Moalboal, Cebu (March 25) – The stakes were higher than ever with more teams across Luzon, GMA, Visayas and Mindanao hungry for a shot at the championship of the 16th NESTEA Beach Fest volleyball tournament.
“Being a champion of NESTEA Beach comes with prestige. So our teams have been training non-stop for this tournament. Each player is fiercely determined to take home the title and I can say that this year will be more exciting, challenging and fulfilling.” —
Coach Rustico “Otie” Camangian said in a statement during the 16th NESTEA Beach press conference.
Teams from Visayas and Mindanao faced tougher competition during the first elimination leg last March 22-23 on the pristine sands of Bas Dako Beach, Moalboal, Cebu. Among them were the defending champions from Central Philippine University of Iloilo (CPU) and the University of Visayas (UV) who both qualified for the women’s and men’s division respectively.
For CPU, advancing to the finals was one step closer to achieving a 3-peat victory. For the past two years, they have dominated the games with back-to-back championships.
“We’re very happy to be in this competition. NESTEA Beach is a prestigious tournament and it means a lot to me and my school to compete with top universities across the country, especially those coming from UAAP,” We’re determined to win and defend our title this year – Jovelyn Gonzaga said in an interview
Strike to Victory
In the women’s division, it was a battle of wit intelligent play between University of Mindanao Tagum (UMT) and South Western University (SWU) .The players struggled to out-maneuver the other to land the top spot and clinch the regional title. Enduring the crisp heat of the sun, UMT powered by Lourdilyn Catubag and Karen Kay Quilario got the best of SWU by putting the ball where it matters rather than going for hard hits. Joining UMT in the top 6 and advancing to the finals in Boracay on April 18-20 are SWU, CPU, Jose Maria College (JMC), University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) and University of San Carlos (USC).
In the men’s division, the UV power duo and defending champions Jade Becaldo and Mike Abria dominated Mindanao State University (MSU) Tawi-Tawi pair of Aga Tailuddin and Nur-Amin Madsairi, 21-15, 21-15 and landed the top spot in the regional championships. The top 6 teams who will go to Boracay for the national finals are UV, MSU-Tawi-Tawi, University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR), USPF, UMT and Holy Cross of Davao College.
More than fun, sports and music
Intense volleyball matches weren’t the only events prepared for the players and spectators. Because the 16th NESTEA Beach promises to be better and more exciting than before, NESTEA hosted a host of activities, from fun games for the spectators, beach clean-up drive, Earth Hour celebration to a sizzling victory party.
Come April 5 and 6, teams from GMA and Luzon will battle it out at Laiya, Batangas for the second elimination leg of the 16th NESTEA Beach volleyball tournament. Victors from GMA-Luzon will face off with the winners of the VIS-MIN leg and will vie for the championship crown. A total of 24 teams will move to the finals on April 18-20, 2013 in Boracay Island.
All participating players will be volleying Mikasa balls in the games. For GMA-Luzon, teams will be billeted at the Acuaverde Beach Resort, as the Official Home of the 16th NESTEA Beach Luzon Delegates. The final 24 teams vying for the 16th NESTEA Beach volleyball championship will be staying at La Camerla De Boracay Resort Hotel, the Official Home of the 16th Nestea Beach Finalists. NESTEA Beach would like to acknowledge its other partners: Crystal Sand Boracay Beach Resort, the Official Home of the 16th Nestea Beach, Converse, the Official Fashion Source of the 16th Nestea Beach and Travel Factor, NESTEA’s official travel partner of the 16th Nestea Beach.
You still have a chance and join in the action this summer! Visit www.facebook.com/nestea.ph and have the coolest beach experience ever!
About NESTEA
NESTEA made its mark in the Philippines over 30 years ago and has made itself synonymous with a light kind of refreshment and thirst-quenching beverage that everyone in the family can enjoy. NESTEA comes in Lemon Blend, Apple Blend, Calamansi Blend, NESTEA Premium Brew, Limited Edition Red Tea in Raspberry flavor and Green Tea in Lychee flavor. The newest flavor, NESTEA Honey Blend mix will be launched in time for summer. For more information, please see: www.nestle.com.ph.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nestea.ph