Philippines To Host the GP?

October 12th, 2011 Update: We’ve been informed that Philippine Volleyball Federation President Gener Dungo will be meeting with FIVB President in Switzerland soon to officially submit his proposal on having CEBU CITY host the 2012 World Volleyball Grand Prix. Take note, PVF is targeting to host the FINAL ROUND! Ahak na! FIVB better approve the bid. Ace would love his hometown to host the tourney before the Olympics. “Cebu is on track to become the volleyball capital of the Philippines.” says Ace. Go Go Go!

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This better happen! This better be true!

Leila Barros better start planning her trip because thousands of Filipino fans still want to see her even if she doesn’t play anymore. Leila might also want to ask Francesca Piccinini to come along.

According to a very reliable source, the Philippine Volleyball Federation is in the process of finalizing a deal with the FIVB to have Cebu City aka The Queen City of the South to host one round (hopefully the Final Round) of the 2012 edition of the prestigious tournament.

Knowing the Philippines has already established it’s own professional league (Shakey’s V-League) and the sport is becoming more popular, hosting the Grand Prix will give volleyball more exposure. It will also allow aspiring local volleyball players to observe and learn from world class athletes.

In case you didn’t know, the Philippines hosted the Final Round of the 2000 edition which was won by Regla Torres and the Cuban team. The year before that, Brazil, Cuba, Korea and Italy played one round in Manila (Remember “Leila Mania in Manila”?).  The Grand Prix returned to the Philippines in 2002, 2004 and 2005.

The Filipinos have been lucky to have the chance to watch and cheer for Leila Barros, Sun Yue, Francesca Piccinini, Lioubov Sokolova, Virna Dias, Yumilka Ruiz, Maurizia Cacciatori, Evgenia Artamonova and Chang Yoon Hee after several Grand Prix stops.

As soon as Volleywood’s Ace heard the news, this is what he said:

“I was born in Cebu City, Philippines and my heart was beating so fast as soon as I heard that my hometown is working on a deal to host the Grand Prix next year. The Cebuanos (people of Cebu) are big volleyball fans and I already expect the gym to be packed as they cheer for their favorite teams and players. I would definitely go home if this deal pushes through. Before I forget, the Cebuanos are very sweet and very accommodating.”

PVF and FIVB – please make this happen!

Reminisce with us and watch this video of the Gold medal match between Russia and Cuba back in 2000. Listen how loud and crazy the Pinoys get!

If the Philippines can host the Grand Prix, we hope the USA can do the same thing for the fans.

Just wishing.