MANILA, Philippines — Running this game for more than 10 years…
Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Daquis have long been household names in Philippine volleyball, making outstanding contributions to the sport and the nation from their collegiate years through their professional careers.
Gonzaga, 34, and Daquis, 38, were present during the 10th anniversary press conference of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and Spikers’ Turf on Monday at the Novotel Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City.
Gonzaga has nothing but gratitude for all the teams that trust her to this day.
“We witnessed almost everything; we were also playing with the younger players whom we used to teach. It’s a good feeling that we’re still existing [in the volleyball scene]; hopefully there are more years ahead of us,” Gonzaga told the media.
Daquis shared the same sentiments.
“We have been playing for so long already. We’re happy that we are still here. We are still part of history, and we’re still making our own story to tell, telling others that they can to reach for longer years,” she shared.
The “Bionic Ilongga” further shared that the game has changed so much compared to her early years of playing volleyball.
“A lot has really, really changed. Before you slam a kill, you earn a point already. Now? You try to score a hit and you have to really work for a point. The defense really changed, and the sport is really growing.”
“When it comes to skills, it’s different way back. The game is really different, and the level is really higher, there’s different programs, plays, and systems.”
The Far Eastern University icon Daquis also shared that she and Gonzaga are each other’s anchor in times of doubt.
“We motivate each other, we talk to each other and motivate each other. There’s highs and lows of being an athlete and what makes us stay a little longer is the community. It’s all good, and we’re really grateful,” she added.
Jovelyn Gonzaga has been playing for more than 13 years, playing in Shakey's V-League starting around 2013 with Central Philippine University.
She also represented the Philippines at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour where she won a gold medal with Sisi Rondina in the 2022 Subic Bay Future.
Daquis is an iconic athlete produced by FEU Tamaraws, and played in the 2014 Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship.
She started her collegiate career in 2004 and has been playing for 20 years.