The Year in Sports: 2013 Volleyball Awards and 2014 prognosis

Happy 2014!

Since it seems like everyone who writes something about sports has come up with their own set of accolades they bestow on what they deem to be deserving athletes, let’s get one done here for volleyball in the Philippines.

As I wrote in a previous piece, 2013 marked the mainstream emergence of the sport and a new breed of fans has now installed volleyball as the second biggest spectator sport in the country. It will only grow more in popularity in the coming year, for sure.

But before anything else, here are some volleybelles who have conveyed to me their new year’s greetings for all of you rabid fans who have helped in volleyball’s uprising:

“New year’s is the perfect occasion to celebrate love, friendship and all the good things in life. Let’s take time to appreciate what this year has given us and what the new one is about to bring. Wishing you a happy new year (to you) and your family.” –Jen Reyes

“To all the volleyball fans: thank you for bringing life to my beloved sport and for inspiring me to continue playing. To my true friends and family, thanks for staying with me through thick and thin. Most of all, to God be the glory for all the trials and blessings of 2013. May 2014 be a better year for everyone!” –Michelle Datuin

“Have a fantastic new year and stay safe. :)”—Michelle Morente

“Happy new year to all the volleyball fans out there! 2013 has been a blast for the whole volleyball community. We’re very blessed. Thank you so much for being the big reason why volleyball is where it is now. From player to coach to school to fan to analyst to writer, we have all done our parts. Let’s keep on keeping on and here’s to a bigger, better 2014! Cheers! God bless!” –Gretchen Ho

“Happy, happy new year! Wishing you an affluent new year!”—Rachel Anne Daquis (currently vacationing in Hong Kong)

“Oh no, what should I say? Haha!” –Princess Gaiser

That being said, let’s begin the feting shall we?

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ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: The Philippine Super Liga (PSL)

The Shakey’s V-League (SVL) has had an absolute monopoly on volleyball in the past decade and along come the new kids on the block that now aims to become the country’s first professional league. Both camps claim that they are not in competition with each other, but will be “sharing” players in a few conferences. It will be interesting to see how things shape up in 2014, but the PSL has definitely made a strong statement in its rookie season.

BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jovelyn Gonzaga (Philippine Army)

Prior to her claiming the prestigious MVP plum during the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference, this 21-year-old Jordan, Guimaras native has been one who flew under the radar despite getting international acclaim as a member of the Philippine beach volleyball team. The “Bionic Ilongga” was a major catalyst in two championship runs by the TMS-Philippine Army in the PSL and is no longer the country’s best kept volleyball secret. I expect her to don the national colors anew—this time for the women’s indoor team (should we ever get the chance to send one again soon).

COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Maureen Penetrante-Ouano (Bingo Milyonaryo/Meralco/Cignal HD)

In all honesty, there was a phalanx of those who came out of self-imposed retirement this year because of the PSL. So let’s recognize the “honorable mentions” for this distinction in former Adamson star libero Lizlee Ann Gata-Pantone, former DLSU wunderkind Stephanie Mercado and the former core of the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons consisting of Jed Montero, South Ramos, Michiko Castañeda, Carmela Lopez and Pau Genido. However it was Penetrante-Ouano (a former two-time UAAP MVP) that stole the thunder. She still showed her innate talent for instinctive defense and added two more awards to her already packed trophy case by snaring the SVL’s Best Blocker award during the Open Conference and being named among the league’s top quickers in the PSL GP (one of only two Filipinos to be in the Mythical Seven—the other being PLDT MyDSL’s “rookie” Suzanne Roces for Best Utility Spiker). “Em” is actually back to her playing weight and playing form and should continue to terrorize would-be attackers in 2014.

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MILESTONE OF THE YEAR: Tie between the tenth season of the Shakey’s V-League and the opening of the Men’s Division (Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix)

When the SVL first began in 2004, a paltry crowd followed the league. It steadily grew throughout the years and the idea derided by sponsors then is now the most recognizable brand in Philippine volleyball. I had the opportunity to host the opening rites of the tenth season and I have to say that the SVL’s resilience is directly responsible for the volleyball’s renaissance today. On another note, the PSL went with its gut and introduced its Men’s Division, much to the concern of many aficionados who felt the PSL was tinkering with a tried-and-tested formula of sticking to just the distaff side. When people witnessed the action generated by the hard-hitting males, it became an immediate hit. Some even say that some of the women feel threatened, but that’s, of course, just hearsay. Also, since the Men’s Division is new, I have no accolades for their players for 2013. But they will definitely be recognized this year.

BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR: The Philippines sends two national teams to international competitions for the first time since 2005

Due to several issues surrounding the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) and its previous leadership, the country has not been involved in international meets over the past eight years. That all changed in 2013 when the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) tapped the services of the Shakey's V-League last June to take part in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Zonal Qualifiers in Vietnam where the hastily assembled squad under coach Roger Gorayeb finished third. A few months later (with a new interim leadership at the helm of the PVF), the Philippines sent the first duly recognized national team by the sport's National Sports Association (NSA) when the PLDT-FIBr Power Pinays took on Asia in the AVC Championship. Nes Pamilar's charges finished thirteenth in the tournament; improving on the country's lowly sixteenth place ranking and is deemed to be a step in the right direction. Although the Philippines did not send a contingent in the recently concluded SEA Games in Myanmar, the volleyball stakeholders are beginning to align and it won't be long before a solid follow up of the 2013 effort becomes a reality.

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PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Richard Gomez (PLDT MyDSL)

Before the 47-year-old actor/sportsman made his debut in the PSL GP Men’s Division, a few showbiz personalities also attempted to re-pursue their volleyball careers. Budding actress/model Czarina Reyes (a former San Beda varsity player) saw action for the Philippine Navy in the SVL Open, while former UP Lady Maroon Jed Montero dressed as a libero for RC Cola during the PSL GP—a good three years after her collegiate career ended abruptly due to a major ankle injury and her subsequent plunge into acting and hosting. “Goma”—actually a varsity middle hitter during his early college days—had an impressive first outing with PLDT MyDSL and went on to become a big part of the Speed Boosters’ rotation. He was named as the PSL Men’s Volleyball ambassador and has played better than the box office draw critics touted him to initially be.

NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR: Michele Gumabao (DLSU/Bingo Milyonaryo)

As early as March, Yahoo Sports Philippines had already been announcing that this 21-year-old San Mateo, California lass had opted out of her final playing year with DLSU and that news (considered a “rumor” by many camps not privy to reality) immediately filled social media. The reigning UAAP Finals MVP then went on to be seen in a sanitary napkin advertisement as well as numerous television shows as a guest. She made bigger news by becoming the youngest TV analyst for the SVL during the Open Conference and many were impressed at how “natural” the talented youngest daughter of former public servant turned pastor Dennis Roldan turned out to be. But she really made a splash (almost literally) when she allegedly posed “nude” for a campaign of retail giant Toby’s Sports. Yahoo Sports Philippines has come out with an article clarifying the matter, yet many naysayers persist on their perception of the truth. Michele is on a temporary volleyball hiatus, but don’t be surprised to see her back in full strength on the court this year.

SHOCKER OF THE YEAR: The Fille Cainglet-Lino Cayetano Nuptial

For many of the new Mrs. Fille Saint Merced C. Cayetano’s legions of fans, they’re still baffled by the turn of events that led to one of the most vibrant names in all of Philippine volleyball suddenly splitting up with her college boyfriend of four years and then engage in a whirlwind romance with the former film director turned congressman that culminated at the altar last December 27th. Fille’s silence on the matter have made speculators romp up the versions. But for whatever reason the 23-year-old former Lady Eagle chose to follow this path, we should all be happy for her in her new life as a married woman. I’m quite sure Fille will do a tell-all soon—when the dust settles. But it was indeed the biggest shocker of the year, and it had nothing to do with her on the volleyball court.

