PLDT Home Fibr has been cleared by the Games and Amusements Board to hold a 14-day bubble camp at Splendido Hotel in Alfonso, Tagaytay.
The camp started last May 10 and will end on the 22nd.
For Power Hitters head coach Roger Gorayeb, the camp is crucial for their build-up to the 2021 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference as they were only able to hold practice at Paco Arena in Manila City for two days before NCR-plus was put under Enhanced Community Quarantine.
“Malaking bagay ito kasi matagal na kaming hindi nag-prapractice. Nag-practice na nga kami, dalawang araw nga lang dahil nag ECQ,” lamented Gorayeb, the only triple crown champion coach in V-League history.
“Kaya nag-worry ako kasi yung ibang team nag-start na. Mayroon sa Subic at sa Clark. Nag-push talaga ako kay Sir Bajjie (Del Rosario, PLDT team manager) kasi naiiwan na tayo,” he continued as Creamline and Choco Mucho have been in a training bubble in Clark since April 27.
In the Splendido bubble are PLDT’s new recruits Rhea Dimaculangan, Isa Molde, Marist Layug, Eli Soyud, Chin Basas, Yeye Gabarda, and Nieza Viray.
Completing the team are holdovers Shola Alvarez, Jorelle Singh, Aiko Urdas, Joyce Sta. Rita, Vira Guillema, Kath Villegas, and Alyssa Eroa.
Though the players are in shape, Gorayeb lamented that the Power Hitters are still in the midst of shaking off some rust after a year-long layoff.
“Kasi halos talagang isang taon na na walang ensayo. True enough, kondisyon yung katawan nila dahil nag-Zoom training naman kami pero yung skills, hirap mag-service at receive. Kaya sana maayos namin ito dahil hanggang next week kami dito,” said Gorayeb, who is joined by assistant coaches Clint Malazo and Ariel Dela Cruz.
