Top PH volleyball backer vows continued support for national program

FILE–The Philippine men’s and women’s beach volleyball teams. BVR FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Rebisco vows to continue its support for the national volleyball program after the Philippines nabbed two bronze medals in beach volleyball and missed the podium in the men’s and women’s volleyball tournaments in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Rebisco Group Vice Chairman Jonathan Ng praised the teams of Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons and Jovelyn Gonzaga and Dij Rodriguez and the men’s squad composed of Jaron Requinton and Ranran Abdilla and Krung Arbasto and Jude Garcia after they brought home two bronze medals — matching their previous podium finish in the 30th SEA Games in Subic three years ago.

He also thanked the men’s and women’s volleyball teams for their efforts despite missing the podium.

“Let’s look forward to more volleyball, more victories and more participation in Southeast Asian, Asian and world stages in the years to come,” Ng told the members of the national team—athletes and officials at Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites in Mandaluyong City.

“There is definitely much to be grateful for—the great health and well-being of our national team members, our volleyball community and especially the two bronze medals garnered in this year’s SEA Games by both the men’s and women’s beach volleyball teams,” he added.

The Philippine women’s volleyball team, led by Japan V.League Best Blocker Jaja Santiago, Volleyball Thailand League Best Scorer Mylene Paat, and Alyssa Valdez, missed the chance to win a medal anew after losing to Indonesia in the battle for third. The Jorge Souza de Brito-coached squad won its first game against Malaysia but lost its last four games as the team failed to end its 17-year medal drought.

The men’s volleyball squad, led by Japan V.League imports Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, missed the chance to retain its 2019 silver medal finish after an early exit in the group stage losing to eventual bronze medalist Cambodia and Thailand. The Filipino Spikers, who mostly didn’t have an opportunity to play in a regular league since the pandemic started, managed to snatch the fifth place after beating Malaysia and Myanmar in the classification round.

The Rebisco official said the teams need more time and exposure to reach greater heights.

“We are grateful for each other and the common understanding and desire to raise the level of competition and skill level of our athletes. Our national teams just need more time and international tournament exposure to be more cohesive,” said Ng, who is also the team owner of Creamline and Choco Mucho in the Premier Volleyball League.