#rp team

[fuckingdonut]

[forthephenom]

Girls, thank you.



We were used to seeing them play in one arena, with the net dividing a whole court into two. 

We were used to seeing them play together in one court  but in different colors. With different goals.

Carrying the names of their respective schools.

And we used to troop to the arena to cheer for EITHER one of the two. Never for both. Never for all. 

Not until June 12.

Not until we were celebrating Independence Day, when everybody could see the Philippine Flag, beaming with pride in every part of the country. 

On that fateful day, June 12, twelve courageous ladies were carrying the flag too. 

For the love of volleyball. For the love of nation.



Everybody knew about what happened days before they flew to Vietnam.

How, in just a snap, they were formed. 

How, in just one week, they trained.

How, in just a few days, they got along and created camaraderie.

Everybody knew how the lives of these twelve young ladies changed in just one quick decision of the board.

Just like that, they were off to save Philippine volleyball.

They were tasked to carry the load.

They were there. Ready to fight.

No ifs, no buts.

No complaints, no questions.

No excuses.



Despite inexperience and lack of training, they faced their more exposed and more prepared counterparts and poured all their heart and might at the Southeastern Zonal Women’s Qualification Tournament for the 2013 Volleyball World Championships.



They gave everything they’ve got.

Just to show what they’re made of. Just to share their skills and talents. Just to show their love for the sport. And most of all, just to play for what their jersey stands for.



After all, Alyssa and Pau weren’t playing for the blue and white.

Dindin, Jaja, Jen, Myla and Rubie were not playing for the blue and gold.

Rhea and Maika were not playing for the gold, black and white.

Iari wasn’t playing for the green and white.

Sue wasn’t playing for the yellow and red.

Jheck wasn’t playing for the maroon and white.

In just a few days, they were all playing for the RED, WHITE and BLUE.





And miles away here in the Philippines, there were no Eagles, Bulldogs, Falcons, Tigers, Stags, Altas, Knights, Archers, Tamaraws, Warriors, Maroons, Chiefs or the like.

Because on those days, we were all FILIPINOS, who were cheering for our #12BraveSouls as they fought as #OneForTheCountry.





Hands down to the sponsors who never doubted the talents of our team.

Hands down to some media men who did not only write about the team but even went out of their way just to update the Twitterworld on the games.

Hands down to the coaching staff, the team manager and the organizers for never giving up and for selflessly extending all the efforts to support Philippine volleyball. 

Hands down to these girls for never backing out nor giving up. For showing the whole world who we are and where we are in this sport.

Thank you, girls, for embracing the challenge, for standing as one for all of us who believe in you.



It’s goosebumps to see all of you, from different teams, enjoying together, forming bonds and friendships, creating memories outside the court.









But it’s more goosebumps to see you all together, setting aside your egos and ambitions, playing like you’ve been teammates forever, fighting as one for the whole nation and for everybody who believes in the talent of a FILIPINO VOLLEYBELLE.

You made the country proud.

Much to our dismay, we were not able to watch and cheer for you as you played. But allow us now to give what each of you and the coaching staff deserve - a ROUND OF APPLAUSE and a STANDING OVATION.

Thank you, girls. You all deserve the honor.



Credits to the players, coaches and staff for all the photos used. 

For updates on new blog entries, follow @forthephenom2 on Twitter.

[rachelpally-blog]

Dogtown Coffee in Santa Monica- “My local coffee shop a block from my house is now a Santa Monica hot spot on the weekends with a line out the door.  Definitely worth the wait for their iced sea salt latte & munchies burrito…such a treat!”

-Brooke

  http://www.yelp.com/biz/dogtown-coffee-santa-monica

[rachelpally-blog]

JMSN- I went to my normal weeknight out and I saw this amazing band play at School Nights at Bardot in Hollywood.  So of course I dug a little deeper and listened to their sound cloud for two days after!  Turns out they are opening for The Neighbourhood, another up and coming band that I have been adamantly listening too for the past 6 months.  They have SOLD OUT the show at The Fonda Theatre!  Congrats to this Detroit/LA based band who with a combination of slick guitar and amazingly talented and range defying lead vocalists have won a new fan.  So glad I was able to see them in such an intimate setting before that becomes a memory of the past as they take off.

Tour Dates: http://www.iamjmsn.com/ iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/priscilla/id498021920

-Sara