In the name of her father: Trisha Tubu’s star rises with Farm Fresh

Farm Fresh’s Trisha Tubu.–PVL PHOTO

Trisha Tubu started her volleyball journey thinking it would only be for leisure. Little did she know that it would be the very thing that would help save her father’s life.

“It feels good that because of playing volleyball, I was able to help extend my father’s life,” Tubu said in Filipino in a video interview posted by Farm Fresh on its social media page. “And because of Farm Fresh, my family is now in a more [comfortable position] and I am happy that my father is now okay.”

“Actually, I never thought that I would be doing volleyball for a lifetime because this was just a hobby for me.”

READ: Trisha Tubu says decision to turn pro is for her ailing father

After a promising rookie stint playing for Adamson, Tubu decided to forego her eligibility in the UAAP to turn pro with then debuting team Farm Fresh last year.

To aid in her ailing father’s need for a pacemaker and for treatments following a series of operations and strokes, the 23-year-old opposite hitter took her talents to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

The former Lady Falcon became a vital part of the Farm Fresh rotation as the Foxies searched for their foothold in the league.

“I always say that I played volleyball only to boost my confidence,” Tubu said. “Until I enjoyed it. I never expected that I would be here and that because of volleyball I would be fulfilling my dreams.”

Fourth best scorer

In the recent All-Filipino Conference, Farm Fresh broke a losing streak after clinching its first two franchise wins with Tubu, who was the fourth best scorer of the tournament, spearheading the young squad.

The elder Tubu is recuperating from his sickness and the Tarlac native hopes to see her inspiration watching live among the animated audience, doing what she does best.

READ: UAAP: Trisha Tubu tunes out comments on her appearance

“This coming conference, he will be able to watch the game for the first time because the last time he watched was probably during my Shakey’s [stint],” Tubu went on. “He has never watched a UAAP game because before Season 85 started was when he suffered a stroke and I wanted him to be able to watch the whole [season].”

And Tubu now has a much bigger goal in mind once the new season kicks off in just a few weeks with her revamped squad. “We were used to a simple, normal life but I dreamed of giving them a much better life—to be able to eat what we were not able to eat before, to go to places that we have not gone to before,” she said.

“We don’t know when volleyball might end so I want that the money I am getting will not only be for my parents but at the same time for saving for my family in the future and for myself.

“I always put the needs of my family first, before mine. The thing I want can wait.”