TANDEM OF THE YEAR: 3 way tie between Janine Marciano/Frances Molina (SBC/PNP), Phomla Soraya/Kannika Thipachot (Cagayan Valley) and Savannah Noyes/Kaylee Manns (PLDT MyDSL)

This was a tough one. It’s so easy to elect the Thai duo of Soraya and Thipachot because of what they had achieved with Cagayan Valley, but it’s also difficult to snub to the uproar the two Lionesses created as old rookies in the SVL Open for the newly joined Philippine National Police (PNP) Lady Patrolers and what they continue to display in the ongoing NCAA volleyball wars. The American combo of Noyes and Manns also had a nation captivated as they showed sheer dominance in their brief stint in the country during the PSL GP. However you see it, the three tandems brought a new ray of light to the sport. I truly had a difficult time choosing just one. Your thoughts?

TEAM OF THE YEAR: tie between the De La Salle University Lady Spikers (3-time UAAP champions) and the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns (“perfect season”)

In this case, though, you’ll all understand where I’m coming from. There was initially a third team in this category in the Philippine Army after claiming two titles in the PSL. But if you consider how many opponents the Lady Spikers and the Rising Suns had to thwart in their march to the top, you’d call their respective ascents a dead heat. DLSU lost their opening day match of Season 75 to rival UST, but that game was in 2012. In 2013, the Ramil de Jesus-coached squad is still unblemished and are looking good to claim a fourth straight crown despite losing several key players in their program. For Cagayan Valley and Head Coach Nes Pamilar, their run had an interjection in the form of the AVC Championship wherein a majority of the Rising Suns were selected as national team members for the Power Pinays. The Rising Suns didn’t miss a beat after that tournament and completed a sixteen game sweep in the SVL Open to claim its first ever league championship. The record-setting “perfect season” is one that may never be duplicated again.

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COACH OF THE YEAR: Nes Pamilar (Cagayan Valley/Power Pinays)

I will go on to call this the most debatable feting yet as names like Ramil de Jesus, Ariel de Guzman and even Roger Gorayeb should be considered for this one. Pamilar is the individual of the four who had risen from adversity to attain success. Earlier in the year, a squabble between him and the present FEU coaching staff prompted him to let go of the Head Coaching position for the Lady Tamaraws and a handful of his players chose to join him into uncertainty. He was eventually named as an assistant coach to the Bomberinas—the PVF’s controversial attempt at creating a national women’s volleyball team for the first time since 2005. Later, the 48-year-old former national setter landed the top job with Cagayan Valley and in between chasing history in the SVL Open was also tasked to be at the helm of the Power Pinays’ sortie in the AVC Championship and even guided the team to three victories in that tourney. Many blame injuries to key players being the biggest reason that kept Cagayan Valley from duplicating its SVL Open triumph in the PSL, but that is all speculation. Pamilar made a difference in volleyball this year in more ways than one, that’s why I felt he deserves this accolade, with all due respect to the achievements of de Jesus, de Guzman and Gorayeb.

MATCH OF THE YEAR: The Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix Men’s Championship match between PLDT MyDSL and Systema

On paper, this match was supposed to heavily favor the Speed Boosters. After all, they did trounce Systema in straight sets on opening day and had a wealth of experience under their belts with legendary stalwarts in Jayson Ramos and Henry Pecaña along with MVP top contender Kheeno Franco and setting ace Rolly Casillan. Systema’s top players were former UAAP MVP AJ Pareja and San Beda icon Rocky Honrade. PLDT MyDSL proved to be superior at the onset after outlasting the Smashers in the first set and dominating the second set. The Speed Boosters even enjoyed a lead until the midway mark of the third set when unheralded Michael Zamora began carrying the load for Systema. The Smashers took the next two sets and the decider was a nip-and-tuck affair eventually claimed by PLDT MyDSL. There were many classic five-set matches during the year, but none for a title. It turned out to be the longest match of the tournament and the one I still refer to as an epic saga for the title between two extremely determined squads.

