Wearing their pink and green uniform, Team Klownz got the attention of volleyball enthusiasts. Backed-up by the popular comedy bar, the team’s popularity rose not because only by it’s name, but as well as its key players who gave their best performances. Among them was former UP-MVT alumnus Allen Mendoza. He is one of the reasons that the team’s debut performance ended on a high note, finishing second, beating the 8 other contenders. With the combination of his technical experience gained from the UAAP and the vast skills he acquired from actively participating in street leagues, Allen was really a force to reckon. Let’s get to know him by this no holds-barred and very free flowing interview.

1. What keeps you busy nowadays?
Ow! I used to work in a call center and then I decided to leave just to give myself time to enjoy and to relax kasi nakakahagard talaga especially when you work at night. Because of this I was able to enjoy my summer this year with my friends in Puerto Galera. I’m planning to get back to work now but definitely not in a call center. I’m planning to get in to teaching since I’ve finished my SPED (Special Education) course in UP-Diliman.

2. Do you miss playing in the UAAP? What about it do you miss the most?
Yes! I miss playing a lot. There are a lot of things I miss about it. Of course part of it is my teammates, I really miss my teammates, our gimmicks and “anshahans”. That’s what keeps us well bonded. I miss the hard trainings especially the work outs, and that what made me “sexy”. Hehehe! Just kidding. UAAP, so far is the most prestigious tournament in our country, and whenever I hear that, I just remember “our times”, the kabugan and tarayan kasi madami din talgang malalakas noon as compared today.

3. Do you like reading? What’s your favorite book/s?
Yah, I like reading but not books. I like reading articles and columns in magazines.

4. Favorite music? Favorite artist? Do you play any musical instrument/sing?
I like mellow music, it’s so relaxing. Madali kasi akong maingayan sa rock music. Artist? I like Madonna, she’s really a total performer. And in local, Gary V. I love his songs. I don’t play anything, I wish I could play the piano but I think it’s too late for me to learn and I can’t find time for that.

5. How do you relax?
Oow! I have very weird way of relaxing. Everytime I walk, it gets me relaxed, I don’t know why but it works and I love long walks. Watching TV and DVD’s also work.

6. Do you like to sing? Dance?
I do dance. I just wanna say I like the ASF dancers especially when their doing the opening number in the Wowowee show. “Sayaw darling”, “Bomtarattarat” and “Igiling mo” hehehe! It’s really fun. Try it! I really love singing but I’m not saying I’m good at it. I just love to sing my favorite songs. Love songs, I love it! It even makes me cry when I’m down and heartbroken.

7. Do you have a special someone now? An inspiration?
Yah! I had this person and he’s from FEU but we actually met in Bacolod during the University Games last year. I miss him so much and I just wanna say, l still sincerely love him. (Ooops! So much for him, baka humaba ang kwento). Inspiration? Oh! It would always be my family. I really love them.

8. Can you tell me what is a typical Allen Mendoza week like? How would you spend your weekend?
Since I’m not working yet, I have an open schedule. We usually play at 7pm (that is if we have volleyball sched) and then gimmick comes after. So I usually hang out with my friends in Timo, Dampa, and Zirkoh are the places where you can see a lot of volleyball players. My whole week is tiring but I tell you, it’s really fun.

9. Favorite place?
I love going to the FEU dormitory, just kidding! If there’s one place I really love going to that would be the place where I can see my friends, Dampa.

10. Comfort food?
I like laing and adobo.

11. Who’s the person you look up to the most?
That would be my volleyball coach in UP, Coach Sergio “VIP” Isada. I really admire this person. He’s very fair, simple but intellectual. I really miss our talks and you would always catch him handling his favorite Coke in can. He’s frame of mind and reasoning would surely influence your thoughts and would mold you to become a better person. I would always always look up to this person.

12. Now let’s get into sports-related questions. Since when did you start playing volleyball
I was in grade 6 when I started playing volleyball during our PE time.

13. Why volleyball?
Ahhhm! Actually I don’t know, it just that makes me feel happy when I play volleyball during my early years. It gives me certain satisfaction that I can’t explain. I just love volleyball.

14. Were you a varsity player during your elementary and high school days?
I was never a varsity player during my elementary years, but when I reached 1st and 2nd year high school, I was able to get in to the NU varsity team and compete with different schools in UAAP. I transferred to PCU-ISS to pursue my 2 following high school years and luckily, I was able to play in the NCAA.

