Cebu City, Philippines, March 1, 2005 - Host Philippines expressed confidence while Macau vowed to overcome jetlag as the two teams prepared to meet in the opening match of the 2006 FIVB World Men's Championship First Round Tournament Pool Asia-C at the University of San Carlos gymnasium on Wednesday.

The Filipinos and Macau face each other at 5pm (local time) while Tonga, playing in its first-ever international tournament, and reigning Southeast Asian Games champion Indonesia will feature in the second match at 7pm.

Philippines head coach Vip Isada said he is less worried about Macau, whose best performance so far in the quadrennial competition has only been to reach the first round, but he cautioned that his team will still need to play hard to make sure they advance into the second round.

"We are just barely two months into our preparation but I've seen the eagerness and the willingness of the players," said Isada. "I want them to play seriously against Macau.

"It's important to start our campaign with a big win. So, we can't take Macau lightly. We have to play a strong game," added Isada, who will be assisted by Ernesto Pamillar.

The Philippines' starting six, all seasoned players who are also members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are Herminio Gallo Jr, Cesael de los Santos, Gino Macailan, Avelino Tongco, Edcer Penetrante and Benianmor Lingat. Other members are Ariel de la Cruz, Janley Patrona, Dante Alinsumurin, Jerrico Hubalde, Willy de la Cruz and Jeffrey John San Jose.

Macau coach Leong Veng Tong is also optimistic saying, "all teams are good because we wouldn't be here if we couldn't give strong competition. The Philippines team has the crowd advantage but we are not bothered."

Philippine Volleyball Federation president Roger Banzuela said the Philippines will face tough competition from Chinese-Taipei, who currently ranks No. 39 in the world, and six-time SEA Games men's Volleyball champion Indonesia.

"This is the best team of Indonesia but this is not our official team from the SEA Games," Indonesian assistant coach Gugi Gustaman said. "All I can say is we want to win and progress through to the next round."

Tonga coach Inoke Fotu said his players have had only one month to prepare but they are ready for the tough challenge ahead. "We may have had little time to prepare but we promise to give our best in this tournament."

Chinese Taipei head coach Chong Mu San said all teams have an even chance in this tournament.
By Jean T. Malanum