Officials of Allianz PNB Life and Rebisco together with Creamline captain Alyssa Valdez, Choco Mucho captain Des Cheng, and Criss Cross captain Ysay Marasigan. Handout photo
MANILA -- In another step forward for men's volleyball in the Philippines, the Criss Cross King Crunchers are now also supported by the same global insurance brand that has backed the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the past few years.
Rebisco and Allianz PNB Life made their latest partnership official on Thursday in Pasig City, as the latter renewed its support for Creamline and Choco while also welcoming Criss Cross to its roster.
"This partnership with Rebisco is built on our shared values of discipline, resilience, and wellness," said Joe Gross, President and CEO of Allianz PNB Life, in a statement.
"By adding Criss Cross King Crunchers and supporting the RVL, we’re extending our reach and deepening our impact in the Philippine sports community," he added.
For Criss Cross captain Ysay Marasigan, this new partnership is proof that men's volleyball is gaining its own foothold in the local sporting scene.
"I think ito 'yung start na talaga, na nano-notice 'yung men's volleyball teams, na tumataas talaga 'yung value ng men's volleyball teams," he told ABS-CBN News.
This bodes well not just for the King Crunchers, but also for younger players who hope to pin their future on volleyball.
"Nakikita talaga ng mga bata, mga college players, mga high school players na hindi nagtatapos talaga 'yung paglalaro mo in high school and in college. If ipagpatuloy mo talaga 'yung paglalaro mo, galingan mo, may mga teams na mapupuntahan," said Marasigan.
Allianz also announced on Thursday that they will provide incentives for Rebisco players who win individual awards in every conference of the Premier Volleyball League and the Spikers' Turf.
They will also support Rebisco's grassroots volleyball program, the Rebisco Volleyball League (RVL).
"Rebisco and Allianz share the belief that sports is a powerful force for transformation. Together, we fully support the continued development and popularity of volleyball among Filipinos," said Jonathan Ng, Vice Chairman and CEO of Rebisco.
"The sport can inspire our countrymen to be the best that they can be. The values of hard work, discipline, sportsmanship, integrity, and dedication that our players display can be applied to all aspects of Filipino life," he added.