PLDT Home Ultera kicked off the highly-anticipated UAAP women’s volleyball tournament when it gathered some of the league’s top stars over the weekend and participate in the VOLLEY FRIENDS’ Volleyball Season Kick-Off at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Capitol Commons.
Members of the media and fans joined representatives of each of the eight participating schools in the six-rounder quiz about general knowledge, Filipino families, Philippine cinema, Pinoy love teams, internet sensations and, of course, volleyball.
Adamson, composed of Mylene Paat, Jessica Gallanza and former Queen Lady Falcons Lizlee Gata-Pantone and Gela Benting, ruled the competition over Ateneo via a tie-breaker.
Ateneo star Alyssa Valdez, the back-to-back league MVP, graced the event and led the Lady Eagles along with teammate Bea de Leon and former stalwarts Ella de Jesus and Jem Ferrer.
Former University of Santo Tomas stars Angge Tabaquero, JP Torres, and Mark Alfafara teamed up with this year’s team skipper EJ Laure and third year middle blocker Ria Meneses.
Ara Galang, who came just in time for the contest, partnered with College of St. Benilde standout and fellow PLDT Home Ultera ambassador John Vic de Guzman.
Ex-Lady Spiker Chie Saet was also present.
Representing University of the Philippines was last year’s best blocker Kathy Bersola, while Mary Palma, Bernadeth Pons, Rachel Anne Daquis, and Tin Agno came for Far Eastern University - the winningest women’s team in league history.
Former University of the East and National University stars Sue Roces and Jen Reyes played for the Lady Red Warriors and Lady Bulldogs, respectively even as NU alum Peter Torres took his competitive instinct from the court to the quiz bee.