CANDON, ILOCOS SUR — It hasn’t been an easy ride for Petro Gazz during the 2025 PVL On Tour. Three straight losses, dwindling morale, and, most recently, the sudden departure of head coach Koji Tsuzurabara have clouded what was once a promising preseason for the reigning All-Filipino champions.
But in the face of chaos, veteran wing spiker Myla Pablo remained a steady hand — and an unwavering heart.
On Tuesday night, with the Petro Gazz Angels in desperate need of a spark, it was Pablo who answered the call. The two-time PVL Most Valuable Player came through with a masterclass performance, willing her team to a gritty 20-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-17 victory over the struggling Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the packed Candon City Arena.
Pablo finished with 23 points built on 19 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, and anchored the floor defense with 16 excellent receptions. It was the kind of performance Petro Gazz needed — and expected — from their leader.
“Malaking bagay kasi ‘yung game na ‘to and para sa next game namin sa crossover, madala namin ‘yung kumpiyansa namin,” Pablo shared after the match, her voice filled with a mix of relief and urgency.
Just days before the game, the team was rocked by the news that Tsuzurabara had parted ways with the club to “pursue new opportunities” and return to Japan to be closer to his family. For a team still finding its groove in the preseason, the timing couldn’t have been worse. But instead of crumbling under pressure, the Angels looked to their seasoned core to carry them through.
Stepping in as interim head coach was longtime assistant Brian Esquibel, who admitted the transition was swift and unexpected. But his debut was marked by renewed energy and composure on the court — much of it anchored by Pablo’s calm yet commanding presence.
“I know na maraming malaking problem ‘yung Petro pero siyempre kami, kailangan mag-focus lang kami kung ano ‘yung mga sinasabi ng mga coaches namin,” Pablo added, acknowledging the weight of the moment.
And Petro Gazz did just that.
After dropping the first set, the Angels responded with poise. Nicole Tiamzon emerged as a reliable second option, finishing with 16 points and 12 digs. Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Ranya Musa each added 10 markers, providing the balanced attack that had been missing in their previous outings.
It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.
The Angels, who stumbled to a fourth-place finish in Pool A after their early skid, now advance to the crossover knockout stage where they will face the dangerous Akari Chargers. A victory would mean a ticket to the quarterfinals — and a fresh chance to rewrite their preseason story.
Pablo knows it won’t be easy. But after everything the team has endured, she believes the adversity has made them stronger.
“Well, ‘yung kay coach Koji din naman kasi biglaan din naman kasi ‘yun eh, so sabi namin na parang tapusin muna ‘tong elimination against Choco Mucho… And after that sa crossover na mangyayari is kailangan makuha namin ‘yung winning game kasi laglagan na rin sa next round,” she said.
The road ahead is steep, but the Angels now have momentum on their side — and a leader who continues to rise above every challenge thrown her way.
“Siyempre sa three loss namin, ako kasi alam ko ngayon trabaho ko as a team eh. Napaka-importante nitong game na ito para sa next game namin, ‘yung kumpiyansa ng bawat isa madadala namin,” Pablo added.
