Fabled Brazilian volleyball star Leila Barros will finally make her way back to the Philippines thanks to the efforts of fellow Brazilian Erica Adachi.
Barros forever imprinted her name on local shores when she played for Brazil in the FIVB Grand Prix hosted by the Philippines in 2000. On the other hand, Adachi has been a fixture in the local volleyball scene for the past two years, suiting up for Petron in the past two Philippine Superliga Grand Prix conferences.
Through the years, Adachi discovered the overwhelming love for Barros that has persisted through nearly 12 years since she was last here.
“Since the end of the PSL last year, I had this idea to bring Leila back to retribute all the love the fans have given me,” Adachi told Tiebreaker Times.
One of the most beloved imports in the PSL, Adachi recalls always getting questions about Barros from fans. Through common friends, Adachi found a way to contact Barros.
Leila Barros was a big star here in the Philippines when the country hosted an FIVB tournament (FIVB Images)
“I just really wanted to thank her for her impact on volleyball and how she made it grow,” Adachi shared. “It says a lot about her that everyone in the Philippines still remembers her after all this time.”
“I told her how big the sport is now in the Philippines and how everyone wants her to come back.”
To her surprise, Barros was incredibly receptive to the idea of reuniting with her Pinoy fans.
Aside from competing in the BVR Invitational, Adachi’s main purpose in coming back to the Philippines is to drum up support, sponsors, and publicity for Barros’ return. Adachi will be here until June 17 to meet with them.
“We don’t know yet what she’ll be doing when she gets here, but she really does want to come back to see her fans again,” Adachi insisted.
Barros is currently working for the Brazilian government and with the country’s National Team. Moreover, she’s currently busy with the Olympics which will be hosted by Brazil.
Adachi hopes to get Barros over here sometime after September.
