George Smash and GG Hawks made it to the record books as the first men’s and women’s champions, respectively of the recently-concluded First Alberta Filipino Volleyball Club (AFVC) Tournament in Edmonton.

George Smash, bannered by Justine Roxas, Kris Sac, Christian De Vera, Tyler North, Teodor Tolesnik, Alvin Lomboy, Remar Villanueva, Franz Gacutan and Erwin Galgo, defeated the visiting Victoria, BC team in four sets, 3-1.
“Matagal tagal na din kaming magkakampi sa mga liga, happy lang kami pag nag play kaya medyo okay naman po yung team, may chemistry,” said Roxas.

Vancouver Sunlife placed third.

GG Hawks led by Danica Rabago shoot down the Vancouver Stars in the women’s finals while Rough Sets Edmonton headed by Christina Buenviaje landed at the third spot.

AFVC’s Oliver Cabarubias, Oliver Dela Paz, Jimmy Calonge, Erwin Galgo, Justine Roxas, Irene Gorman and Kristine De Leon formed by the “Magnificent 7” to prepare the first tournament organized by the newly-formed club.

“Masaya po kami na nagawa namin ito para sa Filipino volleyball community,” said Cabarubias, who along with the organizing team members were at the garage of Dela Paz, where it served as their operations office for weeks prior to the tournament on October 7 to 8.

The organizing committee would like to thank go Pinoy Auto, go KIA South, Aspire, Dental Oasis, Laser Screen/Mero Printing, Fly Friendly Travel, Max’s Restaurant, Palabok House, Manila Grill Restaurant, Casa Laurel Kitchen, Art & Science Dental, Baseline Limousine, JB Power Centre, Auto Pinoy, Best Western Cedar Park Inn, Mabuhay Calgary, Tim Hortons, WD Co-Auto, Loriz Bakery, Bump Set Spike and Crosstown Auto Centre for the support.

We wish you the best in your next tournaments with the lovely “Anything Branded” Trophy at stake.
Mabuhay ang mga Pilipinong balebolista sa Alberta!

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We were on Cloud 9 when the Edmonton Oilers won their opening game against the Calgary Flames and after that we were not smiling as we lost to two straight games as of this writing.

It was a very inspiring start for the fans, though and still I could not get over it.

Captain Connor McDavid was spectacular in that first game with three goals and the talk of him skating with the speed of around 40 kilometers an hour was really inspiring.

If you happen to be observing at the train stations and in the Rogers Place, you would be surprised that a lot of Filipinos are wearing Oilers jerseys including my die-hard McDavid fan wife Marj, who actually bought the jersey, insisted on placing the McDavid name and number at the back even before he officially signed up for Edmonton.
Now, she’s asking me to buy her the new McDavid jersey, hahaha. Oh boy, what a fanatic my wife is.

Let’s go Oilers!

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League commissioner Elijah Principio of the ERBC The Gathering Friendly League bared that Crosstown Auto Centre and Part 3/Media are the strong contenders in the ongoing tournament.

Judging from what I saw, I totally agree.

Crosstown Auto Centre dealer principal Joe Medina was all over the court and even diving on the floor for ball possession.

If the team leader plays that way, Crosstown Auto will definitely retain their title this season.

One team to look out too is Part 3/Media, led by Oliver Branzuela and Warren Guillen.

If these teams report to the court with a complete line-up, expect an exciting game at the ERBC gym.

Good luck Crosstown Auto and Part 3/Media!