Afril Bernardino’s season with New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas was nothing short of spectacular.
The 29-year-old do-it-all forward was a driving force throughout the Valkyries’ championship campaign in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, culminating in a pair of MVP awards—honors she humbly shares with her teammates.
For Bernardino, the MVP trophy is more than an individual accolade; it’s a symbol for anyone who gave their very best throughout the season. In her eyes, every player wearing a New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas jersey is equally deserving of the honor.
“Para sa akin, ‘yung MVP parang it’s a token na kapag ginawa mo ‘yung best mo, you receive something,” said the Gilas Pilipinas star after the Valkyries’ championship-sealing 79-77 win over Discovery-Rizal last Sunday.
“Lagi naming iniisip na nasa iisang page kami lahat, na gusto naming manalo. Siguro ‘yung kung gaano lang kami katibay ng mga teammates ko. Sobrang effort [nila], masaya lang, walang pressure,” she added.
(C) WMPBL
Bernardino dominated all season, delivering consistent performances that propelled New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas to the top of the regular season standings. She averaged 15.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.9 steals, and 2.1 blocks over nine games, helping the Valkyries finish as the top seed with an 8-2 record and earning her the Season MVP award along with a spot on the Mythical Team.
Her brilliance didn’t stop there. Bernardino carried her all-around dominance into the two-game Finals series against Perlas, posting 13.5 points, 14.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 2.5 steals, and 3.0 blocks. Those performances earned her Finals MVP honors and cemented her role as the driving force behind the Valkyries’ championship.
A three-time SEA Games medalist, Bernardino was undoubtedly the tournament’s best player. Yet, she consistently deflected credit all season, highlighting her teammates’ efforts and praising the team’s resilience and unselfish play.
While many view an MVP award as a personal triumph, the ever-humble Bernardino sees it differently. For her, it reflects the collective perseverance and determination of the entire Valkyries squad.
“So para sa akin, lahat kami ginawa ‘yung trabaho namin, ginawa namin ‘yung best namin, para sa akin lahat kami MVP.”
It’s that mindset—valuing teamwork, effort, and humility—that makes Afril Bernardino truly deserving of the award.
#WATCH: A DIFFERENT CHAMPIONSHIP
Afril Bernardino says winning the #WMPBL2025 hits different as it is with new teammates and under a new coach 🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/GVlrg8gGcu
🎥 Julian Felipe/Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/KlAdNzFcDT
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) November 18, 2025
