CANDON CITY — The first-ever Volleyball All-Star Showcase was never meant to spotlight just one side of the sport.
While the PVL continues to drive the Philippines' volleyball boom, this landmark event was deliberately built to elevate the men’s game alongside it.
From fan voting for starters to selection of reserves, both the PVL and Spikers’ Turf were equally represented, turning the event into a true showcase of Philippine volleyball rather than a women’s-only spectacle.
For stakeholders in the men’s league, the twin billing is a long-awaited boost.
Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon sees it as a chance for Spikers’ Turf to ride the momentum of the PVL’s growing audience.
“Malaking factor siya for me kasi kasama namin ‘yung PVL. Knowing naman na ‘yung engagement din talaga ng PVL, women’s, sana makatulong na maiangat din si men’s,” she said.
“Kailangan talaga ng maraming support sa men’s volleyball ngayon, lalong-lalo na’t paganda nang paganda rin ‘yung level of competition sa Spikers’ Turf.”
Show 'em what you got
That opportunity is not lost on the players themselves.
Team Power standouts Jude Garcia and Kim Malabunga are eager to maximize the platform, hoping to put the men’s game front and center.
“Sobrang saya, sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam kasi first time nga mangyayari. Sobrang laking opportunity sa men’s volleyball na mapakita kung ano yung skills ng bawat player,” said Garcia, now a five-time MVP for Criss Cross.
“Sana mas maraming support kasi ito na ‘yung parang stepping stone para umangat ‘yung men’s volleyball sa Pilipinas. Kaya sana, suportahan kami ngayong All-Star.”
“Gusto namin mabigyan ng magandang laro ‘yung mga magsu-support sa amin, and sana mas mahikayat pa ‘yung mga bagong mga volleyball player na maengganyo pang mag-volleyball," national team veteran Malabunga added.
In a weekend built on stars, the bigger mission of growing the game on both sides of the net has never been clearer.
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