New Zealand-Bluefire head coach Cholo Villanueva could only admire the resolve of Afril Bernardino, who once again proved why she remains one of the best — if not the best — players in Philippine women’s basketball today.
Despite facing personal challenges with her ailing father currently confined in a hospital, Bernardino suited up and led the Valkyries to a commanding 81-62 victory over Tagaytay-Tol in Game 1 of their 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League semifinal showdown on Saturday at the Villar Coliseum.
“I can’t say anything more about the professionalism of Afril Bernardino,” Villanueva said.
“She’s the GOAT of women’s basketball. And the kind of mentality she had — despite the mishaps off the floor — she was focused. She had the right mentality within the game, bringing us to victory.”
Villanueva lauded Bernardino’s ability to stay locked in amid adversity, calling it a reflection of her professionalism and leadership — qualities that continue to set her apart from her peers.
Drawing strength and inspiration from her father, the WMPBL Invitational MVP recorded her second consecutive triple-double in the league’s professional era, and third overall.
She finished with 14 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, along with four blocks and two steals.
(C) WMPBL
“Yung laro ko ngayon, para sa papa ko kasi nasa ospital siya ngayon, so under observation. Sana nakakanood siya ngayon,” said an emotional Bernardino after the match.
Her determination set the tone for the entire squad, whose energy and discipline mirrored their captain’s composure.
With the win, the Valkyries moved just one victory away from clinching a finals berth. But Villanueva knows that closing out a series will demand the same level of focus and intensity — not only from Bernardino but from the entire team.
“In any kind of series, the toughest part is closing it out. We’re gonna be looking at films, but one thing at the top of my mind is limiting the production of their scorers — Berberabe and Del Carmen,” Villanueva said.
“Justine Domingo really played well; hopefully, we can see what kind of schemes we can come up with for her. For us, again, it’s a total team effort — playing defense and closing out that series.”
