Petro Gazz Angels’ Myla Pablo during a PVL All-Filipino Conference game against Cignal HD Spikers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — After spending months on the bench, Myla Pablo found her way back to Petro Gazz’s starting unit and played a crucial role in the Angels’ strong start in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Pablo was inserted into the first six against Farm Fresh on November 23 after regular starter Jonah Sabete sat out due to a strained left calf. She immediately made an impact for a Petro Gazz team reeling from a straight-set loss to defending champion Creamline.
The two-time PVL MVP seized the opportunity to reestablish herself in the Angels’ rotation, delivering a series of standout performances in their next three victories—including convincing wins over contenders PLDT and Cignal—to cap the year on a four-game winning streak.
READ: PVL: Van Sickle, Petro Gazz enjoy hot start amid Myla Pablo streak
Pablo poured 19 points on 17 attacks and two blocks to spark Petro Gazz’s 12-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-20 win over the High Speed Hitters last Tuesday.
She then followed it up with a 15-point output on Saturday to help deal the HD Spikers’ first loss via a 25-19, 25-21, 25-18 decision.
For her stellar performance that allowed the Angels to rise to the top spot with a 5-1 standing, Pablo was unanimously voted as the fifth PVL Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of December 10 to 14.
The 31-year-old outside hitter revealed that she gained confidence from her teammates and coaches, fully embracing the role entrusted to her by the team’s coaching staff.
“Kinuha ko ‘yung kumpyansa ko sa sarili ko and also sa teammates and coaches (ko). Kumbaga, kung ano ‘yung binigay sa akin na role sa team, kailangan magtrabaho ako kasi syempre minsan lang ako bigyan ng chance to play, ba’t ‘di ko pa gagawin ‘yung best ko,” said Pablo.
“Siyempre nandoon din talaga ‘yung mga sumusuporta sa amin, lalo na ‘yung mga Petro Gazz fans and sa mga nagtitiwala sa akin. Malaking bagay talaga sa akin ‘yun para ma-boost ‘yung confidence ko,” she added.
READ: PVL: Petro Gazz shuts down Cignal to rise to top before break
The veteran wing spiker from Tarlac edged out Petro Gazz teammate Brooke Van Sickle, Akari outside hitter Grethcel Soltones, Creamline star Alyssa Valdez, Choco Mucho ace Sisi Rondina, and Chery Tiggo young gun Cess Robles for the weekly award given by print and online journalists covering the league, which is streamed live and on-demand via Pilipinas Live app and on www.pvl.ph.
With her confidence at its peak, Pablo is determined to maintain her momentum when the PVL resumes in January, viewing it as a way to repay the trust placed in her by her teammates, coaches, and the Angels’ management.
“This 2024, siguro nakuha ko na ‘yung confidence ko sa sarili ko. Kumbaga, ‘yun ‘yung hinahanap ko kaya nga sabi ko sa mga setters ko na bigyan niyo lang ako ng kumpyansa sa loob ng court, aatakihin ko, papatayin ko kahit naga-adjust ako,” said Pablo.
“Sabi ko nga kung ‘di ako nagamit nung (last) two conferences, kailangan makabawi ako this All-Filipino for the mangaement na rin and sa mga taong sumusuporta sa akin and also (para kay) coach Koji (Tsuzurabara) na rin.”
Pablo is determined to continue her resurgence when Petro Gazz returns to action on January 21 against Chery Tiggo as she hopes to finally deliver the elusive All-Filipino crown.
“Sana makuha namin yung goal namin sa team siyempre ilang taon na magkakasama yun naman talaga yung goal namin,” she said.