VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR — Creamline team captain Alyssa Valdez was left in awe of the overwhelming support shown by passionate Ilocano fans during the PVL On Tour leg held at the Chavit Coliseum here.
A total of 5,569 fans packed the venue during the Cool Smashers’ dominant 25-10, 25-21, 25-10 opening-day win over Capital1 on Sunday.
The following night, 4,996 spectators braved the rain and Monday traffic to witness Creamline’s hard-fought four-set victory over Akari, 27-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-18, to close out the Vigan stop.
“Oh yeah, it’s a Monday crowd. Alam mo, it’s very overwhelming at the end of the day, na hanggang ngayon… Simula day one hanggang after how many years, mga eight years na ata na naglalaro ako sa Creamline — ganito pa rin kainit ‘yung pagmamahal ng bawat Pilipino and bawat volleyball fan sa buong Pilipinas,” said Valdez.
The three-time conference MVP made sure to give the fans their money’s worth. She delivered stellar all-around performances that helped Creamline secure back-to-back victories and pull into a tie with Cignal for the top spot in Pool B.
Valdez tallied nine points, six excellent digs, and five excellent receptions in their match against the Solar Spikers. She followed it up with a double-double performance of 16 points and 18 excellent receptions in their win over the Chargers.
(C) PVL Images
“Siguro na-apply namin ‘yung tine-training namin for the past three weeks. And ‘yun nga, as I’ve said a while ago, hopefully ito lang ‘yung start and marami pa kaming mai-improve sa’min. Maraming bago, so sana mas marami pang mga bago and mas aabangan sa’min ‘yung mga teams,” said the 31-year-old outside hitter.
Valdez emphasized the importance of the PVL On Tour in bringing the sport closer to fans, especially those in provinces who rarely get the chance to watch the games live.
She also sees it as an opportunity for players to show their appreciation to the supporters who have helped volleyball become one of the country’s most beloved sports.
“I think it’s one way of giving back to the fans, because at the end of the day, we want to — siyempre — give back and give thanks to them, kasi isa rin sila sa mga tumutulong sa’tin to keep the sport growing din in our country,” Valdez said.
“And it’s one way of reconnecting also to our roots. I mean, it’s my first time here in Vigan, and it’s so nice to see the culture, tasting all the local food here. So I’m just very, very happy and sana magtuloy-tuloy, and sana mas marami pa pong sumuporta sa bawat team sa PVL,” she added.
Despite the cold weather and persistent rain throughout the two-day event, the energy inside Chavit Coliseum never faltered. The crowd’s loud cheers and unwavering presence brought warmth and life to the games.
Valdez expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Ilocano fans, saying their support was deeply felt and served as a powerful reminder of the love volleyball continues to receive across the country.
“So, maraming maraming salamat po. And now we’re here in Vigan —napakainit. Maulan po dito sa Vigan, maulan po, pero napakainit po ng pagtanggap nila sa’min dito sa Vigan.”
