WITH the departure of a number of province-based players to Manila schools and universities, Bacolodnon sportsman Jose Montalbo wanted to change the scenery in terms of student-athletes in Bacolod City.
Montalbo, chairman of the JGM Finance Corporation, told the Buzzer Beater on Thursday that it’s his vision that student-athletes will develop discipline and cultivate the values of hard work.
“My intention is for them to stay here in Bacolod City first. To develop their skills here first before going for the big leagues or schools or universities, especially in Manila,” said Montalbo.
He added: “I am happy that Manila-based schools have seen our works, and continuously scouting for athletes from our institution with the condition that these student-athletes will finish their secondary education here in Bacolod.”
Montalbo also shared that since he has been exposed to athletics back in grade school, and now a successful businessman, he felt that discipline has been a great part of what he is right now.
“So I also want to enhance the athletes in terms of their discipline and values so that they would also be prosperous later on,” said Montalbo.
And, “Since I have received God’s favor to become successful, it’s time I gave back the blessings by creating a sports foundation – the JGM Dreams Foundation, to help these athletes,” he added.
***
After a few years of hiatus, PLDT is set to make a return to the volleyball scene as it merges with Smart Giga Hitters in the Philippine Superliga (PSL) All-Filipino Conference starting on Oct. 30.
PSL chairman Philip Ella Juico said PLDT, which is to be handled by Roger Gorayeb, has already confirmed its participation in the most prestigious women’s volleyball league in the country.
PLDT hopes to rub its winning tradition in PSL as it taps national team members Jasmine Nabor and Gretchel Soltones as well as Aiko Urdas, Alyssa Eroa, Angel Cayuna, Czarina Carandang, Jerili Malabanan, Jorelle Singh, and Celine Domingo.
Veteran Lizlee Anne Pantone and Lou Ann Latigay are also tipped to make a return after a long absence in the PSL.
“We’re very glad to have them back into our family. We look forward to see them compete against the best club teams in the country and offer intense action and high level of competition,” Juico said.
PLDT is one of the league’s pioneer teams. It finished fifth in the league’s inaugural conference and advanced to the semifinals of the Grand Prix with Kaylee Manns and Savannah Noyes of the United States serving as reinforcements.
It competed in the All-Filipino Conference the following year with Suzanne Roces, Maruja Banaticla, Jemenea Ferrer, Latigay and Pantone before transferring to Shakey’s V-League and stayed there until early this year under the banner of PayMaya.
This time, the team decided to make a return and test its mettle against the likes of reigning champion Petron, F2 Logistics, Foton, Generika-Ayala, Sta. Lucia Realty, Cocolife and sister team Cignal HD.
“The players of PLDT have been together for quite some time. We expect them to hit the ground running and give the big guns of the PSL a serious run for their money,” Juico said./PN