Photos by Eric Maglaque

To read more about what happened during the National Volleyball Open finals day, then visit this previous post.

If you happen to have some more photos or videos you wanna share, please don’t hesitate to do so! You can email Spikeithard over here.

Earlier, the Philippine Army Men’s Team bagged the 2nd Runner up trophy by beating the Philippine Navy team in three straight sets. Too bad I wasn’t able to catch this game. On the women’s division, it was the 2nd Runner up match between RP Youth and Philippine Air Force (women’s) Team. The more experienced ladies of the team Air Force prevailed in three straight sets.

Women’s Finals: An all-star game everyone has long been looking for

Tension filled the RTU gymnasium as both teams started to warm-up for the championship match. This match was highly anticipated since both teams boast of veteran volleyball players. You have volleyball living legends like Joan Botor-Carpio, Ces Tabuena, Michelle Laborte, and Michelle Carolino to name a few. You also have very promising volleybelles like Sang Laguilles, Beverly Boto, Mary Jean Balse, and Dahlia Cruz. It was an all-star women’s volleyball match-up simply put.

Joan Bunag and Mary Jean Balse of team Philippine Army provided most of offense for their team. On the other hand, it was veteran Micmic Laborte who led her team’s defensive onslaught with her impeccable blocking. Philippine Army setter Botor-Carpio showed versatility as she did some serious spiking herself. Being an all-around player, Sang Laguilles made excellent digs and made some excellent quick plays together with teammate Beverly Boto. The famous Carolino sisters (Mayette and Michelle) also performed well during the match with their hard-hitting spikes.

There were two controversial calls made by the referees. People watching the game live roared in disbelief. But this seemed to have made the match even more exciting. The second set ended at 29-27 in favor of team Philippine Army to even the match at 1 set a piece. In the end, the team Philippine Army emerged as the champions.

Men’s Finals: The veterans versus the newbies

The defending champions team Philippine Air Force declared war against the newbie team Klownz as they played for the men’s volleyball championship title for the 2008 National Volleyball Open (organized by the Philippine Volleyball Federation – PVF). Jessie Lopez of team Air Force performed his setting game consistently as expected. He made kills out of his timely drop shots and occasional regalo spikes. His teammate Verayo(#2) performed flawlessly as he hammered the other side of the court with his powerful spikes.

As for team Klownz, they relied on Allen Mendoza, Labide and Gavino as they tried to survive the game. It seemed their opponents were unstoppable. Team Klownz suffered the absence of Canlas, one of their key players.

Alinsunurin (#9) of team Air Force provided amazing back row attacks. Merza (#13) and Dacurong (#7) also contributed significant points for team Air Force. Mendoza of team Klownz was spiking it hard all throughout the game to anchor his team. But the Air Force was just outplaying them. The Philippine Air Force has successfully retained their championship title as they defeated team Klownz in three straight sets.

July 5, 2008 (Saturday) – All roads lead to the Rizal Technological University (RTU) gymnasium for us volleyball fanatics as this day determines the teams who will battle it out for the PVF National Open 2008 Championship title tomorrow. There were a total of ten teams for the men’s division and four from the women’s. All teams did their best this but only four made it to the semi-finals. Here’s what happened:

Men’s Semi-Finals

I was not able to catch the first semi-finals match between the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force. It started at 8am this morning. I heard that the Air Force defeated the Army in three straight sets. Too bad I wasn’t able to see Jessie Lopez and Edjet Mabbayad playing against each other. It must have been a good match. Did anyone watch? The defending National Volleyball Open champion team Philippine Air Force looks very determined to replicate their victory last year.

The second finals slot was contested by the Philippine Navy and Klownz. Fortunately, I was able to witness this exciting game. I was at the edge of my seat the whole time. The Navy folks capped the first set at 25-23. It was a very intense set! Team Klownz retaliated and won the next set. It was volleyball veteran Allen Mendoza(#8) of Klownz who steered his team in winning this set. The Philippine Navy pinned its offense to their #7 and #3 players. But in the end of the second set, the Klownz prevailed. The third and fourth sets were really quite remarkable. Labide(#5), Jeff Jimenez(#9), and Mendoza all contributed to take and win the match for team Klownz. Jet Bautista of team Philippine Navy made a valiant effort offensively to help his team catch up, but it was a bit too late. The last laugh belonged to team Klownz as they won the match, 4-1.

