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PLDT holding training bubble in Tagaytay ahead of PVL stint

By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno

May 16, 2021, 5:34 pm

MANILA – PLDT has the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) to thank for after the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) team has been approved to hold a training bubble in Tagaytay.

GAB announced on Friday that it has cleared the Power Hitters to train inside Splendido Hotel in Tagaytay, but they have actually been there since Monday.

"Malaking bagay ito kasi matagal na kaming hindi nag-pa-practice (This is a big deal because we have not been practicing for a long time)," Coach Roger Gorayeb said on Sunday.

PLDT's training was actually just underway at the Paco Arena in Manila last March when the national government imposed a lockdown in Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces including Cavite due to rising coronavirus disease 2019 cases.

"Nag-practice na nga kami, dalawang araw nga lang dahil nag ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) (We actually got to practice but for only two days because of ECQ)," lamented Gorayeb, the only triple crown champion coach in PVL history dating back to its days as the Shakey's V-League.

Upon hearing that the two teams under the Rebisco umbrella, Creamline and Choco Mucho, have been cleared to hold their own training bubble in Angeles last month, Gorayeb asked PLDT team manager Bajjie Del Rosario to map out their own training bubble protocols.

"Nag-worry ako kasi yung ibang team nag-start na. Mayroon sa Subic at sa Clark. Nag-push talaga ako kay Sir Bajjie kasi naiiwan na tayo (I worried because the other teams have started already. There are some in Subic and in Clark. I pushed for the resumption of training to Sir Bajjie because we are being left behind)," Gorayeb further said.

Leading the way for the Power Hitters are holdovers Shola Alvarez, Jorelle Singh, Aiko Urdas, Joyce Sta. Rita, Vira Guillema, Kath Villegas, and Alyssa Eroa.

Newcomers Rhea Dimaculangan, Isa Molde, Marist Layug, Eli Soyud, Chin Basas, Yeye Gabarda, and Nieza Viray are also in the Tagaytay bubble.

Gorayeb hopes that the final week of PLDT's training camp will be enough to refine their serving and receiving skills ahead of the PVL season starting this midyear.

The Power Hitters' training camp is scheduled to end on May 22.

Other teams cleared too

Following the approval of PLDT's Tagaytay training bubble, GAB chairman Baham Mitra said the other participating PVL teams are essentially cleared to conduct their own training bubbles too.

All they just need is to make a request to GAB and the local government unit of the town they intend to hold their training bubble at.

"Since nag-umpisa na yung PLDT team at Rebisco, puwede na rin yung iba. Sundan natin yung example nila na maaga pa, naka-request na at nagpa-inspect para makapag-ensayo na tayo (Since the PLDT team and Rebisco have already started, the others can begin their training too. We just need to follow their example of requesting and inspection of bubble facilities early on so that we can start practicing)," Mitra said.

He even said in jest, "Binibiro ko nga sila (I was joking at them): 'I guess you guys must come out with pictures kasi yung other teams, wait-and-see pa rin (because the other teams are still in a wait-and-see situation).'" (PNA)

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