Philippine Volleyball’s biggest stars come together for VCGB’s Raffle for Heroes

The biggest names in Philippine Volleyball have come together to aid the frontliners in the grueling battle against the dreaded coronavirus pandemic.

Through Volleyball Community Gives Back’s initiative — Raffle for Heroes, the local volleyball personalities have pitched in several of their treasured memorabilia for the procurement of personal protective equipment for the medical workers.

The items are clustered in three bundles — group, duo, and solo.

Among the group bunch, the largest set is the Season 71 De La Salle University bundle. It includes the threads of former Lady Spikers Jacq Alarca, Regine Diego, Celine Hernandez, Illa Santos-Ng, Mitch Datuin, Kaye Martinez, Camille Cerveza, Mel Gohing, Cha Cruz and Paneng Mercado.

Then there’s the legendary set of jerseys from a legendary set of players in Sue Roces, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Tina Salak and Charo Soriano.

For the bundle that started off the drive, Alyssa Valdez and her former Ateneo de Manila University teammates Denden Lazaro, Bea Tan, Ella De Jesus, and Amy Ahomiro provided autographed caps.

Southeast Asian Games 2019 bronze medalists Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, as well as Dzi Gervacio and Dij Rodriguez, pitched in support of the cause by donating their signed national team gears.

A handful of Philippine men’s national team stalwarts in Marck Espejo, Bryan Bagunas, Johnvic de Guzman, Jau Umandal and Joshua Retamar threw in their respective uniforms in the mix as well.

Members of two championship-caliber squads in the semi-pro scene also assisted the efforts of fending off the virus.

For the F2 Logistics, Aby Maraño, Kalei Mau, Kim Dy, and Dawn Macandili offered several of their prized possessions, while Petro Gazz Angels Jessie de Leon, Kai Baloaloa, Jerrili Malabanan, Chie Saet, Cienne Cruz, and Jeanette Panaga did so as well.

Former Adamson Queen Falcons in Jema Galanza, Amanda Villanueva and Bang Pineda sent various items to the fundraiser. Meanwhile, University of the Philippines products Nicole Tiamzon, Kathy Bersola, Pia Gaiser and Alfred Valbuena donated their UAAP Season 79 kits.

In support of the cause, erstwhile La Salle cogs Mika Reyes, Aby Maraño and Majoy Baron, alongside St. Benilde products Rachel Austero and Jeanette Panaga, also extended a helping hand as the Green Middles bundle.

To that end, former Ateneo standouts Bea De Leon, Maddie Madayag, Gretchen Ho, Ahomiro and Soriano’s memorabilia comprised of the Blue Middles bundle.

More Ateneo goods then came in the way of the drive from Kat Tolentino, Faith Nisperos, Dani Ravena, Vanie Gandler, Ponggay Gaston, and Jules Samonte.

Position-based bundles are also offered in the raffle. The first one is for setters spearheaded by national team playmakers Rhea Dimaculangan and Alohi Robins Hardy, alongside Mich Cobb, Louie Romero, Gyzelle Sy, Rubie de Leon, Joyme Caganda and Becca Rivera.

Then there’s the coveted set from the country’s finest defensive specialists in Mel Gohing, Kat Arado, Thang Ponce, Jennifer Nierva, Jen Reyes and Tatan Pantone.

The ever-generous Ravenas also made their presence felt in the campaign. Dani gave away her PVL All-Star uniform while her brother Thirdy and mother Mozzy sent their Ateneo three-peat shirt and travel wallet to the fundraiser, respectively.

Well-renowned couples in Deanna Wong and Galanza, Kim Fajardo and Mela Tunay, as well as Kiefer Ravena and Valdez lead the duo pack. Completing the said group are the pairing of beauty queens in Michele Gumabao and Laura Lehmann, and Jho Maraguinot and De Leon.

Meanwhile, Jaja Santiago, Jia Morado, Eya Laure, Ara Galang, Valdez, Lazaro, Soriano, Cherry Rondina, and De Leon round up the solo cluster.

There, the personalized shoes of Morado in Season 79 and De Leon in Season 78 during their time in Ateneo, as well as the pair of sneakers used by Reyes in the 2019 SEA Games, are up for grabs.

Santiago’s autographed FIVB World Super Cup Championship uniform, Galang’s signature bandana and Soriano’s UAAP Season 70 Best Receiver hardware are also on the raffle block.

With a raffle ticket worth 300 pesos for entry, fans are eligible to win a bundle of memorabilia, without any buying limit. For those who purchase 20 tickets or more, a video greeting from any preferred athlete will be provided.

Furthermore, the fundraising drive is also open for monetary donations.