National volley squad also expects to bond in Japan with some R&R

MANILA, Philippines -- The trip to Japan would be a mixture of business and pleasure for the national women’s volleyball team before embarking on the 18th Asian Games.

Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. (LVPI) president Peter Cayco said they have inserted some rest and recreation on the national squad’s itinerary in its two-week training in Japan.

Cayco said before formally wrapping up the grueling two-week workout that he will would be sending the national squad to Universal Studious and to the world-famous shopping district of Dotonburi to mingle, bond and develop their off-court chemistry.

The Nationals will have a very tight schedule. From Osaka, they would be flying to Manila on August 16 before traveling to Jakarta in the morning of August 17 for the opening ceremonies of the Asian Games on August 18.

After the Asian Games, they will travel anew. But nobody’s complaining.

“I asked coach Shaq (Delos Santos) if we can take one day off from their schedule so they can bond and relax,” said Cayco, who was given a three-year term by the LVPI board of trustees in an election last Thursday.

“This is the perfect time for them to unwind and bond before heading to the Asian Games.”

Although the federation failed to draw support from the Philippine Sports Commission, Cayco said they are still bringing the entire pool to Japan and Indonesia to give other players an idea how it feels to compete for flag and country.

Only Frances Molina would be left behind after begging off due to a recurring injury.

“Everybody is joining,” said Cayco, adding that the program would run up to 2020.

“This is a long-term program and we want everybody that they are all part of the team. We want to expose them to the Asian Games to make sure that everybody is ready to play for flag and country.”