MINGLANILLA — Dimdim Pacres, Krich Macaslang, and Rica Rivera may have experienced different outcomes in their Cebu homecoming, but one thing was certain: their hearts swelled with pride as they stood on the court for a historic moment in Philippine volleyball.
For the first time ever, the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) held a professional match in the Queen City of the South, and the three Cebuana spikers were thrilled to be a part of this milestone. It wasn’t just another game; it was a moment of pride for the players and the volleyball community in Cebu.
“It was so good. It was such a privilege na makalaro dito sa Cebu kasi ito ‘yung first na naglaro ‘yung pro [volleyball] dito, and I’m so happy kasi sa first na naglaro dito [yung PVL], kasali ako at nakapaglaro ako in my hometown,” shared Pacres, a native of Mandaue City.
For Rivera, a product of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, the moment wasn’t just about the game—it was about the chance to represent her hometown on a national stage.
“Thank you to all PVL fans, to the management for bringing us here, and to my family as well for watching us,” she added.
Macaslang, who had honed her skills at the University of San Carlos before moving to Adamson University, saw the event as more than just a match. It was a testament to how far volleyball had come in Cebu.
“Syempre, sobrang na-excite ako kasi first time ‘to. It’s been a long time na rin nagre-request ‘yung family ko and ‘yung friends ko na sana sa Cebu naman daw ‘yung PVL,” said Macaslang. “So ngayon ‘yung chance namin na maipakita kung gaano nag-evolve and kaganda ‘yung PVL.”
The night started with a tough match for Macaslang’s Nxled Chameleons. They faced league leaders Cignal in a straight-set loss, 18-25, 22-25, 23-25. Despite a valiant fightback in the final frame, the Chameleons’ defeat left them at 0-5 in the tournament. Macaslang, a 24-year-old middle blocker, tallied three points, including a block, in the match.
In the second game, Pacres and her Galeries Tower teammates secured their first win of the conference, defeating Rivera’s Capital1 in straight sets, 26-24, 25-14, 25-23. The Highrisers’ opposite spiker contributed a point off the bench, while Rivera, known for her defensive prowess, played limited minutes. The victory moved both teams to a 1-4 record, tied in the 10th spot.
Though their court time was limited, the three Cebuanas received the loudest cheers from the enthusiastic crowd at the Minglanilla Sports Complex. The opening game attracted 4,205 fans, and by the second match, the attendance swelled to an impressive 5,520.
“Grabe, grabe. I didn’t expect na ganito pala sila sumuporta sa Cebu kasi since I played in Manila, and it’s my first time playing here, akala namin medyo konti lang or sakto lang [yung manonood],” Macaslang said.
Her family, friends, former teammates, and teachers were among those who showed up to cheer her on.
“Yung iba, I think, nag-travel pa talaga ng sobrang tagal para pumunta dito, and I appreciate their efforts na they’re showing their support for women in volleyball.”
Pacres echoed these sentiments, her voice filled with emotion. “Sobrang nakakatuwa kasi iba rin talaga ‘yung atmosphere dito, ang saya. I have my family here and friends supporting.”
Moved by the overwhelming support from their kababayans, Macaslang made a vow to continue representing Cebu with pride.
“Syempre gusto ko mapakita na may ibubuga rin ‘yung mga taga-Cebu, and hindi lang sa Manila ‘yung volleyball. It’s also here in Cebu, and players from Cebu are really improving. A lot of players from Manila came from Cebu, mga Bisaya, so I’m proud to represent them and I’m proud to be Bisaya also.”
For Pacres, Macaslang, and Rivera, their Cebu homecoming was more than just a game—it was a moment of unity and pride for the island’s volleyball community.
