MARS Alba felt all the emotions in facing her former La Salle and F2 Logistics teammates in PLDT on the other side of the net in Choco Mucho’s Game One win in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals.
Through Sets 4 and 5, Alba flexed La Salle’s signature ‘swag’ on the likes of PLDT’s Majoy Baron, Kianna Dy and mentor Kim Fajardo — all of whom were her fellow ex-Lady Spikers and Cargo Movers.
READ: Choco Mucho completes reverse sweep to take Game 1 over PLDT
“Masaya kasi nakakalaban ko sila. Parang ‘pag nag-angas ako. feeling ko okay lang, hindi ako maba-bash,” Alba said.
With 16 excellent sets and three points in the series opener, Alba shared how pleasantries with her Taft seniors are meant to be set aside when the stakes are raised such as tonight in the playoffs.
But off the court, playful banter aside, not an ounce of love would ever be lost for her longtime cohorts and closest friends.
“Nagkikita pa rin kami ng mga ates. (Sinasabihan) nila ako, ‘oh, huwag mo galingan ah,’” said Alba.
“Kidding aside, laro talaga, focus talaga. Kapag laro, focus lang talaga, walang ‘ate ate.’”
All she learned while playing with her pals and ex-teammates fueled her ascent as one of Choco Mucho’s game-changers.
From winning the best setter nod and finals MVP in her final UAAP year in Season 85, Alba shared how being under Ramil de Jesus’ wing and playing with some of the green-and-white’s finest made her the brave and courageous setter she is today.
“Umpisa pa lang, pagpasok ko nu’ng third set, sabi ko, ‘ates, tiwala lang. Tiwala sa isa’t isa kasi kaya naman eh.’ Kailangan lang ng tibay sa loob ng court,” said Alba.
“Ang pinaghahawakan lang namin, nandito na kami. ‘Wag na natin bitawan ‘to kasi sayang lang lahat nu’ng pinaghirapan nung prelims kung dito pa kami bibitaw.”
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