Alyssa Valdez banners Creamline Cool Smashers

Alyssa Valdez banners Creamline Cool Smashers

by rick olivares

When Alyssa Valdez wraps up her stint in the Thai League early next month, she’ll trade in the red and black of 3BB Nakornnont for the hot pink colors of the Philippines’ newest volleyball club, the Creamline Cool Smashers.

The club was unveiled last night at the Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center Manila in Pasig City last night by Rebisco President Jonathan Ng. Rebisco, the Philippines’ leading manufacturer, distributor, and exporter of snack foods is the team’s sponsor.

Joining Valdez in the Cool Smashers are Coleen Bravo (Perpetual Help), Joyce Palad (University of the Philippines), Aerieal Patnongon (Ateneo de Manila), Francesca Racraquin (San Beda College), Ivy Remulla (De La Salle), Janet Serafica (Adamson), Pau Soriano (Adamson), and Jamela Suyat (Perpetual Help). Three more players will be added pending the conclusion of the current UAAP volleyball tourney.

The team will be coached by Anusorn “Tai” Bundit and will be assisted by Oliver Almadro. Both are respectively are the current head coach of the Ateneo Women’s and Men’s Volleyball squads. Jerod Hubalde, a former head coach of the UP Men’s Volleyball Team is the second assistant.

“I think it is a logical step for Rebisco,” explained Ng. “We have been supporting the Ateneo Lady Eagles for the past few years and we have all fallen in love with volleyball. We are looking at Creamline to be a long-term plan for the company and for volleyball. We hope that the fans will come out and support us.”

“It’s a diverse team,” said Valdez of her newest club. “After Bureau of Customs and now with Nakornnont, playing with a different set of players is exciting. While I miss my Ateneo teammates, this is all part of the adventure. Besides, Aerieal is here and there is the possibility of some of my former Ateneo teammates joining us at some point during the coming Philippine Volleyball League season.”

Team manager Sherwin Malonzo said that the team is far from a finished product. “Some players are only here for the short term because of availability while others will be here longer. We have three joining us before the season starts. Another should be coming on board for the second conference and hopefully, this person for next season.”

The club’s color’s will be hot pink.

“I think that will take some getting used to,” summed up Valdez. “But what is more important is ow we perform.

The new Philippine Volleyball League opens serve on after Holy Week.