Breaking barriers
The Philippine Superliga is looking to begin another monumental season as they welcomed expansion club Cocolife Asset Managers in a press conference held earlier today at the Centerstage KTV and Restaurant in Pasay City.
United VC had announced previously that their club had begun with the acquisition of stalwarts Michele Gumabao and Denden Lazaro. In the press conference, they made their partnership with insurance leaders Cocolife official.
Team official Joshua Ylaya presented the team’s new additions: former Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors Erika Alkuino and Rose Vargas; champions with the La Salle Lady Spikers Mika Esperanza (formerly from F2 Logistics); and Wensh Tiu (from Generika); and former Ateneo Lady Eagle Therese Gaston.
With green and blue as their team colors, Ylaya relates these to the unison within their club of former UAAP rivals.
“This is an attempt to break the barrier between Ateneo and La Salle players,” said Ylaya, who had been part of the DLSU Green Spikers squad that won the 2003 UAAP Men’s Volleyball title.
“We want to show that even if these players were rivals on the court during their college days, they are still friends off the court and can play together in one team.”
The team also announced that current Adamson University head coach Airess Padda will man the sidelines for their club.
The league also marked the start of the season on March 5, with the Invitational Conference with Cignal, Petron, F2 Logistics, Generika, Foton, and Cocolife participating, along with a yet-to-be announced Japanese club and local team to be coached by Sammy Acaylar.
On the same note, Belo Intensive Whitening also vouched its full support to the country’s most prestigious semi-professional league that is entering its fifth year.
Belo would be standing as title sponsor in the Invitational Conference and Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup.
“Our company and the league are one in promoting the beauty and empowerment of Filipina athletes,” said Mario Garcia, brand manager for Belo underarm products.
“We are both happy and excited over this partnership. We’re looking forward to the success of this exciting endeavor.”
