All-Star Game provides front row look at RP men’s volleyball

This appears in philstar.com

All-Star Game provides front row look at RP men’s volleyball

by rick olivares

The best of Philippine Men’s Volleyball, a virtual who’s who, competed in yesterday’s All-Star Game at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, know the real score. Several thousand fans were on hand for the event even if it was a Sunday. But the men knew the vast majority was on hand for the All-Star Game of the female of the species, the Shakey’s V-League All-Star Game.

“I think all of us in Spikers’ Turf know that the women’s game is more popular,” noted Ateneo middle hitter Rex Intal whose Team Galaw composed of Ateneo and La Salle players triumphed over the NU-flavored Team Hataw in four sets.

It’s fine, because we have to work hard for a better appreciation of the men’s game. But we’re also grateful for the opportunity to play in front of a big crowd. Hopefully, many of them would have been impressed with what we can do.”

Galaw teammate Mark Woo, who plays his collegiate volleyball with rival De La Salle, was happy to share the floor with many other players, most he knows only as opponents.

“When you are named to an All-Star Game you have to be grateful because you are acknowledged as one of the best,” said Woo who like Intal finished with six points. “I agree though, hopefully, more people will appreciate the men’s game.”

Cignal volleyball team head coach Macky Cariño wo was a part of the winning Team Hataw opined that the power game of the men may not be as appreciated by the viewers. “Yung sa men’s game, madalas patay agad yung bola. Wala masyado long rally. Sa women’s mas Malaki yung chance magbabalikan yung bola ng ilan beses so yung crowd mas gusto nila yun. While the men’s game ay parang yung mga nasa international game, kulang pa siguro ng appreciation ng local audience. Pero mabuti napanood nila yung all-star game.”

“More than the appreciation of them men’s game, we are more happy that we can help the victims of Typhoon Lawin,” added Intal. “If we can hit two birds with one stone then we are even more grateful.”

The proceeds of the twin All-Star Games after expenses will go to the victims of Typhoon Lawin through the ABS-CBN Foundation.

“I think that one other thing people should know is the people who participated here are the best our country has to offer in the game of men’s volleyball,” summed up Ateneo and Team Galaw coach Oliver Almadro. “Hopefully, we can translate this talent into a future national team.”