By MARK REY MONTEJO
Eight teams, including one from Mindanao, will see action in the Ist Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) which opens shop on Sunday, Oct. 22, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Competing teams are Bacoor, Biñan, Caloocan, Marikina, Negros Oriental, Rizal, San Juan and Nasipit of Agusan Del Norte – the lone team from Mindanao.
Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) Commissioner Mike Tavera said the event is designed for the homegrown talents of each town – all hoping to hone their skills and create opportunities for themselves.
“Karamihan sa mga players natin dito is homegrown and we want them to display their talents, also to grow as a player,” said Tavera during press launching and general technical meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City.
“This league aims to promote our localities and we hope this inaugural season will be memorable for the players, but also for the fans that are going to watch their games,” he added.
The top four teams after the two-round classification will earn twice-to-beat advantages in the quarters with the winners advancing to the semifinal. Both the semis and final rounds will be a best-of-three affair.
MPVA was founded by boxing icon Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao, who is also the chairman of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
Clashing in the opening day are Caloocan and Negros Oriental at 3:30 p.m. while San Juan collides with Rizal at 6 p.m.
