MANILA – Negrense libero Shaira Jardio has been a fixture for the Western Visayas Regional Athletics Association girls volleyball team in the past three Palarong Pambansa, but she will be on the other side now.
Jardio will be donning other region’s jersey this time as she is set to represent the Team Manila in the annual sporting event for elementary and high school student-athletes that will kick off on Saturday in Davao City.
The Talisay, Negros Occidental native, who recently transferred to National University Lady Bullpups, admitted that it was awkward for her to be on the other side but will not let it affect her.
“Actually po na o-awkwardan po ako kasi ‘yung dating dinadala kong team ay ngayon posibleng makalaban ko na,” said the diminutive Jardio. “But I am ready to embrace the challenge.”
Jardio added that if there is one team she is looking forward to face to it is the WVRAA, which is to be represented by Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts for the second straight year.
“I am looking forward talaga na makalaban ang WVRAA, sana sa finals,” Jardio said. “I know that it will be weird because last year lang kakampi ko sila, then ngayon nasa kabila na ako.”
She added: “Nevertheless, I am happy for (the Thunderbolts) na sila uli ang magre-represent sa WVRAA sa Palarong Pambansa. I know that they have improved and have some new players so sana talaga mabigyan ng chance na makalaban namin sila.”
Jardio was one of the two Western Visayas-based player for the Palarong Pambansa secondary girls volleyball defending champions Manila aside from Camille Lamina, who hails from Guimaras./PN
