The 2025 PVL On Tour gold medal match turned from a dominant display by PLDT into a massive fightback from Chery Tiggo, setting the stage for an epic winner-take-all finale.
In the end, it became even more memorable as the High Speed Hitters secured the crown with a thrilling 25-17, 25-17, 19-25, 24-26, 15-8 victory on Sunday.
Adding to the historic night was a mini-reunion of former De La Salle University standouts — now wearing the colors of the two finalists — who were cheered on by their former mentors, coaches Ramil de Jesus and Noel Orcullo.
Both coaches proudly applauded the all-out battle witnessed by more than 11,000 fans inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
PLDT’s quintet of Mika Reyes, Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Alleiah Malaluan, and Kim Fajardo shared the moment with Chery Tiggo’s trio of Aby Maraño, Jyne Soreño, and Ara Galang. The groups reconnected with the coaching duo who molded them into not just elite athletes but also remarkable individuals.
For all eight players, one truth remains: they would not be where they are today without De Jesus and Orcullo.
“Sobrang grateful kasi yung character namin na merong fighting spirit, yung heart of a champion, galing sa kanya lahat yun,” said Crossovers captain Maraño on De Jesus’ lasting influence.
“Super happy and grateful talaga na sila yung parang nag-mold sa amin. Yung talent na tinuro nila, hindi mapapalitan ng kahit ano. Hindi lang siya sa skills, eh. Lahat. Attitude, character, lahat,” added Fajardo.
(C) PVL Images
Baron, meanwhile, reflected on her own growth — from being a lanky middle blocker from Concepcion, Tarlac, to becoming one of the country’s best — crediting De Jesus and Orcullo for guiding her every step of the way.
“Sila talaga yung naging mentor namin ever since. The way kami maglaro, dahil din sa kanila. Nadadala namin yung attitude namin sa loob ng court. Very thankful kasi yung foundation ko, sa kanila talaga galing. Hindi naman ako pumasok ng La Salle na skillful ako,” said the PVL On Tour Best Middle Blocker.
For the players, simply having De Jesus and Orcullo in attendance was already a source of joy. But seeing them smile like proud fathers after the match made the reunion even more special.
It was, indeed, a heartwarming gathering of friends turned competitors, forever bonded by the DNA of RDJ.
“Nung nakita ko si coach kanina diba lumapit tayo doon, grabe yung ngiti niya parang at ease siya tapos sobrang proud niya. Parang ngayon ko lang ulit siya nakita na ganon yung ngiti niya at tingin niya sa amin. Sobrang magical for me yung moment na yun na magkakasama kami nag-picture together,” shared Maraño.
“Every time we see him we — kasi hindi siya very positive thinker, so if you hear something positive from him, great achievement na yun. So hopefully proud si coach Ramil sa amin,” added Dy.
#WATCH: Lady Spikers alums gather around head coach Ramil de Jesus and Noel Orcullo after the game — a true show of family 💚 🏐
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/jmz0xQvDgk
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) August 17, 2025
