Never say die.
If there’s anyone who embodies that, it’s Danivah Aying, daughter of former Ginebra player Danilo Aying.
A product of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, Aying was the lone Premier Volleyball League draft aspirant from the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI).
She entered the draft with no expectations but ultimately ended up as the final pick of the Draft Night held last Monday at the Novotel – turning out to be an inspiration for many in the process.
“Super overwhelming po siya para sa akin kasi nga, zero expectations po talaga ako. ‘Di ko inexpect na mada-draft talaga ako,” said an emotional Aying moments after hearing her name called with the 23rd pick for Galeries.
“Parang sabi ko na lang, sana lang mabigyan ako ng opportunity. Wala, wala po talaga akong hinahangad na makamit dito. Pero thank you po sa Galeries na binigyan ako ng chance at opportunity,” said the newest Highriser.
With the dream of making it in Manila still burning after staying put in Cebu for her collegiate playing years, Aying entered her name in the PVL inaugural draft with her parents’ full support.
What also motivated her were negative comments about her background, as she was the only applicant from the VisMin region while most came from UAAP and NCAA schools.
“Siyempre po, matagal ko nang pangarap pumunta ng Manila, tapos ngayon lang nabigyan ng chance,” said Aying, a 5-foot-5 opposite spiker, who rented a bed space in Mandaluyong during the entire draft process, including the combine on June 25 and 26.
“Also, parang naging push ko na rin yung mga down comments ng mga ibang tao na ‘Ay from Cebu lang yan.’ Parang naging stepping stone siya para sa akin. ‘Di naman ibig sabihin na porket ‘di ako from UAAP o NCAA, ‘di na pwedeng mag-apply sa draft. Wala namang requirement na kailangan ka from NCAA o UAAP.”
Her own father defied the odds – Danilo was picked ninth in the first round by Ginebra during the 1999 PBA Draft despite coming from Southwestern University in Cebu.
And Danivah held on to that determination during her journey to the PVL.
She joined other Galeries draftees Julia Coronel (third pick), Jewel Encarnacion (15th), and Dodee Batindaan (21st).
“Never give up. Kung pangarap mo, mag-try ka lang talaga, kasi wala namang mawawala kung mag-try ka,” said Danivah.
“As long as nandiyan yung perseverance mo, nandiyan yung fire sa loob mo na gusto mo talagang makamit yung pangarap mo, go lang. Wala namang limitations diyan eh.”
