Volleyball star Dzi Gervacio and Philippine Superliga president Ramon Suzara did not let their personal issues go beyond Friday morning. Meeting early at Paul’s Boulangerie in Bonifacio Global City, both sides met and hashed out their differences after a social media squabble three months ago.
Earlier this year, Gervacio, along with her teammates in Premier Volleyball League club Perlas Spikers, had gotten into a controversial spat on social media with Suzara. At the time, Perlas and other PVL clubs had faced tremendous trouble securing International Transfer Certificates for their imports.
Gervacio, and some of her teammates who also have a hand in managing Perlas, implicated the high-ranking Asian Volleyball Confederation in the delays with the ITCs, going as far as releasing a detailed breakdown of their hassle.
Perlas revealed several details which they thought were conspicuous, such as the involvement of a PSL statistician in the local ITC process.
Things came to a head when Gervacio and her teammates went to social media and called out Suzara.
Now, with Gervacio set to return to the Foton Tornadoes, both parties agreed to meet face-to-face and engage in productive dialogue, with the former Ateneo Lady Eagle issuing an apology.
“I’m happy that we tied loose ends and that I’m welcomed by the PSL board,” said Gervacio, who was accompanied by her mother Agnes to the meeting.
Suzara credits Foton Motor Philippines president Rommel Sytin for getting both sides together.
“I’m very thankful to our good friend and Foton president Rommel Sytin for organizing this meeting with Dzi Gervacio.
“Alam niyo naman sa PSL, ang importante dito ay ‘yung players and concerns ng team owners. This is for the sport. There is no negative thing with the PSL,” said Suzara. “We are here to promote the sport, to help the players, and to make sure we entertain our fans.”
Sytin was glad both sides are now on good terms, and was even happier to have Gervacio back on his team. The powerful winger was part of Foton’s original lineup when they debuted in 2015.
“I think it was a breakthrough. At least, the issue has ended with everybody meeting their target of reconciliation. This is good for the sport and, also, for the league,” Sytin expressed.
“We’re happy that Dzi Gervacio will be playing again for us. She was on of our original players when we started the league.”
