Akari is not taking its foot off the gas pedal in helping Philippine Volleyball grow from the grassroots to the international level.
After showing support for the Alas Pilipinas Women’s Volleyball Team at the 2024 AVC Challenger’s Cup last month, the Lighting and Technology Company remained committed to its goal. Akari lent its hands to the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) by managing and sponsoring the U18 Women’s Volleyball Team that will compete in two tournaments in Thailand this June.
Last Tuesday, Akari’s CEO, Christopher Tiu, spoke to the team during their final practice before heading to Bangkok.
“First, we’re very honored to help you. This is the first time we are sponsoring a national team; hopefully, it will not be the last time,” Mr. Tiu told the girls. “Sana tuloy-tuloy ito, kasi Under 18 is a very special team for us kasi nasa heart talaga ng company natin ‘yung development ng players,” he added.
Mr. Tiu acknowledged the hard work and sacrifice the young guns have put in as they have been practicing since last month.
“Alam namin na this is a very big sacrifice for all of you. I just want to say na we’re very proud of the efforts you put in. Whatever it is na maging result natin sa dalawang tournaments natin, we want you to know na ang ranking ninyo, as far as we are concerned, ay number 1.”
Above all, the CEO of Akari reminded the girls about the purpose behind the sacrifice and to whom it will be for.
“We just have to work and make sure na when you put on that uniform when you go to Thailand, you’re playing for two entities. Number 1: you are playing for your country, and number 2: you’re playing for your family kasi yung name ng family niyo nasa likod ‘diba? These are two of the most important things you will be playing for, and I hope this is enough motivation para sa inyo.”
The Akari Philippines U18 Women’s Volleyball Team is set to compete in the 22nd Princess Cup SEA U18 Women’s Volleyball Championship from June 8 to 12, 2024 and the 15th Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship from June 16 to 23, 2024.
Akari Philippines U18 Women’s Volleyball Team Final Roster:
- Denesse Daylisan #1 (OH)
- Ghenievib Belen #2 (LIB)
- Jaila Adrao #3 (OP)
- Chas Pepito #4 (LIB)
- Avril Bron #5 (MB)
- Ashley Nicole Macalinao #6 (MB)
- Harlyn Serneche #8 (OP)
- Akeyla Janine Bartolabac #9 (OH)
- Lianne Penuliar #10 (MB)
- Aneeza Dayle Santos #11 (S)
- Samarah Marzan #13 (OH)
- Kimberly Rubin #15 (OH)
- Maile Salang #21 (S)
Head Coach: Takayuki Minowa
Assistant Coaches: Karl Dimaculangan, Vilet Ponce-De Leon, and Juan Miguel Dizon.
Good job in sponsoring young talents to compete in sports like volleyball.