Usapang PSL Returns With a BANG!

After two consecutive weeks of absence on the digital space, Usapang PSL resumes with a bang as Benny Benitez opened Episode Six of the podcast dedicated to the teams and players of the Philippine SuperLiga (PSL).

Opening the episode was Benny Benitez and co-host, Aby Marano of the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, discussing two of the big news involving the PSL including the possibility of two clubs seeking to enter the league. The duo also talked about the PSL being allowed to hold training sessions as long as the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) placed in Metro Manila and other regions in the country is lifted with Marano even saying that she wanted to know the safety guidelines that the PSL and Department of Health (DOH) will be implemented upon the resumption of the league. 

Marano then took the steering wheel of the episode as the former La Salle Lady Spiker was able to hold another laughter-filled run as this Usapang PSL episode featured the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors. Last night's episode included Mika Reyes, Pam Lastimosa, Bang Pineda, and Amy Ahomiro. The main discussion revolved around how the players are doing now that we're already five months into the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic with Pam Lastimosa even revealing during the latter part of the episode that she actually experienced anxiety during the early goings of the pandemic as she had to go home to Cagayan de Oro via plane just before the community quarantine was implemented in March. Lastimosa also revealed that she has been selling tacos aside from teaching pere schoolers thru online teaching in which Lastimosa said "It's difficult". Ahomiro then joined in by sharing that she has been reading books and that, it's also important for athletes like themselves to take care of their mental health thru constant meditation. Bang Pineda then revealed that she has been baking and selling products to get an alternative source of income as with games still not happening, athletes are affected too. For Reyes who played alongside Marano in La Salle, she is able to maximize the time that she is spending with her family.

The ladies also discussed what they will do first when things are "back to normal" as well as how they feel about the possibility of the PSL resuming even with the pandemic still happening with them expressing both happiness that volleyball is finally back but at the same time, "Is it safe" as asked by Ahomiro, a former Ateneo Lady Eagle.  The players also discussed about the elevation from the collegiate level to the semi-professional level as both Reyes and Ahomiro pointed out the importance of being able. to adjust into the new system and the new coach. Shainah Joseph, Sta. Lucia's import who played with the team for two games just before the PSL went on a hiatus last March, was also among the topics as all, three Lady Realtors shared that they were able to learn from the Canadian volleyball standout. 

Along the way, "Tyang" Aby Marano asked her guests as to which of the PSL teams they think will serve as a heavy opponent for the Lady Realtors and their answer is the same: Marano and the Cargo Movers. All four volleyball beauties also shared their dream team with them emphasizing that it's hard to create a dream team owing to the fact that there are a lot of great volleyball players in the country. 

As Benitez said before wrapping things up, "Another episode of Usapang PSL is in the bag" and while there is no certainty that Marano will be a fixture in the podcast, one thing is certain: last night's episode of Usapang PSL was indeed another one for the books.

Screenshot is from the pinoyliga.com Facebook page