Dimdim Pacres, a name familiar to fans of Philippine volleyball, almost walked away from the sport that had given her countless dreams and heartaches. After enduring years of missed opportunities and disappointments, the 26-year-old fan favorite has finally made her triumphant return to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Second All-Filipino Conference. Her journey back to the court, however, was far from easy.
The Long Wait
On a Tuesday night, under the bright lights of the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Dimdim Pacres made her long-awaited debut with the Galeries Tower. It was a moment filled with anticipation and relief, as Pacres had faced numerous setbacks and trials over the past two years, including failed attempts to join an MPVA team. Speaking about her journey, she confessed, "Sobrang tagal ko kasing inantay. Ang daming pinagdaanan, ang daming expectations tapos nag-fail ganun. Like the past two years, marami dito (sa team na) parang na-scam. Hindi madali."
Her last appearance in the PVL dated back to 2018, and her return was met with both joy and skepticism. The road to her comeback had been filled with obstacles, including personal struggles and a period of deep reflection.
The Dark Days
Before her call from the new PVL squad, Dimdim Pacres had embarked on a different path, starting a food business and taking on various jobs to make ends meet. These challenging years had tested her resilience, and at one point, she found herself grappling with depression, contemplating leaving the sport for good.
She shared her experience of feeling overwhelmed, saying, "Dumaan sa depression, lahat na, 'di mo na alam kung anong gagawin mo, lahat ng trabaho napasukan na." From selling street food like kwek-kwek to offering shakes and suman, Pacres had done it all. However, she expressed gratitude for the lessons learned during this period and how these struggles shaped her.
A Prayer Answered
In her darkest moments, Dimdim Pacres considered a social media blackout as a way to escape the constant reminders of the sport she had once excelled in. Still, her unwavering passion for volleyball kept her going, and eventually, her dedication paid off. She received a life-changing call from head coach Lerma Giron to join the newly-formed squad, an unexpected twist of fate.
"Ikala ko nga coach may papadala ka galing Cebu eh," she laughed, reflecting on the call that marked her return to professional volleyball. Her gratitude extended to her fans, who had remained supportive throughout her journey, and her former college coach, Kung Fu Reyes, who had been a constant source of motivation.
A New Beginning
Dimdim Pacres understands that her performance in the Second All-Filipino Conference will determine her future in the sport. Her return is not just a comeback; it's a chance for redemption and a fresh start. She said, "Ako ayaw ko pa mag-stop kasi alam kong meron pa kong kayang ipakita. Parang 'di pa ko satisfied nung collegiate ako eh, parang feeling ko talaga meron."
For now, she's determined to cherish every moment of this precious opportunity, knowing that her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of unwavering passion.
