a taller opponents with 23 countries participating in the Manila stop of the World Tour.
“We’re training very hard. What we’re focusing on is how we can strengthen our bonds and connect with each other on court. So far, we have started to jell,” Rondina, who competed in last year’s 29th Southeast Asian Beach Volleyball Championships in Singapore, said.
The three other Filipino pairs competing are Charo Soriano and Bea Tan, two-time Beach Volleyball Republic national champions Karen Quilario and Lot Catubag, and wildcard entries DM Demontaño and Jackie Estoquia.
The four-day event dangles a $10,000 cash prize and ranking points for other FIVB beach volley tourneys.
BVR national champions Jade Becaldo and Calvin Sarte, Kevin Juban and Raphy Abanto, James Pecaña and KR Guzman, and Ranran Abdilla and Edwin Tolentino make up the Filipino pairings in the men’s division
The round-of-12 and quarterfinals are scheduled on Saturday, with the semifinals and finals on Sunday.