Donnalyn Paralejas just checked off a milestone she never imagined would happen so soon — playing in her first international tournament at the 2025 AVC Champions League.
It was something that, in her words, wasn’t even on her bingo card.
When Petro Gazz was named one of the Philippines’ representatives in the continental club tournament — alongside Creamline and PLDT — the rookie setter admitted she didn’t expect to be included in the final roster, especially with veteran playmakers Djanel Cheng and Chie Saet being the obvious choices.
But Angels head coach Koji Tsuzurabara saw something special in Paralejas, selecting her as the 18th overall pick in the inaugural Premier Volleyball League Draft last June — and putting his trust in her once again for the biggest stage yet.
“Tulad nga po ng sinabi ko, sobrang nao-overwhelm po talaga ako kasi una po talaga, hindi ko po expected ito, na baka hindi po ako maglaro dito kasi nga po mga ates po yung maglalaro,” shared the Arellano University standout.
“Then nagulat po ako nung sinabi ni coach na part po ako ng 14 din. Sobrang happy naman po ako kasi gusto ko rin po makakuha ng experience din talaga.”
(C) PVL Images
With only 14 players allowed on the lineup for the tournament, Tsuzurabara made the bold move of including all three setters — giving the 24-year-old Paralejas a golden opportunity to shine.
That moment came during the do-or-die quarterfinals against powerhouse Beijing Baic Motor at the Philsports Arena. Coming in as a substitute for Saet during crucial double substitution sequences, Paralejas proved her worth on the court as the Angels pushed the Chinese side to five grueling sets before falling just short of the semifinals, 29-31, 25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 12-15.
“Sobrang laki po ng opportunity na naibigay sa akin na makapag-play po ako dito siyempre. Marami rin po akong natutunan siyempre na madadala ko po sa mga susunod pa na laro sa PVL,” said the Binangonan, Rizal native.
“In the first place naman po, alam namin na malakas po yung makakalaban namin, kinulang lang po. Pero masaya naman po kasi maganda yung nilaro namin.”
It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Paralejas, who not only won a PVL championship with Petro Gazz earlier in April but also capped her rookie season with a remarkable international debut. Through it all, she remains grateful for the belief and mentorship of her coach.
“Actually palagi po akong kinakausap ni Coach Koji na isasalang niya nga po ako sa game na ito and then sinasabi niya yung mga qualities na kaya ko pong gawin. Sobrang thankful ako kay coach Koji na nagtitiwala talaga sa akin.”
