by Matias Dennis U. Eroa

Senators Pia and Alan Peter Cayetano, known for their long track record of supporting Filipino athletes and promoting sporting Philippines, led the Senate in honoring the Alas Pilipinas men’s and women’s volleyball teams for their outstanding achievements in the 2024 Southeast Asian Volleyball Leagues.

And not only that. Senator Pia, a triathlete, later unveiled the Padel Pilipinas national team which is competing in the Asia Pacific Padel Cup in Bali, Indonesia from September 19 to 22.

The Asia Pacific event will feature top padel talents representing their respective countries. Padel Pilipinas is recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Senator Pia is the President and founder of Padel Pilipinas while lawyer Jacqueline Gan is executive director.

In a simple but meaningful ceremony, head coach Bryan Casao presented to the public the men’s and women’s teams at Play Padel, Greenfield District in Mandaluyong.

“We’re very proud to send our national teams to the prestigious Asia Pacific event where nations compete against nations– not just individuals or organizations,” said Gan.

“I challenge everyone who’s part of the team to raise the bar because we are accountable to the Filipino people. I try to inculcate in our players that they must always conduct themselves in a manner deserving to bear the Filipino flag,” said Senator Pia.

Bemedalled Padel champion Joseph Serra said being part of the national team elevated his game to the next level. “It’s not about individual wins anymore, it’s about achieving success for the team. We’re a group of exceptional players, both on and off the court.”

The team, according coach Bryan Bryan Casao, who has a double certification as a Padel coach, said the team is training hard for the event. Jaric Lavelle focuses on the nationals’ strength and conditioning.

The Philippines will compete for the first time in the Asia Pacific event. Singapore, India Thailand, Indonesia Hong Kong, and Malaysia are seeing action in the event.

The men’s team is composed of lawyer Duane Santos, Derrick Santos, Argil Lance Canizares, Rarmark Gulfo, Abdulqoahar Allian, Johnny Arcilla, Mhar Joseph Serra, and Francis Casey Alcantara.

Senator Cayetano banners the women’s team composed of Tao Yee Tan, Princess Jean Naquila, Marian Capadocia, and Yam Garsin.

“Since this my first time joining an international tournament, I’m very excited,” said Naquila.

Recently, 170 players saw action in the Padel Pilipinas Open.

“The Padel Pilipinas became the largest tournament in the country. We’re very glad and humbled,” said Gan.

Padel Pilipinas is expected to have the Play Padel Open 2024 as part of the Philippine Islands Padel Tour after the Asia Pacific tournament. Also in the planning is the Padel Masters which is scheduled for November.

Senate honors Alas Pilipinas

Meanwhile, the Cayetano siblings lauded the achievements of Alas Pilipinas. The Senate adopted two resolutions congratulating the national teams for their back-to-back bronze medal finishes at the 2024 Southeast Asian Volleyball Leagues.

The Women’s Team also made history with its first podium finish at the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup. Senators Pia and Alan Cayetano, who authored and sponsored the resolutions, welcomed the teams during their courtesy visit to the Senate. The players and coaching team were commended for their dedication and passion, as well as their concerted efforts to elevate Philippine volleyball.

“As an athlete myself, I understand the hard work and sacrifice that go into representing our country on the international stage. The Philippines is a volleyball-loving nation, and Alas Pilipinas gave us more reason to be passionate about the sport. They are proof that when given the right opportunities, Filipino athletes can compete with the best in the world,” shared Senator Pia, who herself was a national volleyball player.

Senator Alan, Chairman Emeritus of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), highlighted the broader impact of these victories on Philippine sports.

“The achievements of our Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Teams are significant contributions to our sports history. They inspire a new generation of athletes to strive for excellence,” he noted.

As a gesture of appreciation and in recognition of their excellence in sports, the teams are also set to receive cash incentives from Senators Pia and Alan. The recent success of the teams comes as the Philippines will play host to the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World.

Championship next year, marking an important milestone for the country’s volleyball scene. The tournament, featuring 32 of the world’s top teams, held the pool draw last September 14 at the Solaire Hotel, in Manila.

Earlier this year, Senator Pia led the Philippine delegation to the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, where the country was officially named the host of the prestigious sporting event.

“We get to bring this international competition to the Philippines, for the Filipino people to witness it first hand. It has been my personal advocacy to make sports more accessible, most especially to our youth,” Senator Pia stated.

The Cayetano siblings, known for their long track record of supporting Filipino athletes and promoting Philippine sports, reiterated their belief in the transformative power of sports to uplift communities, change lives, and unite nations.