Philippine LADY VOLCANOES Rugby Team locker room interview

I am one with the whole nation in wishing the Philippine LADY VOLCANOES Rugby Team as they compete tomorrow in Vientiane Laos for the  Asian Women's 15s Division-2 Championships. As of writing, our team is already in Laos gearing up for the competition. They had their training last week at British School of Manila in Taguig. I failed to come during the session but I was able to catch up with them in the locker room and had a short time to talk to some of the players fresh from the shower.

It was Cassie Umali who first invited me to come over having covered her frisbee team Ridiculously Gorgeous before. Ms. Raquel, the PR of Philippine Rugby Union Federation (PRFU) also emailed me to confirm the invitation. Good thing I was in the area last Sunday, I might have missed the actual training session but as I said I was able to do casual talk with them which was really a pleasant experience.

Trixie Pacis, and Cassie Umali of the Philippine LADY VOLCANOES Rugby Team

Yes, we have LADY VOLCANOES.It was coach Cullen who I first saw on his way to his car about to leave for another appointment. I didn't really talk to him long since he was in a hurry but I made a quick check on the condition of the team and he was very optimistic in saying that we have a strong chance in making it to the top of Division 2 as he said the girls are in good condition.

In the locker area, some of the girls were still in the shower so I talked to the lady coach first---Susan Konstanty who is from Australia. I learned that she is here in the Philippines for work in an Engineering firm and she made the decision to volunteer to coach the LADY VOLCANOES. Yes, for free!!! She said that it was her personal decision and that she is happy with that because she's enjoying coaching the girls. She's not a professional player but she played a lot in Australia. I told her I am very happy and grateful for her effort.

twins Noreen Novero & Reena Novero

Asked about the chances of the team, she noted that we have a good standing in this series as the Philippines is regarded as one of the top teams in Asia ---maybe in the top 10. The girls she said might not be big but they have the agility and that could work on their advantage.

Also got to talk with their team captain, Trixie. She is 100% Filipino but she looks half-breed.Her family lives in Canada. She still resides in Canada and she only flies to the Philippines for the competition using her own money. Such is also the predicament of Nicole Moore who lives and studies in the UK. Nicole or Doughnut as she is nicknamed is a university student in England and she travels to the Philippines for the love of representing the country and the sport. This story is very similar with some of the members of the men's team who maintains residence in Australia, US, and Europe. They travel back and forth to the Philippines so as to play for the country.

Nicole Moore and Trixie

Unlike the men's team though, Only Trixie and Nicole live abroad. The rest are locals and it is surprising to know that many of them are from the provinces. I met with the girls from Cebu who are members of local teams in Cebu. They have been playing rugby long before the National team was formed. I also talked to Arlene Trinkler who is the oldest in the group. At 38, she still plays rugby passionately. Cool!!!!

the Cebu girls

Isabela Silva

Arlene Trinkler

Too bad the time was very limited for me to chat with the girls but I am very glad I got to talk to them even a little and intimate at that. I will definitely cover the LADY VOLCANOES again in the future as they already have my admiration as early as now.  Thanks Cassie Umali for giving me insights about the team. Next time, I will figure out what you said about the celebrity thing about Trixie. hahaha. And to Trixie, I hope this post is good enough for you to tell me about it next time we meet.lols

Here's the complete list of our Philippine LADY VOLCANOES Rugby Team arranged based on Jersey number.

1 Jordan, Eloisa Jasmine Toling
2 Morala, Roselle Omaña

3 Novero, Noreen Tamayo
4 Lanticse, Rose Mae Sta. Ana
5 Gambito, Marie Antonette Gubaton
6 Filoteo, Jessica Anne
7 Dela Cruz, Rosemarie Collado
8 Moore, Nicole Theresa
9 Umali, Melanie Cassie
10 Pacis, Anna Beatrix
11 San Juan, Angella Camille San Juan
12 Santos, Rhea Manila Paguia
13 Silva, Gene Isabela De Las Peñas
14 Layumas, Ann Kristine Mae
15 Ono, Aiumi Villarba
16 Ubaub, Mae Ann Georsua
17 Ranada, Charmaine Joy Gamboa
18 Salinas, Madille Talam
19 Trinkler, Arlene Amisola
20 De Los Santos, Blessie Kate Prado
21 Honoras, Kaye Llanie Perez
22 Novero, Reena Tamayo


Penon, Grace (Team Manager)
Rice, Grant (Backs Coach)

Trixie and her self-proclaimed bf.lols

forwards coach Susan Konstanty in playful mood.hehehe

more fun shots of the girls in the official blog of PRFU here: http://www.teamphilippinevolcanoes.com/1/post/2011/11/lady-volcanoes-laos-here-we-come.html

Head coach Matthew Cullen with  Alyssa Paula Lizo Tomas (Physiotherapist)

LADY VOLCANOES group photo

HERE'S to their FACEBOOK Page 

It was a pleasure meeting you guys.We'll be following developments there in Laos through the tweets of https://twitter.com/PhilippineRugby since we don't have tv coverage in the Philippines.sad,sad,sad. Hopefully, we get to spread the word about the VOLCANOES --both men's and women's team and make Rugby a national pastime.

To the Philippine LADY VOLCANOES Rugby Team, all the best in your fight tomorrow.!!!!!

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