FROM one PVL MVP to another, respect and admiration run deep between Creamline’s Jema Galanza and Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina.
In the latest chapter of the ‘Rebisco Clasico’ which the Cool Smashers ruled for the 16th time in 17 meetings, Galanza had the last laugh over Rondina even as two of the sport’s best two-way players today both shone with 24 points apiece.
READ: Jema Galanza leads thrilling Creamline win over Choco Mucho
They may be on opposite sides of the PVL's biggest rivalry, but their brief stint together for Alas Pilipinas and the respect they’ve always had for each other paved the way for a healthy competition.
Sisi raises the bar
Galanza shared with SPIN.ph how she closely followed Rondina’s game from way back.
And the cherry on top for Jema? To have one of her fiercest competitors on the court as a friend off of it.
“Every time talaga na may nakakasama ako or may nakikita akong players na magagaling talaga, tinitignan ko kung paano sila maglaro. Si Sisi kasi, naglalaro siya sa beach [volleyball] at sa indoor so ‘yung way niya kung paano siya pumalo, ‘yung kumpyansa niya, nandu’n na talaga ‘yung talon niya,” said Galanza.
“‘Yun ‘yung lagi kong tinitignan sa kanya, and siyempre ‘yung energy na binibigay niya, kung paano rin siya mag-lead. Ako, super happy na nakasama ko si Sisi and super excited din ako nu’ng time na ‘yun.
“‘Di ko alam kung mag-cclick ba kami, magiging close ba kami, pero thankful naman ako na naging okay ‘yung bond namin.”
‘Jema ‘yan eh’
Rondina pointed to two Galanza attributes that she said defined her rival's career: grace under pressure, and the ability to stand out in a star-studded Creamline team.
“Alam ko kung paano siya maglaro and syempre nakasama ko rin siya sa Alas, grabe ‘yung composure niya and doon talaga ako tumitingala sa kanya kasi grabe siya magdala rin ng team. Napakakalmado and siyempre gawa,” the Choco Mucho captain said.
. Gumagawa talaga siya,“ she added. "Jema ‘yan eh.”
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