PLDT made it official on Wednesday, rejoining the Premier Volleyball League, the lone professional league for the sport in the country.
In making the move, Chief Revenue Officer Al Panlilio shares, "We are very deeply engaged in Philippine sports, supporting various sports-- including volleyball -- for a long time through the MVP Sports Foundation. We have always believed in the power of sports to make the lives of Filipinos better. The values that we learn in volleyball – such as teamwork, mindfulness, patience, grace under pressure, and discipline, among others – are important elements to the formula of success."
PLDT and SMART Head of Sports Jude Turcuato adds, "It definitely feels like a revival for our team since it feels good to be back home. With our campaign in PLDT which is 'the strongest connections are at home', it was about time that we go back to our roots which is the PVL. It's just refreshing to have a new beginning."
Team Manager Badjie Del Rosario also adds. "This is special because this is where it all started for the PLDT team. PLDT won multiple championships here and we’re hoping to add more. We’re excited to be part of the growing PVL family."
PLDT was a powerhouse in the PVL's previous iteration, the V-League. Then known as the Ultra Fast Hitters, they claimed the Season 12 Open and Reinforced Conference titles in 2015.
Roger Gorayeb was at the helm then, and still is holding that capacity now, this time in its current composition as the PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters.
The coaching legend and eight-time champion is looking forward to their homecoming. He says, "Labing-apat na taon ako sa V-League. Umpisa pa lang niyan, kasama ko na sina Sir Ricky [Palou] kaya sobrang nakakatuwa na makakabalik na kami. Sana matuloy namin yung magandang legacy ng PLDT sa PVL."
From the PVL's end, league president Ricky Palou welcomed the club back with open arms, acknowledging the increased competition the Power Hitters will bring in the seventeen-year-old league. The Philippine National Volleyball Federation, Inc. board member says, "We at the PVL are really glad to have PLDT back. This move of PLDT to the PVL will definitely provide more competition to the other teams and make the league more exciting."
PLDT is fielding these players for their upcoming campaign: Rhea Dimaculangan, Isa Molde, Eli Soyud, Marist Layug, Chin Basas, Iza Viray, Yeye Gabarda, Shola Alvarez, Aiko Urdas, Joyce Sta. Rita, Alyssa Eroa, Vira Guillema, Jorelle Singh, and Kat Villegas
The move is the latest in the Philippine volleyball scene, with sister team Cignal HD Spikers also formalizing their move to the PVL earlier Wednesday.
Aside from the joining the PVL, PLDT is also set to commit in aiding the assembly of the national team. League commissioner Tony Boy Liao also serves in the PNVFI as the chairman of the National Team Committee.
On that aspect, Turcuato shares, "The main thrust of the new volleyball federation is to look for the talent, get proper coaching, and compete on the world stage. Because of our PLDT Power Hitters being able to join the PVL, which is tied to the PNVF, we will be able to contribute to building the national team program."
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