Adamson rookie Trisha Tubu in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Rookie spiker Trisha Tubu said she is blocking off the “social media noise” and keeping her focus on delivering for the Adamson Lady Falcons in their UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball campaign.
Tubu is aware of the mean comments about her appearance, saying social media hasn’t been kind to her since high school where she played in the UAAP girls’ volleyball for Adamson.
“In the first place, I can’t do anything with what people want to say about me. All I need is my team. Whatever other people say, I stay out of it because I can’t do anything,” said Tubu in Filipino after scoring 13 points in Adamson’s 25-21, 24-26, 25-14, 25-21 victory over Far Eastern University on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“It’s been part of my mindset. I know that if I will let their noise affect me, it will just be harder for me and my time. So I am just using it as motivation so I can improve my confidence,” Tubu said.
“What I need to do is just play for my team. Just listen to the people who support me. I don’t need what others have to say as long as our supporters are there, I’m thankful. Even the people who say a lot of negative things, it’s okay. I consider them as still part of my family,” she added.
The young outside spiker admitted she wants to read the tweets and comments because it fuels her to play better and deliver more for her team.
“Actually, I want to read those comments because the things they say boost me and I know I can do a lot inside the court. I can turn it into positive (words) through my game,” Tubu said. “That’s why I let them. I had more naysayers during the Shakey’s Super League but now, more people support me. I’m thankful to them.”
Tubu is grateful to the fans cheering her at the arena and the people who defend her on social media, including Petro Gazz Remy Palma, who defended her on Twitter during their game.
Pwede ba tigilan ang ka toxican sa physical appearance ni Trisha Tubu!
GET A LIFE!!! 😒🙄 Grow up people!!— R e m (@_RemPalma) March 4, 2023
“I’m happy because some even call me a super rookie. It feels good to hear positive things from people. And even the negative words, I will just try to convert them into a positive so it won’t affect me and my team,” she said.
During the postgame, coach Jerry Yee quipped about Tubu: “Lagot kayo, rookie lang yan.”
“She still has more playing years. I’m very happy that she returned to the team to help us out. She is a big help. We have a lot of rookies, who play like veterans,” Yee said in Filipino.
Tubu, who scored 40 points in her first three games in the UAAP, is honored to hear those words from her soft-spoken coach.
“I was surprised to hear those words from coach Jerry because we all know that he is not that [vocal]. I am so happy because he sees a lot of potential in me,” Tubu said.