AFTER spending months on the bench, Myla Pablo found her way back to Petro Gazz’s starting unit and played a crucial role in the Angels’ strong start in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Pablo was inserted into the first six against Farm Fresh on Nov. 23 after regular starter Jonah Sabete sat out due to a strained left calf. She immediately made an impact for a Petro Gazz team reeling from a straight-set loss to defending champion Creamline.
The two-time PVL MVP seized the opportunity to reestablish herself in the Angels’ rotation, delivering a series of standout performances in their next three victories—including convincing wins over contenders PLDT and Cignal—to cap the year on a four-game winning streak.
Pablo poured 19 points on 17 attacks and two blocks to spark Petro Gazz’s 12-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-20 win over the High Speed Hitters last Tuesday.
She then followed it up with a 15-point output on Saturday to help deal the HD Spikers’ first loss via a 25-19, 25-21, 25-18 decision.
For her stellar performance that allowed the Angels to rise to the top spot with a 5-1 standing, Pablo was unanimously voted as the fifth PVL Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of December 10 to 14.
The 31-year-old outside hitter revealed that she gained confidence from her teammates and coaches, fully embracing the role entrusted to her by the team’s coaching staff.
“Kinuhako ‘yungkumpyansakosasariliko and also sa teammates and coaches (ko). Kumbaga, kung ano ‘yungbinigaysa akin na role sa team, kailanganmagtrabahoakokasisyempreminsanlangakobigyan ng chance to play, ba’t ‘di ko pa gagawin ‘yung best ko,” said Pablo.
“Siyemprenandoon din talaga ‘yungmgasumusuportasaamin, lalona ‘yungmga Petro Gazz fans and samganagtitiwalasa akin. Malakingbagaytalagasa akin ‘yun para ma-boost ‘yung confidence ko,” she added.
The veteran wing spiker from Tarlac edged out Petro Gazz teammate Brooke Van Sickle, Akari outside hitter GrethcelSoltones, Creamline star Alyssa Valdez, Choco Mucho ace SisiRondina, and Chery Tiggo young gun Cess Robles for the weekly award given by print and online journalists covering the league, which is streamed live and on-demand via Pilipinas Live app and on www.pvl.ph.
With her confidence at its peak, Pablo is determined to maintain her momentum when the PVL resumes in January, viewing it as a way to repay the trust placed in her by her teammates, coaches, and the Angels’ management.
“This 2024, siguronakuhakona ‘yung confidence kosasariliko. Kumbaga, ‘yun ‘yunghinahanapko kaya ngasabikosamga setters konabigyanniyolangako ng kumpyansasaloob ng court, aatakihinko, papatayinkokahitnaga-adjust ako,” said Pablo.
“Sabikonga kung ‘di akonagamitnung (last) two conferences, kailanganmakabawiako this All-Filipino for the managementnarin and samgataongsumusuportasa akin and also (para kay) coach Koji (Tsuzurabara) narin.”
Pablo is determined to continue her resurgence when Petro Gazz returns to action on January 21 against Chery Tiggo as she hopes to finally deliver the elusive All-Filipino crown.
“Sana makuhanaminyung goal naminsa team siyempreilangtaonnamagkakasamayunnamantalagayung goal namin,” she said.“Sabikosamga setters konabigyanniyolangako ng kumpyansasaloob ng court, aatakihinko, papatayinkokahitnaga-adjust ako,” said Pablo.
