For BVR, life’s a beach volley

MANILA, Philippines - A group of former volleybelles has formed the Beach Volleyball Republic to put in focus the game’s impact on current active lifestyle rather than as a hobby or competition.

“We believe that our love for beach volleyball unites us and helps bring forth a strong community of athletes working toward a shared dream on the same path of growth and development,” said Gretchen Ho, a popular TV personality whose love for the sport is beyond compare.

Ho formed the BVR with beach volley standouts Bea Tan, Fille Cainglet-Cayetano, Dzi Gervacio, Charo Soriano and Alexa Micek, an organization that firmly believes that beach volleyball has the power to influence and change the lives of people in a meaningful and positive way.

It has staged the BVR On Tour, presented by PLDT Home Ultera and C500 Juice Drink, which has eight tournaments from January until late this month. The opening leg was held in Ilocos Sur in partnership with Sun Soaked Festival 2016 followed by the next leg in La Union on Valentine’s Day.

The third leg was held in Anguib Beach in Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley in partnership with Cagayan Economic Zone Authority and Cagayan Adventure and Leisure and highlight of the Kite and Windsurf 2016 festivities  at the same venue.

“BVR is a family, not particularly one that consists of blood relatives, but one that consists of love and respect for one another,” said Cainglet-Cayetano.

Lakawon Island in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental hosted the fourth leg in March during the Lakawon Beachfest 2016 while the fifth leg, also backed by ARG Lumiere, New Era, Delimondo and Foton Motors Philippines, was held recently at The Villages at Global Clark, Pampanga.

Reigning NCAA champions Gretchel Soltones and Alyssa Eroa ruled the Clark leg with a hard-earned 21-19, 22-20 win over the formidable duo of Charo Soriano and Alexa Micek.

Prior to the championship round, Soriano and Micek topped Group A, Judy Caballejo and Coyah Abanto sealed the deal in Group B, Bea Tan and Dzi Gervacio swept their rivals in Group D while Soltones and Eroa reached the peak in Group C.

Two more legs are scheduled in Boracay and Siquijor before the final leg at the Sands at SM Moa By The Bay on May 25-28 where the top 16 teams will dispute the championship in the Tour also supported by Royce Hotel and Casino and Midori Hotel-Casino.