Johnvic De Guzman was just glad to have the band back together, Thursday afternoon.
Sixteen months after their historic silver finish in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, the core of the Philippine Men’s National Volleyball Team reunited in Subic Gym along with some new faces.
This as a total of 31 players braved through the conditions for the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s national team tryouts for the 2021 SEA Games.
And the skipper of Team Pilipinas was just glad to have almost everyone back.
“Sa kabila ng hirap sa paghinga dahil sa facemask, mga kinakalawang na tuhod dahil sa pagkahinto ng mga liga, at mangilan ngilan na magsasabing panahon na dapat ng iba – dadating ako, andito kami tinawag muli para pagsilbihan ang bansa,” said the 27-year-old product of Saint Benilde who now plays for PLDT.
“Hindi po ito ang panahon para magkawatak watak dahil sa magkakaibang opinyon, ito ang panahon na dapat magkaisa tayo para kahit sa kabila ng ating pinagdadaanan, maiangat namin muli ang Philippine Men’s Volleyball sa Southeast Asia!”
Just how committed is De Guzman to this team?
Just last week, it has been reported that PNVF president Tats Suzara is looking to hold a national team bubble in Subic from May to November.
Though he has a lot of commitments outside of sports, De Guzman, who is currently starring in GMA 7’s Owe My Love, is willing to let all of it go if the federation’s plan of doing a bubble pushes through.
“Nagpaalam na ako sa managers ko po at sinabi ko na kung makapasok man ako sa team at matuloy yung bubble, kailangan ko po hindi umattend ng tapings at commitments sa showbiz pansamantala so I can focus 100-percent sa training.”
Equally proud of the tryout was his women’s counterpart Aby Marano.
Despite only 16 players attending the tryout, the De La Salle product was just glad to be in the taraflex.
Moreover, she commended the PNVF for doing everything it can and more to keep the athletes safe.
“Masaya ang puso ko for being reunited with some of my teammates,” said the 28-year-old who plays for F2 Logistics.
“I felt safe during the entire event cause everyone is disciplined enough to follow the safety guidelines. Very good people!”
