Not long after the University of the Philippines men’s basketball team captured its second title in four seasons, Office of Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol set his sights on another ambition: it was time for the volleyball program to rise, too.
“Para magtuloy-tuloy ang excitement at energy ng UP community buong taon, malaking parte ang mga volleyball team natin. They are the ones who will be at the front of the UP Fight for second sem sports,” he said.
That’s easier said than done. The last time both the women’s and men’s volleyball teams made it to the UAAP Final Four was back in 2016 (Season 78).
To make matters worse, UP’s volleyball program had a combined record of just five wins in 56 games from Seasons 85 to 86.
The good news? The Women’s and Men’s Volleyball Teams don’t have to look far for inspiration to climb out of their “dark days.”
Before the men’s basketball team became a powerhouse, it endured a 13-113 record from 2007 to 2015.
Then came slow but steady progress.
Then came support.
Then came continued contention.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“‘Yun ang kailangan natin para sa’ting volleyball program. All-out support from the UP community and at the same time, the full faith of generous backers,” said Perasol, also pointing to the rise of the women’s basketball team, which went from the bottom of the standings to becoming a playoff contender.
That same steady improvement is now happening in volleyball. The men’s team rose from seventh place last year to sixth in Season 87. Meanwhile, the women’s team jumped from dead-last to a shared fifth-place finish.
That progress is largely due to renewed support for State U’s volleyball program—from the ever-loyal maroon-and-green faithful who cheer through wins and losses, to a generous backer in business tycoon Frank Lao.
“Napakalaking pasasalamat natin kay Boss Frank kasi dahil sa kanya, sigurado na tayong naaalagaan yung parehong MVT at WVT natin,” Perasol said.
Lao, through Strong Group Athletics, pledged support to UP starting in 2023, ensuring that both the men’s and women’s teams would be well taken care of.
Through his initiative, UP also brought in multi-titled coach Oliver Almadro as program head, overseeing everything from recruitment and coaching to training and strategy.
“Coach Bo asked me if pwede ako maging sponsor ng volleyball ng UP and mahirap tanggihan si Coach Bo with his charisma,” Lao shared. “I’m happy with the result we got this season, pero siyempre, if naka-finals, mas masaya.”
True to form, Lao speaks plainly but with a light-hearted tone.
While he’s satisfied with the progress made by both teams, he also sets his sights even higher.
In particular, Lao is optimistic about the women’s team’s future.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
With a mostly intact core under the guidance of promising coach Benson Bocboc and the arrival of high-profile transferees such as Casiey Dongallo, Kizzie Madriaga, and Gelai Gajero, the team is poised to contend.
“No promises, but I think next year will be more exciting. We will do our best,” Lao said.
“We will have new Italian coaches who will be our head consultant and strength-and-conditioning. There will be many more things for our players to learn,” Lao added as Farm Fresh head coach Alessandro Lodi and SGA strength and conditioning coach Carlo Buzzichelli will also help UP out.
(C) SGA
To make all this possible, Lao is also rallying the UP community to amplify their support.
“Now, I can feel na mas madami nang sumusuporta, so I am happy for the girls kasi mas may motivation sila galing mismo sa school,” he said.
The Women’s and Men’s Volleyball Teams are doing their part.
Main backer Frank Lao is doing his.
And with the community standing tall behind them, UP’s volleyball program may just be on the verge of its own renaissance.
