Eight teams have committed to play in the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) when it fires of Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Organizers said this after they introduced members of the participating squads, namely Bacoor, Binan, Caloocan, Marikina, Nasipit, Negros Oriental, Rizal and San Juan.
Ten teams originally gave their nod to join in the home-and-away tournament, but two were not able to form their lineups in time for this weekend’s affair.
“This will be a fun, community-based league, full of home-grown players,” MPVA commissioner Michael Tavera said on Wednesday at a press conference at the Club Filipino in San Juan.
Sunday’s action begins with a tiff between Caloocan and Negros Oriental, while the second match pits San Juan against host Rizal.
Former Sen. Manny Pacquiao is the founding chairman of the MPVA.
Atty. Glen Gacal, MPVA’s general counsel, said that the league is a grassroots-based program they expect to provide an avenue for homegrown players to excel in.
“This is to showcase talents not just here, but also all over the world,” said Gacal.
Former professional players who are joining teams in the league include May Macatuno (Cignal HD Spikers, Foton Tornadoes, and Generika Lifesavers) and Shannen Palec (Choco Mucho Titans and Quezon City Gerflor Defenders).
