20/07/2026
Volleyball has always been so much more than just a sport to usâitâs family, passion, and a huge part of who we are. Looking back at our run in Datu Shameem's Men's Volleyball Open Tournament during the 79th Founding Anniversary, I honestly couldn't be prouder of this team.
We knew from the start that we were tossed into a tough, heavy bracket. We had to stand toe-to-toe with absolute powerhouses: Team Cravings-To-Go, packed with top-tier UAAP stars like Buds Buddin, Gboy De Vega, Jayrack Dela Noche, Dux Yambao, and Van Prudenciado; Team Taguig All Stars, loaded with seasoned Spikersâ Turf and former UAAP standouts; and Team Shokudo, represented by legendary players from Davao and General Santos City. But no matter who was on the other side of the net, Team IYVF never backed down. We made a promise to play from the heart to the end, and thatâs exactly what we didâfighting for every single point and leaving everything on the court.
None of this would have been possible without the amazing people standing behind us. A huge thank you to the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat and Mayor Bai Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran for their incredible generosity and continuous support for our athletes. To our IYVF President, Jevson Lacuesta Lagumbayan, thank you for your constant guidance, leadership, and for believing in us even when the mountain felt steep. And to the entire IYVF familyâeveryone who cheered from the stands, prayed for us, and sent their loveâyou were our fuel out there. Volleyball tested us in every way possible, but it gave us a bond that goes way beyond the court, and for that, we are forever grateful.
