ATENEO's Ayumi Furukawa is such a huge fan of the Beach Volleyball Republic on Tour.
After playing two legs in Candon City and Sipalay, Yumi enjoyed the experience of participating the BVR on Tour.
"Way back, I was always excited to watch BVR and support my friends who would participate in it. And now that I’ve been part of it, i’m really glad that I get to experience playing volleyball again after three years," Yumi said.
"The whole experience is really fun and I get to put myself out there and try to get back to it one step at a time. It also nice that I get to meet amazing people who are part of the tournament and I get to learn from watching them play also," she added.
Together with Gena Hora, Yumi reached the quarterfinals in her Candon City debut, and finished third in Pool A with Jana Cane as her partner in Sipalay City.
More than everything, Yumi had fun in competing in the BVR on Tour, which made a triumphant return after two years.
"The fun part about it is that we get to be in amazing places and see how beautiful other cities/provinces are. It’s also nice that we get to be with other athletes as well, like veterans and young ones get together for the tournament and it’s a whole fun experience in itself," said Yumi.
Playing against her beach volleyball idols is also something that Yumi will remember in the two legs.
"During my stint in Candon and Sipalay, it was great going up against Ate Roma Doromal and Gen Eslapor. Ate Roma was a senior of mine back in National University and it was nice that I got to witness her play in the sand since she focused on beach volleyball na the past few years," said Yumi.
"And with Gen, I’ve seen her play since her first year in UST and I know how good she is talaga with beach volleyball," she added.
Given another chance to play in the BVR on Tour in the future, Yumi is looking forward to improve her game.
"I stopped playing for three years and I just got back a few months ago so I know marami pa talaga adjustments. I’m taking it one step at a time also and to just keep learning everyday. I know with proper training, mas makakapag improve pa with footwork and speed," said Yumi.
During games, Yumi had a chance to mingle with the fans who watched the matches in Candon and Sipalay, taking selfies and signing autographs.
Yumi is very thankful and grateful for the fans who showed up and saw her play.
"For those who watched in Candon and Sipalay, thank you so much po for your support! It was great seeing you all and we hope you all enjoyed watching our games," said Yumi.
