VIGAN, Ilocos Sur — Kim Kianna Dy had more than just a volleyball match to look forward to on Saturday.
Less than 24 hours before celebrating her 31st birthday, the PLDT star delivered a standout performance while surrounded by familiar faces, helping the High Speed Hitters open their 2026 PVL On Tour Showdown campaign with a four-set victory over Choco Mucho at the CHAVIT Coliseum.
Dy poured in a match-high 17 points built on 16 attacks and a block as PLDT prevailed, 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18. But beyond the numbers, the win became even more meaningful with her family making the long journey from Manila to witness the occasion firsthand.
Her mother, Bambi, sisters Kaila, Cheeni, and Nika, were all in attendance, along with Gilas Pilipinas standout Dwight Ramos, Dy's boyfriend, whose family roots trace back to nearby Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.
The trip was no small undertaking, requiring more than seven hours of travel, something Dy said made their presence all the more special.
“I really appreciate them because the travel here is not easy and it takes seven hours going here and they’re here to watch my game and celebrate my birthday tomorrow,” Dy shared after the victory.
With her loved ones cheering from the stands, Dy anchored a balanced PLDT attack. Savi Davison contributed 13 points despite playing only three sets, while veteran middle blockers Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively.
The result, however, was far from routine.
Choco Mucho, even without stars Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure, proved resilient throughout the contest. The Flying Titans responded after dropping the opening frame, tied the match at one set apiece, and pushed the pivotal third set into an extended battle before PLDT finally seized control.
The victory gave the High Speed Hitters an encouraging start to their preseason campaign, but Dy believes the performance also highlighted areas that still need improvement before the 2026-27 Premier Volleyball League season begins.
“It was really an intense game, one-is-to-one talaga, and Choco Mucho mahirap talaga silang kalaban, buti na lang ‘yung mga pumasok talagang nag-perform. Obviously, we need to work on a lot of things for our next games. Pagbalik ng Manila, adjust ulit,” she said.
For Dy, the evening served as both a successful tune-up and an early birthday celebration—one made memorable by a hard-earned victory and the support of the people closest to her.
PLDT resumes its PVL On Tour campaign on August 8 against ZUS Coffee in Santiago City, Isabela, carrying momentum from a win that was as personal as it was important.
