MANILA, Philippines – Upon arriving in Laguna on the third day of Palarong Pambansa, Ateneo men’s volleyball coach Oliver Almadro couldn’t help but note an increase in the playing level at the national games from previous years.

Coach Almadro, who also works for the Mapua program says he’s “just watching” the annual event, which is hosting 6,000 athletes from 17 regions at this year’s Games.

“Mahirap palagpasin yung Palarong Pambansa, annual ‘to e. Ito yung pinaka top tournament in the country pagdating sa lahat ng sport, particularly volleyball,” said Coach Almadro on Tuesday, May 6. (It’s hard to miss watching Palarong Pambansa because this is just annual. This is the top sports tournament in the country, particularly in Volleyball.)  

“Sobrang iba na ngayon. Ang lalaki na ng mga players at sobrang impressive na kasi nga yung volleyball ngayon, tumataas na at gumaganda.” (It’s a lot different now. The players are taller and more impressive to watch since volleyball keeps getting better.)

He also said that the increase in talent and quality of the athletes playing may also be because of the more competitive outlook of all the regions participating nationwide. Collegiate volleyball, particularly in the UAAP, has become a major sporting event in the Philippines, while the rise of college tournaments like Shakey’s V-League and the professional Super Liga has added to the sport’s exposure.

“Iba na ang level ng Palaro (Palaro is already on a different level). Every region wants to [make their team] better so every year [teams are also improving],” he stressed, adding the fact that most of the talents in the Collegiate level comes from Palarong Pambansa.  

The veteran coach also gave a message for all the Filipino youth athletes aspiring to play in Palarong Pambansa. 

“Play hard, study harder.”

He also added that being an athlete could serve as an inspiration for the students to perform better at school. 

“You have to be a student first, then an athlete.” – Rappler.com