Team Bali Pure: The V-League pressure is fine

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Team Bali Pure: The V-League pressure is fine

by rick olivares

As soon as Bali Pure’s line-up was announced for the Shakey’s V-League’s Open Conference, the newly-formed squad was tabbed to be a contender for the championship alongside teams like the talent-laden Pocari Sweat, Air Force, and UP Lady Maroons squads.

With names like Alyssa Valdez, Grethcel Soltones, Denden Lazaro, Alyssa Eroa, and Janine Marciano to name a few, the squad is loaded. 

The pressure? In a conversation with Bali Pure team manager Johnny Filart and coach Charo Soriano last Wednesday, May 25, during Ateneo volleyball team manager Tonyboy Liao’s birthday bash, both welcomed it and talked about the pressure that comes along with being labeled as a contender.

Johnny Filart on the formation of Bali Pure:

“The formation of Bali Pure was a result of the fact that Ateneo as a school disallowed using their current students for the team or participating in the league. Otherwise we would have gotten an all-Ateneo team. When the opportunity for forming a team for the V-League presented itself, we went into it. We’re fortunate that many of the former Ateneo volleyball players were available. As for the team being together for the long term — we’ll cross the bridge when we get there."

Why isn’t Tai Bundit the coach? 

"For one, Pocari Sweat got to him first. Second, we decided to put a team together only after. So we got the next best coach for the team in Charo Soriano. Principally you have a one-woman management person in Charo Soriano. She can be coach, she play, she is very good organizationally. I think we have all seen what she (and you also have to give credit to Bea Tan) has done for Beach Volleyball Republic and her own businesses." 

Charo on Bali Pure’s composition and the pressure of contending: 

"There are always apprehensions when taking on something new like this team. Stopping for several years and coaching again, it is something I am not prepared for. But in life when opportunities present themselves, instead of me being scared, I am ready to embrace it fully. That’s how you get better."

"As for the team, having great individuals with their awards and accomplishments that doesn’t mean a championship is automatic. You have to earn it." 

"For Bali Pure, I am taking the coaching job very seriously. If it were any other roster even if they are just as good or better, I would probably think it many times over. It helps when you know them or have played with them. I feel comfortable talking to them." 

Team Bali Pure: Charo Soriano, Alyssa Valdez, Grethcel Soltones, Angeline Gervacio, Bea Tan, Janine Marciano, Amy Ahomiro, Dennise Lazaro, Alyssa Eroa, Mae Tajima, Karla Bello, Jem Ferrer, Ella De Jesus, and Ivana Agbayani.