TOP 5 OUTSIDE HITTERS OF THE YEAR:

Rachel Anne Daquis (AdMU/Philippine Army)

Jane Diaz (UPHSD)

Ara Galang (DLSU)

Angge Tabaquero (Bomberinas/Petron/Cagayan Valley/Power Pinays)

Alyssa Valdez (AdMU/SVL-RP Team/Smart-Maynilad)

TOP 5 QUICKERS OF THE YEAR:

Abigail Maraño (DLSU)

Maureen Penetrante-Ouano (Bingo Milyonaryo/Meralco/Cignal HD)

Din-Din Santiago (NU/Bomberinas/SVL-RP Team/Smart-Maynilad)

Pau Soriano (AdU/SVL-RP Team/PLDT MyDSL/Cagayan Valley/Power Pinays)

Royse Tubino (UPHSD/Bomberinas/Cignal HD/Power Pinays)

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TOP 5 UTILITY SPIKERS OF THE YEAR:

Jovelyn Gonzaga (Philippine Army)

Michele Gumabao (DLSU/Bingo Milyonaryo)

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas (UST/Bomberinas/Petron/Cagayan Valley/Power Pinays)

Suzanne Roces (SSC-R/SVL-RP Team/Smart-Maynilad/PLDT MyDSL)

Iari Yongco (DLS-D/SVL-RP Team/Philippine Air Force)

TOP 5 SETTERS OF THE YEAR:

Arriane Argarin (UPHSD/Bomberinas/Cignal HD/Power Pinays)

Rhea Dimaculangan (UST/SVL-RP Team/Petron/Philippine Air Force)

Rubie de Leon (NU/Bomberinas/SVL-RP Team/Smart-Maynilad/PLDT MyDSL)

Chie Saet (DLS-D/Bingo Milyonaryo/Cagayan Valley/Power Pinays/Cignal HD)

Tina Salak (Philippine Army)

TOP 5 LIBEROS OF THE YEAR:

Jheck Dionela (UPHSD/Bomberinas/SVL-RP Team/Cagayan Valley/Power Pinays/Cignal HD)

Lizlee Ann Gata-Pantone (PLDT MyDSL/Power Pinays)

Melissa Gohing (DLSU/Petron/Smart-Maynilad)

Den-Den Lazaro (AdMU)

Jen Reyes (NU/SVL-RP Team/Cignal/Meralco/Cagayan Valley)

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Din-Din Santiago (NU/Bomberinas/SVL-RP Team/Smart-Maynilad)

Din-Din had a breakout year in 2013 enabling her to lead the Lady Bulldogs to their first Final Four appearance ever, win the SVL first conference MVP award—along with helping give NU its first league title, be among the first to represent the Philippines in international competition during the AVC Zonals in Quang Tri, Vietnam, help Smart-Maynilad advance to the SVL Open Finals and continue being the most unstoppable volleybelle in UAAP Season 76. She is touted to be the top pick overall in the upcoming PSL Draft and is being eyed (duh) for national team duty. The 6’2” pagoda will be the centrepiece of Philippine volleyball for many years to come—especially now that she is playing in her final year as a college student. But she practically owned 2013.

PROGNOSIS FOR 2014:

Let’s see…the SVL is said to be having three conferences this year starting this March. The PSL will be conducting its first ever Draft. They will have two “very long” conferences, highlighted by yet another GP towards the end of the year. Solar Sports will finally be bringing the Shakey's Girls' Volleyball League (G-VIL) to the masses, UAAP volleyball is still pacesetting in the ratings and the Philippines will be hosting the AVC Men’s Club Championship this September (I believe coinciding with the FIBA World Cup in Spain).

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Volleyball is now at the point wherein it’s not longer seasonal. It’s now year-round. That’s the monster we unleashed in 2013 and it will continue growing, fed by the support of captive fans like yourselves..

I see 2014 as the year where the SVL and PSL finally come to terms and forge a healthy co-existence that will benefit not only all players, but the fans as well. There will be many more rejoining the volleyball ranks such as Venus Bernal, Kai Nepomuceno, Cherry May Vivas and a bunch of former gods in the men’s game.

I also foresee a solid national team program that may have a chance at not only competing in the upcoming Asian Games, but could even exceed a few modest expectations along the way. More foreigners from not just Thailand but across the globe will find their way to our shores and thus the transfer of technology will increase at a very rapid pace.

The Year of the Horse will be the year the Philippines rides into its first vivid steps into recovering lost glory in a sport that the country once dominated in the region. It will be fun. It will be exciting. Will you join the ride?

Follow Noel Zarate on Twitter (@NoelZarate) and email sportztackle@yahoo.com