Women’s Semi-Finals

On the women’s side, the Philippine Navy hammered the RP Youth team to gain the remaining finals slot. They won comfortably in three straight sets. Last Friday, it was the Philippine Army who defeated the Philippine Air Force team in three straight sets as well.

Tomorrow will be the conclusion of the week long tournament. Hope to see you guy’s there!

PVF National Open 2008 Finals
July 6, Sunday
venue: Rizal Technological University (Mandaluyong City)

• Men’ Battle for Third Place
  9:00AM -Philippine Army vs. Philippine Navy
• Women’s Battle for Third Place
  11:00AM – RP Youth vs.
• Women’s Championship
  12:30PM – Philippine Army vs. Philippine Navy
• Men’s Championship
  2:00PM – Philippine Air Force vs. Klownz

As of June 29, 2008 7:00PM

30-Jun-08 Match # Time Division Pool Team vs Team
Monday
RMC 9:00AM OPENING CEREMONY
1 10:00AM MEN A PAMPANGA PNP
2 11:30AM MEN A PN NCBA
3 1:00PM MEN B RTU SJ
4 3:00PM MEN B FEU PA

1-Jul-08
Tuesday
RTU 5 8:00AM MEN B FEU SJ
6 9:30AM MEN A PN PAMPANGA
7 11:00AM WOMEN PA PN
8 12:30PM MEN A PAF PNP
9 2:00PM MEN B PA KLOWNZ
10 3:30PM WOMEN PAF RPY

2-Jul-08
Wednesday
RTU 11 8:00AM MEN B FEU RTU
12 9:30AM MEN A NCBA PAMPANGA
13 11:00AM MEN A PAF PN
14 12:30PM MEN B SJ KLOWNZ
15 2:00PM WOMEN PAF PN
16 3:30PM WOMEN RPY PA

3-Jul-08
Thursday
RTU 17 8:00AM MEN A NCBA PAF
18 9:30AM MEN A PNP PN
19 11:00AM MEN B SJ PA
20 12:30PM MEN B KLOWNZ RTU
21 2:00PM WOMEN PAF PA
22 3:30PM WOMEN PN RPY

4-Jul-08
FRIDAY
RMC 23 9:00AM MEN A PNP NCBA
24 10:00AM MEN A PAMPANGA PAF
25 12:00NN MEN B RTU PA
26 2:00PM MEN B KLOWNZ FEU

5-Jul-08
SATURDAY
RMC 27 9:00AM MEN SF Rank A-1 RankB-2
28 11:00AM MEN SF Rank A-2 Rank B-1
29 1:00PM WOMEN SF Rank A-1 RankB-2
30 3:00PM WOMEN SF Rank A-2 Rank B-1

6-Jul-08
Sunday
RMC 31 9:00AM MEN 3RD/4TH Loser-27 Loser-28
32 11:00AM WOMEN 3RD/4TH Loser-29 Loser-30
33 12:30PM WOMEN 1ST/2ND Winner-29 Winner-30
34 2:00PM MEN 1ST/2ND Winner-27 Winner-28

AWARDING CEREMONY

Note: Rule of Succession will be used through-out the duration of the Competition.

RMC – Rizal Memorial Coliseum (Vito Cruz, Manila)
RTU – Rizal Technological University (Mandaluyong City)

NOTE: The July 4-5 games will still be played in RTU.

Going to back to Sports news, I was actually hoping to get some news about the PVF National Volleyball Open 2008. Sadly (and unfortunately expected), there weren’t too many newspapers covering the event. The only article I came across was this:

From The Manila Bulletin online (July 1, 2008):

Army tossers whip FEU Tams in opener
by Francis Santiago

Former UAAP MVP Edjet Mabbayad flashed his same old deadly form to lead the Philippine Army to a thrilling 27-25, 25-15, 23-25, 25-22 victory over his former team Far Eastern University at the start of the 2008 National Open Volleyball Championships yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Mabbayad, who led the Tamaraws to three straight UAAP championships during his college days, played the role of tormentor for his former team this time as he exploded for 15 hits highlighted by two blocks.

“It’s hard for me at the start (to play against FEU), pero ganun talaga. Laro lang naman ito,” said Mabbayad who graduated from FEU with a degree of sports recreational management.

