(Editor’s note: The story has been updated to reflect changes that it was a fan page of Bianca Plaza and not Plaza herself who made the Facebook post recalling the incident).
FILE–University of Santo Tomas’ Bianca Plaza. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines —A fan page of University of Santo Tomas player Bianca Plaza shared on social media that the middle blocker’s custom-made Kobe 8 shoes went missing from the pairs that were delivered to the team on Wednesday.
Plaza’s fan page, sharing screengrabs of messages from Plaza, expressed its disappointment after the player didn’t receive her pair of custom Kobe 8s — donated by an anonymous sponsor–before their game against University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.
Thee Tigresses only received five of the supposed six pairs upon delivery, according to the post.
Courier service Lalalamove was called out for the “oversight” and the “offensive” behavior of the rider, who even sent a message wishing UST to lose its game according to a text message.
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“This oversight is deeply concerning, especially considering the customized nature of the shoes and their importance to Bianca’s performance on the court. As a valued customer of Lalamove, we expect a high level of professionalism and care in handling our deliveries,” read the statement.
“Furthermore, I must express our disappointment in the behavior of the delivery rider who facilitated the transaction. Their arrogance and offensive remarks, including expressing ill wishes towards our team in their upcoming game against the UP Maroons, are completely unacceptable and unbecoming of a representative of your company.”
UST coach KungFu Reyes and the Tigresses shared Plaza’s post, as several volleyball athletes like former UST star Sisi Rondina, men’s volleyball player John Vic De Guzman, and La Salle’s Noel Kampton expressed their disappointments.
READ: Channeling Kobe, UST focused on getting better amid hot start
Plaza wore a Kobe 6 ProTro “Del Sol” during the game as UST took down the winless UP, 25-22, 25-20, 26-24, to stay unbeaten in six games — matching the school’s best start in Season 73.
In a statement sent to INQUIRER.net, Lalamove said it was investigating the matter. The company has also reached out to Plaza personally.
“We are aware of the recent incident involving one of our partner drivers. Our team is already in touch with Ms. Bianca Plaza and is intent on resolving this matter.”