IT was exactly a year ago when PLDT suffered its franchise’s greatest heartbreak in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals to Akari.
The High Speed Hitters had match point at 14-13 in the fifth set before a net touch infraction on Akari’s Cams Victoria was overruled. What followed was a three-point run that handed the Chargers their maiden PVL Finals appearance instead.
A full year has passed since, and PLDT’s narrative has changed - for good.
READ MVP Savi Davison unperturbed by 'import' tag from bashers
Shortly after routing Kobe Shinwa for the 2025 PVL Invitational title, first-time Finals MVP and captain Kath Arado was overwhelmed by the thought of completing their redemption arc as much stronger players and newly-crowned champions.
“Sobrang bawing-bawi talaga. Hindi lang naman sa heartbreaks eh, yung sacrifices din talaga ng bawat isa na hindi na iindahin yung pagod at hindi na iindahin yung mga masasakit,” Arado said.
“May times talaga na ayaw na mag-show up kasi nga pagod tapos sunod-sunod pa yung heartbreaks kaya buti na lang talaga, hindi talaga nawala yung tiwala namin.”
As the old adage goes, everything happens for a reason.
“Blessing ‘to, ‘yung mga ganitong nangyayari. May reason yung mga ganito. After ng nangyari sa’min ngayon, nandun na ako sa point na may reason nga talaga lahat ng nangyayari.”
Better than they ever were
Kim Fajardo, who nearly had her PVL Finals debut come into fruition a year ago, saw how such growing pains turned PLDT into a title-winning outfit that can overcome adversity and letdowns.
“Malayo na talaga yung narating namin [mula nu’ng nangyari last year],” Fajardo said.
“’Yung nafi-feel ko kasi sa court before, hindi naman sa tagilid pero nagbago talaga siya ngayon na tipong kahit ano pang mangyari, hindi na talaga kami susuko.”
The High Speed Hitters are no longer the heartbreak kids. They’re two-time PVL champions.
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