The Army men blew hot and cold, taking the first two sets without so much of a problem, but wavered in the third after falling into a maze of errors.

The Army men, however, regained their form in the fourth set with Mabbayad conspiring with Jonathan Bulaon, Emilio Reyes and Rico De Guzman in several attacks en route to their first win in the tournament sponsored by Salonpas, Mikasa, POC and PSC and organized by the Philippine Volleyball Federation.

“This is a good win for us as we prepare for the AFP-PNP Olympics in October,” said Army mentor Romulo Reforendo, whose wards took the biggest lead of the game, 24-14, in the second set.

In other men’s result, Philippine Navy banked on Edser Penetrante to beat National College of Business and Arts, 25-16, 25-16, 25-23 in the second match, while Pampanga downed Philippine National Police, 23-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-15.

Saint Jude College rallied past Inter-Collegiate men’s champion Rizal Technological University, 23-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-15, to join the early winners.

http://www.mb.com.ph/SPRT20080701128728.html

And oh, here’s another one from The Sunday Times (June 29, 2008):

Game 1: GTX vs. PNP
The virtually unknown team named GTX made a roaring juvenile performance as it toppled the PNP in three straight sets with a whooping 23 point lead in the last set. Jersey #12 AJ Carson (quicker) and #5 Arvin Estoque lead GTX to win the match. I was able to ask Carson few questions just before the match ended. He said that their team was formed just recently for the National Open. The team’s roster came from the collegiate standouts of Angeles University Foundation (AUF), Holy Angel University and Pampanga Agricultural College, making them the “de facto” provincial team of our cabalen brothers. I see this team as a potential contender for the crown.

Game 2: NCBA vs. Philippine Navy
High jumping Navy team was the next squad to dig up a win against the young but promising NCBA spikers. Timbal(#5) and Altche(#8), both from the NCBA showed that they can catch up with the more experienced Navy team, but still, they were not able to pull things out to get a check mark. Former RP team setter Sherwin Meneses managed to convert most passes into excellent sets for Navy #7 and #10. The Philippine Navy won the match in three sets.

Game 3: SJC vs. RTU
From their stature and looks, the St. Jude College team seems babyish compared to the champions RTU, but hey, looks can really be deceiving. It was unexpected that these young players caught everyone by surprise as they took over the match and eventually winning it against RTU. SJC setter #9 was able to create great fakes, agitating the RTU blockers, and a lot of balls slammed on the RTU floor. Most of SJC’s style used “hiding” of attackers, making their opponent puzzled on where the ball would came from. Spiking his heart out was Billy Conde(#1) and with confusing tips was Sebastian(#2). RTU on the other hand tried their best with the leadership of Laja (#2) and Abdul (#9), winning them a set, but still not enough. SJC won the match after four sets.

Game 4: FEU vs. Philippine Army
The last game of the day was between two power teams, FEU and Phil. Army. The game lasted five sets, the Army topping the match. Headed by #3 Jonathan Bulaong and the leftee #9, the Army pulled it’s first win against the tough and prominent UAAP team. Edjet Mabbayad also made his contribution against his former team. However, the FEU Tamaraws didn’t gave the army veterans an easy win, to think that this team lost their star players due to graduation, upcoming Nestor Molate showed stellar performance. I guess their tradition of excellent sports trading proved to be instrumental in shaking the consciousness of the Army team, raising the number of sets played to five. But eventually, the Army prevailed.

Extra! Extra!
Notable players were seen in the coliseum. The likes of Jessie Lopez, Mary Jean Balse and Wendy Semana stayed for a while to watch the games. Special thanks go to Beezy and Pogssz for their very helpful insights that I also used in able to come up with is write-up. I enjoyed watching and exchanging stories with you!

I would just like to make a personal appeal to all the volleyball fans out there. Though the games were exciting because all the teams showed stamina and power, it is disappointing that only a handful of people(non-team members and staff) were there to see the games. Well, it’s a Monday, but I hope more and more will come to watch as the days go by, especially the games to be held this coming Saturday and Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. I believe that through watching, we are supporting the sport to thrive and progress here in our country. And for those who are interested in watching a men’s league, here is your chance to see the country’s top mens volleyball team strutting their stuffs. We all love volleyball, don’t we? So please do come and see the higher level of plays at PVF National Open 2008.

Anybody out there who can share with us some volleyball action photos?