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| The MPVA returns for its second salvo and first regular season. Jonathan Salvacion |
PASAY--Led by its founder and chairman, former senator Manny Pacquiao, the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) proudly announced the launch of its first regular season starting on Sunday at the Strike Gym in Bacoor.
The MPVA's second season overall, which will be longer this time than last year's edition, will showcase 9 local teams led by defending champions Bacoor City Strikers.
Other returning teams are Negros, Biñan, Rizal, San Juan and Caloocan.
Adding to the exciting season are new joiners, Valenzuela and Quezon.
In his opening speech, Pacquiao reiterated the main objective of his league to provide opportunities for grassroots talents to shine.
"Ito ay hindi lang isang liga ito ay isang plataporma na nagdadala ng pag-asa at pagkakataon sa grassroots volleyball sa buong Pilipinas. Ito po ang Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association, ang liga para sa lahat," the boxing legend said during the Season 2 launch on Wednesday night at the Sheraton Hotel
The first regular season of the MPVA will use a double round-robin format where the top 4 teams will directly advance to the semifinals with ranks 1 and 2 having a twice-to-beat advantage, and a best-of-three final series as disclosed by MPVA Commissioner, Mike Tavera.
In his interview, Pacquiao shared his dream to leave a legacy in sports for the next generation.
"Bago tayo lumipas dito sa mundo, na hindi nila tayo makalimutan. Na makagawa tayo ng legacy, na manatili tayo sa puso at isipan ng mga susunod na henerasyon. Iyan ang importante. Kahit (gaano) ka pa kayaman, kasikat, gaano pa man kapowerful (ka) mawawala din dahil lilipas din tayo.... Pero sa susunod na henerasyon, pag may ginawa kang legacy na iiwanan sa kanila, kahit lumipas pa ang 100 years, 200 years, 500 years, hinding hindi ka nila makakalimutan because of the legacy you leave with them," the former eight-division world champion said.
He also expressed his commitment to support all athletes from all sports as long as he lives.
"Basta (may) Manny Pacquiao na nabubuhay pa rito, nandito ako lagi nakasuporta,"
The first matches of the MPVA will be played in the home of the defending champions, Bacoor City Strikers, at the Strike Gym in Cavite on Sunday.
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