PASSI, ILOILO – In a return to her roots, Jovelyn Gonzaga found herself back in the province that shaped her into the volleyball star she is today. Though the outcome of the match did not favor her team, the warmth of the Ilonggo crowd reminded her of the impact she has made on the sport and her home province.
Nicknamed the "Bionic Ilongga" for her resilience and all-around prowess, Gonzaga stepped onto the court at the City of Passi Arena on Saturday, leading ZUS Coffee against PLDT in the final day of the PVL All-Filipino Conference preliminaries.
The match ended in a tough loss for the Thunderbelles, falling in straight sets, 20-25, 16-25, 15-25, with Gonzaga limited to just two points. But beyond the statistics, her presence alone electrified the sellout crowd.
"Thankful ako na nabilang ako sa mga Ilonggos na nagdadala ng pride sa lugar namin. And thankful din ako na naabutan ko pa ang new generation. Nasa point na rin ako ng career na malapit-lapit na ring um-exit sa career ko," Gonzaga reflected after the game.
At 33, Gonzaga is at a crossroads in her career. Having spent years representing the Philippines in both indoor and beach volleyball, she is now in a position where she prioritizes passing on her knowledge to the next generation.
"Pero as much as possible, 'yung mga natitirang years ko, gusto ko namang makatulong, makaambag, kung ano man 'yung ma-impart ko sa mga bata lalo na sa team ko ngayon," she added. "ZUS, sobrang tinitiyaga ko, tinitiyaga ng team kung ano pang mas maambag ko, and kung anong mas makuha ko pa sa kanila and makuha nila sa 'kin na learnings."
Gonzaga’s return to club volleyball with ZUS Coffee this season comes after a break from the sport to fulfill her responsibilities with the Philippine Army. While she remains a vital piece for her new squad, she is also aware that her playing days are numbered.
"In time, soon. In time, soon. Nakikita ko na sarili ko by next year or next two years, kasi doon na ako sa point na 'yon eh," she admitted. "Kasi nararamdaman ko na rin coming from an injury, since 10 years old naglalaro na ako. So wear and tear na talaga 'yung nararamdaman ng katawan ko. More on passion na lang talaga nagdadala sa 'kin, 'yung parang 'di ko pa kayang bitawan. Pero 'yon, we'll see, we'll see. Ayoko naman magsalita nang tapos."
From being a bronze medalist in beach volleyball at the 31st Southeast Asian Games to captaining the indoor national team in the 28th SEA Games, Gonzaga's career has been marked by perseverance and leadership. A product of Central Philippine University, she has played for Cignal, Army, and now ZUS Coffee, leaving an indelible mark wherever she went.
While the clock may be ticking on her playing career, Gonzaga’s impact on Philippine volleyball—both on and off the court—will remain timeless.
