Fil-Ivorian fencer Maxine Esteban pulls up to watch Alas Pilipinas

Filipino-Ivorian Maxine Esteban (left) pulls up to watch the Alas Pilipinas game in the AVC Challenge Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Paris Olympics-bound fencer Maxine Esteban was part of the electric crowd of 4,945 cheering for her good friend Faith Nisperos and Alas Pilipinas in the AVC Challenge Cup on Thursday evening at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Esteban, who is set to debut with Ivory Coast in the 2024 Paris Olympics, stopped by in Alas Pilipinas’ opening game during her short vacation in Manila, witnessing the Filipino Spikers take down the taller Aussies,  22-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-21. 

“It’s very exciting and I’m really a big fan of Philippine volleyball. Even in my UAAP days, I always watch Ateneo versus La Salle, and Ateneo versus UST. Sayang lang na na-miss ko ‘yung PVL,” Esteban told reporters. “I’m very happy to be here and I’m really happy that a lot of people are supporting Philippine volleyball.”

READ: Maxine Esteban the Ivorian makes Paris Olympics

Esteban, also an Ateneo standout, was rooting for Akari’s rising star Nisperos.

“I love Faith Nisperos because she’s my fellow Atenean athlete and she’s my really good friend so I’m rooting for her,” she said.

The star fencer will return to her Olympic preparation but she was amazed to be part of the Filipinos’ solid support for volleyball.