One of the topics that always generate that much social media hysteria is the swag being displayed by players while inside the court. Fans usually have a lot to say when giving out their opinions, supportive or otherwise, especially while the issue is still the toast of the online threads.
For this piece, the only event that will be given ample mention is the recent Perpetual-PLDT match in the Spikers' Turf 2019 Open Conference played on September 12, 2019.
One condition that needs to be acknowledged here is that ANGAS, or swag, is an attitude that is quite intrinsic, although definitely NOT unique, to the Filipino style of play, not just in volleyball. That is the very reason why one can hear the justification that "it is part of the game." Another matter that needs to be asked, though, is, agreeably, it is part of the local sports psyche, but is it in violation of the rules?
When rules are being brought up, the MOST IMPORTANT factor to note here is: the PRIME implementing ENTITIES of ANY guidelines in sports, both for general regulations laid out by a world-governing body and specific directives by a league, are ALWAYS PRESENT on the time when the action is actually happening. These entities are the REFEREES. They are tasked to, among others, determine if a player's behavior (physical actions, motions and gestures) is excessively aggressive enough to merit a subtle warning or, worse, a series of subsequent penalties. It can therefore be suggested that, indeed, a player can be put into his or her proper place during the game, not just by coaches, teammates or family members and friends who may be in the crowd watching, but BY THE very legitimate FIGURES of AUTHORITY officiating the game.
Supposing there is an oversight on the referees' part? Then the league itself SHOULD be the next POINT of REVIEW for the actions being taken inside the court. Fans do need to accept, though, that the leagues are going to perceive these matters, not only on its formal and moral concepts, but also on the entertainment and commercial value that it brings to the table. This statement may not sound proper to some, but this is the TRUTH.
So what about the PLDT-Perpetual game? True, there are some actions in there that would have merited more than the words of caution that came from the referees. The OFFICIALS let the matter proceed on its own thereafter. For that, men's volleyball watchers can only laugh or grimace, depending on which side of the fence they are on.
For the few fans, however, who think the antics made the match a street-game or "larong kalye," it should be pointed out that game OFFICIALS are there. They are the ones who should elevate the game to what it should be. In truth, the fact that REFEREES are there already negates the "larong kalye" concept.
For those other few that use the term "binakla ang laro," a self-check is highly recommended whether it is just a homophobic (maybe misogynistic as well?) alter-ego that is talking. Angas or a staredown, no matter how masculine, feminine or in-between it is executed, is just always the same angas.
For other fans who opine that one team is more aggressive than the other, a subtle suggestion should be offered that, just maybe, their very definition of angas or swag and yabang, which are often carelessly used differently depending on who is being alluded to, is somewhat affected by their personal bias or choices. This recommendation may also apply to other "aspects" of Philippine Volleyball or even Philippine Sports in general.
If there is one circumstance that is most certain, though, the question is not who or which team was excessively or more "maangas" than the other. The more legit question is, in the context of that Perpetual vs PLDT game, who was more effective in achieving their purpose? Judging by the result, the Perpetual swag seems to be more lethal, which can make everyone consider that, maybe sometimes, a simple Catriona Gray 180° turn can inflict more damage to an opposing player's pride than an overtly aggressive staredown.
