The 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour has brought volleyball action closer to fans across the country, but in its final provincial stop at the Dasmariñas Arena, it delivered more than just a three-set sweep — it delivered a lifelong dream.
As the Chery Tiggo Crossovers clinched a quarterfinals berth with a dominant 25-23, 25-22, 25-21 victory over the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Saturday, one emotional encounter off the court turned out to be the highlight of the night.
In the sea of cheering fans and flashbulbs stood 67-year-old Nanay Flordeliza Reyes, clutching a small handmade sign and a hope she’s held onto for years — to meet her long-time volleyball idol, Ara Galang.
After patiently waiting postgame, that moment finally came. Galang, still in her jersey and smiling warmly, walked toward Nanay Flordeliza, who was visibly shaking — not from exhaustion, but from pure joy.
“Ang lakas ng tibok ng dibdib ko. Tuwang tuwa ako, nangangatog ako sa tuwa,” Nanay Flordeliza said, tears welling up in her eyes as she hugged Galang for the first time.
For Nanay Flordeliza, this wasn’t just a celebrity encounter. It was the culmination of over a decade of unwavering fandom — a journey that started when Galang, alongside Aby Maraño, donned the green and white of De La Salle University in the UAAP.
“Matagal na po, F2 pa sila, bago pa sila mag F2, La Salle pa,” she recalled with pride, referring to the days before the two joined the now-defunct F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in the professional ranks.
Clutching a photo of Galang in her DLSU kit and a faded ticket stub from an old UAAP game, Reyes shared how she would watch every match on television, often yelling at the screen as if her voice could reach the arena.
Her admiration wasn’t just about volleyball skills.
“Mahusay sila saka mabait,” she said simply, describing both Galang and Maraño as exceptional players and even better role models.
For Galang, the moment was just as meaningful. Known for her quiet strength and humility, she knelt to embrace Nanay Flordeliza, chatting briefly and even taking a selfie that will likely be framed in Reyes’ home for years to come.
The PVL On Tour, which has touched down in Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Rizal, Iloilo, and Cebu, was created to bring the sport closer to Filipino communities far from Metro Manila. But moments like this prove that its impact goes far beyond the court.
What was designed as a simple outreach match in Cavite turned into a reminder of what makes sports magical — the connection between athlete and fan, built not just on victories, but on admiration, inspiration, and love.
