Remy Palma tunes out critics as Petro Gazz enters AVC KO stage
Remy Palma and the Petro Gazz Angels in the AVC Champions League pool phase. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
SCHEDULE: Petro Gazz, Creamline, PLDT at 2025 AVC Champions League
MANILA, Philippines — Tuning out the noise, Remy Palma kept the Petro Gazz Angels steady as they transitioned from a historic PVL All-Filipino Conference to the tougher challenge of representing the country in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Champions League.
Palma delivered six points in Petro Gazz’s bounce-back win over Hip Hing of Hong Kong, 25-8, 25-12, 25-12, to complete the quarterfinal cast on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.
The Petro Gazz captain’s leadership shone in the must-win game, helping the team join Creamline and PLDT in the quarterfinals after their opening day loss to Taipower of Taiwan.
READ: Captain Remy Palma helps sail Petro Gazz to PVL All-Filipino glory
“There’s always going to be backlash on social media — win or lose, people will always have something to say,” Palma said in Filipino. “But for us, we stay together as a team. We play as a team. I hope people understand this is a different stage. International teams wouldn’t be here if they weren’t top contenders.”
“It’s all part of the learning experience. Losing doesn’t mean you gain nothing. When you lose, you acknowledge it, accept it, and move forward. That’s what we believe in. Petro Gazz always bounces back — and today, we did. I’m proud of my team.”
The veteran middle blocker admitted they had several lapses in their first match against Taipower, resulting in a 1-1 finish in Pool B.
READ: AVC: Van Sickle, Gia Day embrace ‘fun-first’ mindset in Petro Gazz win
“The AVC is a different level compared to the PVL. We’re up against the best from other countries. In our first match, our skills and mindset just weren’t there — our passing was off, there were errors, and individually, we didn’t show our game. As players, we take full responsibility,” she said.
“This morning, we promised each other: we’re not letting that happen again. We’ll enjoy the game, play together, and bring out that true Petro Gazz brand of volleyball.”
As Petro Gazz prepares to face China’s Baic Motor in a knockout quarterfinal on Thursday, Palma urges her team to play as if they’ve never won anything — hungry, humble, and united.
“It’s a proud moment for Philippine volleyball. All three PVL teams made it to the next round — that’s something to celebrate,” Palma said. “From here, it’s about staying locked in, addressing our lapses, and finding ways to improve. This is a big boost for Philippine volleyball. Everyone hoped we’d all make it — and thankfully, we did. Let’s see what happens next.”
