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Almost five years after the infamous incident involving BaliPure import Danijela Djakovic, libero Jewelle Bermillo is preparing to make her highly anticipated comeback to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) through the inaugural Rookie Draft.
Reflecting on the past, Bermillo recounted the lessons she learned from that unfortunate event, where a digging miscommunication led to her being struck on the nape by the Montenegrin reinforcement.
“Sobrang laki po ng impact talaga. Syempre po, nandon na po yung… nung una po kasi nakaka-shock po siya kung ano yung nangyari kasi first time po siya nangyari, so ang laki pong adjustment,” she said during the second day of the Draft Combine.
The former San Sebastian defensive ace explained that the incident has significantly shaped her approach to on-court communication and awareness, qualities she believes will be pivotal in securing a roster spot in the upcoming PVL Draft.
“Ang dinala ko rin po don is syempre maging aggressive po ako, mas maging aware po ako kung sinong kasama ko sa loob [ng court] and number one po is communication. Kasi, yun talaga yung nawala. Lack of communication po kami kaya nangyari ‘yun before,” said Bermillo.
If selected, Bermillo will return to the professional league during the Reinforced Conference, bringing with her not only improved skills but also valuable PVL experience. She previously played for the Water Defenders in the 2019 season under the guidance of veteran coach Romel Abella.
“Siyempre po nagkaroon na ako ng experience way back [nung] 2019 po ng PVL All-Filipino and Reinforced po,” she said.
“Siyempre ngayon po, lahat po kasi kahit mga rookie ang gagaling talaga eh. So wala po akong masasabi, kahit po mga rookie kami, parang sa pro na rin po talaga yung skills nila, very pang-pro level na po talaga.”
Her time playing for multi-titled tactician Roger Gorayeb, who now coaches Capital1, is another advantage Bermillo believes will ease her transition into the professional ranks. She revealed that she had a conversation with her former mentor before the draft and promised to heed his advice as she embarks on this new chapter of her career.
“Siyempre po yung experience ko po kay Coach Roger [Gorayeb] nung collegiate. Ngayon po ang madadala ko po ngayon sa pro lahat po ng natutunan ko po kay Coach Roger, kung ano po yung natutunan ko sa kanya. And sana po mas ma-improve pa po ‘yun para mas makatulong po ako sa team na mapupuntahan ko,” said Bermillo.
“Sabi lang po ni coach ilabas ko lang po kung ano yung skills na natutunan ko po sa kanya. And siyempre po, yun po talaga kung makuha ‘man ako o hindi, ‘wag raw akong mahiya. Ilabas ko lang po kung sino talaga ako at kung ano ‘yung skills na meron ako.”
As Bermillo stands on the cusp of a possible PVL return, her journey from a shocking incident to a poised and prepared athlete highlights her resilience and dedication to the sport she loves.
