MANILA, Philippines – The M4 world championship run by Edward “Edward” Jay Dapadap might have been his final race for Blacklist International. 

The 17-year-old revealed to reporters during the squad’s MPL Philippines media day that he received offers from an Indonesian team before deciding to return to Blacklist for MPL Philippines Season 11. 

The youthful captain disclosed that two teams made bids. However, a month of games that required them to take a ship to Indonesia and return became “Agent Zero’s” litmus test because the cultural barriers proved to be the deciding factor. 

When asked why he chose to play in Season 11, the MPL Season 10 finals MVP responded, “Actually, gusto ko sana mag-Indo.”

I’ve made the decision to remain on the Blacklist, the speaker declared. “Hindi kaya ‘yung manner of speech nila, ‘yung pagkain,'” I said. “That’s what I thought.”

As part of Blacklist’s SEA Games tryout roster, Edward, Salic “Hadji” Imam, and Kiel “Oheb” Soriano—collectively known as the young “MV3” core of the team—were speculated to be sitting out MPL Season 11. 

Blacklist’s failure to advance from the SEA Games audition pool prompted rumors that the trio will miss the 11th professional local Major League Baseball season. 

Edward’s choice will cause him to switch places with Renejay “Renejay” Bacarse, who will then assume the role of Blacklist’s first EXP-laner.

Edward was pleased to see Renejay, with whom he had previously played in Bataan inter-barangay tournaments before they were pro.

On other news in the PVL

The 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference match between F2 Logistics and PLDT on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig will highlight new coaches. 

After leading Petro Gazz to the PVL Reinforced Conference championship for a month, Rald Ricafort went to the High Speed Hitters and is now in charge of PLDT. 

He now aspires to make the most of the abilities and capabilities of veterans of PLDT including Mika Reyes, Rhea Dimaculangan, Dell Palomata, Jovie Prado, and Jules Samonte. The University of Sto. Tomas rookie Ysa Jimenez has joined the High Speed Hitters. Tomas and Michelle Morente during the off-season, who most recently played for Army-Black Mamba.

“We’re doing our best to control whatever it is we can handle for this conference and to prevent those issues from happening again,” according to Diego, who can guarantee that the girls will be in peak physical condition.

Along with stars like Major Baron, Aby Marano, Kim Dy, Kim Fajardo, Iris Tolenado, and Ivy Lacsina, F2 now has Cha Cruz-Behag, who is making a comeback. 

The core of Chery Tiggo, which also comprises Mylene Paat, Shaya Adorador, Cza Carandang, EJ Laure, and top setter Jasmine Nabor, has been strengthened by the addition of Pauline Gaston. Dindin Santiago-Manabat left the team for Akari in the offseason.

The HD Spikers, coached by Shaq delos Santos, will be led by the experienced trio of Ces Molina, Rachel Anne Daquis, and Riri Meneses. Ace playmaker Gel Cayuna will also be ready to contribute for the team, which also includes newcomers Gyzelle Sy, Gen Casugod, and Chin Basas.