IN 2011, during the peak of popularity of the Gov. Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup, a province-wide volleyball tournament, Cebu was hailed as the volleyball capital of the Philippines.
That did not hold for too long. Not long after, when the event folded up, the excitement in the volleyball scene in Cebu fizzled out as well.
For about five years, the volleyball scene in Cebu only got busy during the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) season.
This is contrary to the bustling volleyball scene where several tournaments took place, outside the intercollegiate events.
But that is about to change as the Cebu Province is bent on bringing back the province-wide tournament next year.
Cebu star Genie Sabas, who is now playing in the big leagues in Manila, is a perfect example of the good that came out of the GUV Cup.
Sabas suits up for the Philippine Army team and is excited about the return of the competition.
“I miss playing for the GUV Cup. It has paved way for a lot of opportunities not just for me but for so many athletes in the province. I am so glad that they are finally bringing it back,” added Sabas, who had helped Mandaue win a grand slam in the GUV Cup.
When the GUV Cup ended, Sabas was invited to apply as a special enlistee for the Army’s volleyball team, which she successfully passed. She has been with the Army since 2012 and plays in commercial professional leagues.
Sabas said the GUV Cup was not a run-of-the-mill tournament and the level of competition was high. “You get challenged to play and it is good exposure for any player. And Aside from experience, you get to know other volleyball enthusiasts. You get to meet known players and coaches and it’s a bonus that you get to visit other places in the province as well,” said Sabas.
When she played for the GUV Cup, Sabas already had extensive experience in volleyball, having played for the national girls team in her teens and carried her alma matter to several collegiate titles. They may have seen the cream of the crop but the GUV Cup proved them wrong.
So much potential
“Daghan kaayo nga mga taga lagyo nga lugar sa Cebu nga ma shock nalang ka kay maayo kaayo muduwa. I was so amazed to see so many potential players. Another team that amazed me was Catmon. You read about them doing well in the Palaro but to play against these very young girls, who are really good players and for them to be put in the limelight outside of the Palaro is one of the good things the GUV Cup has done,” she added.
Sabas also mentioned another player, Rapriel Aguilar, who was discovered through the GUV Cup. “Look at this girl. She lived far from the city. She is talented. Had it not been for GUV Cup, she may never have been discovered,” said Sabas. Aguilar was recruited and given an athletic scholarship by the Southwestern University. She is now playing with Cignal HD Spikers, competing in the Philippine Volleyball League.
Sabas added that for years, so many people have been looking forward to the return of the GUV Cup. “In fact, a lot of players from Manila express their interest in playing as imports for the municipalities.” The revived GUV Cup will be for players 18 years old or younger.