I LOVE watching volleyball on TV so much that every time it’s on, I would shriek like a madwoman, jump up and down at least a hundred times, and run to the streets knocking on the gates of our neighbors inviting them to have lechon on me and then dance to Madonna’s “Living for Love” for about 30 minutes until I faint from fatigue. Yes, I exaggerate but it’s more fun to say it this way than simply “I enjoy watching volleyball.”
I discovered volleyball as TV entertainment accidentally when I was channel surfing late at night. This was long before the recent hype brought about by the neverending De La Salle University (DLSU) versus Ateneo de Manila University sports rivalry that has now spilled over to volleyball (the Ateneo team wasn’t considered a contender back then). I tuned into the Balls cable TV channel that was showing some replay of a University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball game. It was the Adamson team up against the DLSU Lady Spikers. I watched a player from Adamson running frantically for the ball—diving and then rolling and then bumping into the wall. She was, however, not even close to the ball she was chasing. The ball flew to the bleachers.
“Ang tanga naman nito!” I said to me, myself and I. Ay, parang hit song ni Kelly Clarkson.
Since then I was hooked.
That time, I think there were only five people watching the game. And that included the referee. Now, volleyball games fill up the Araneta Coliseum and even the Mall of Asia Arena. Indeed, volleyball has come a long way as a spectator sport.
Like me, a lot of people have become addicted to it, and many of the volleyball players are now stars. There’s Alyssa Valdez, who spikes like there’s no tomorrow. Then, there’s Mika Reyes, the tall lass from DLSU who rules the net with her intimidating blocks.
The Santiago sisters, Dindin and Jaja, are giants. Literally. Both are over 6 feet tall and possess a delicate frame but, boy, can they hit! And then there’s Rachel Ann Daquis, who is so gorgeous that can even win a Bb. Pilipinas title tomorrow, but she can also launch a volleyball like a cannon.
Of course, these are the more veteran players of the sport. I’m also interested in the student players and because of them, I am looking forward to the upcoming UAAP volleyball games telecast on ABS-CBN Sports and Action (with evening replays on Balls, which is where I usually catch the games since I’m at work during the live broadcast). There are a number of newbies who are definitely the future of the sport, like Kim Kianna Dy, Bea de Leon, EJ Laure and the underrated Lourdes Clemente.
Now, before you volleyball fanatics wield your pitchforks at me for not mentioning your volleyball idol, as early as now I will tell you that I am no expert on the sport. Or in any sport for that matter.
I just like players who I feel I can be friends with over a drink or two, exchanging gossip on who among their male counterparts are straight or gay—and also defending me against potential volleyball trolls by slapping their face as if it were a Mikasa ball. I like a woman player with whom I feel, since I’m naturally shy, I could easily reveal which male volleyball players I have a crush on, like Peter Torres, Rex Intal, Mico Antonio and Alfred Valbuena.
Anyway, even though the new UAAP volleyball season is still several months away, I’m still able to get my volleyball fix every Monday, Thursday and Saturday via the Philippine SuperLiga (aired on Aksyon TV) and every Sunday noon live via the Shakey’s V League on GMA News TV. (Sad to say, the V League delayed telecast schedule is neither viewer-friendly nor habit-forming. They should really do something about this. Or they should post the games on their web site. And while we’re at it, the National Collegiate Athletic Associatio volleyball games should also be televised!)
I’m so happy that volleyball is now flourishing in the country. Thanks to the UAAP, SuperLiga and V League, hopefully the sport will even reach greater heights. Who knows, maybe one day the Philippines will be in the big leagues when it comes to volleyball! A gay can dream, can’t he?
Anyway, I have been invited a number of times to watch the games live. All my friends have told me that the experience of seeing the games in the moment is different.
The last person who told me to watch the games live is the affable volleyball commentator Mozzy Ravena. Yup, that would be the mom of Kiefer. I met her at the Backroom anniversary party. I was introduced to Kiefer by the Backroom staff but I really wanted to meet his mom.
Don’t get me wrong. Kiefer is hot and very friendly, but I was breathing the same air as the woman who greatly contributed to the rise in popularity of the game—first by playing spectacularly when she was a “volleybelle” and now providing intelligent but entertaining commentaries on the games. “Iba talaga ’pag live! You would feel the energy of the players and you will be among people who love the game like yourself!” she said.
One day I will take her up on her offer. In the meantime, I will just watch the games from the comfort of my own bedroom. Besides, nakakatakot ang karma huh! Since I discovered the game because of that girl’s botched attempt to keep the ball alive, I have a feeling that if I watch the games live, the girl who risked her life chasing the ball will spike one in full force—In the direction of my face.
Ouch.
Masakit talaga ang karma noh!