Majoy Baron could not be happier than seeing her idol, Mika Reyes, finally receive the flowers she deserves.
Baron and Reyes’ paths first crossed in the UAAP back in Season 76 (2014) with De La Salle University, where they became part of the famed Taft Towers under coach Ramil de Jesus.
At that time, Baron was still a raw rookie brimming with potential, while Reyes had already established herself as a dominant force at the net alongside Aby Maraño.
Safe to say, Baron learned the ropes from Reyes—and from then on, she deeply admired her senior.
The two played three seasons together with the Lady Spikers, the last being Season 78, where Reyes witnessed Baron’s rise as the league’s Best Blocker.
The following year, Baron elevated her game even further, winning the Most Valuable Player award.
Now, it was Baron’s turn to watch Reyes rise to the top.
Reyes was hailed as the Finals MVP after leading PLDT to a thrilling 25-17, 25-17, 19-25, 24-26, 15-8 victory over Chery Tiggo in the winner-take-all championship match of the 2025 PVL On Tour on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Napapa-wow lang ako kasi ever since naman, senior ko si Ate Ye (Mika Reyes),” said Baron.
“Lahat naman ng nakikita ko sa kanya, ginagaya ko. Proud talaga ako kay Ate Ye and grabe yung mental toughness talaga niya,” she added.
Reyes delivered the game of her life in the one-game finale, finishing with 20 points on 13 attacks and seven blocks.
Baron, who was also named one of the Best Middle Blockers, chipped in 13 points—including six blocks. Together, the two out-blocked the entire Crossovers squad, 13-6.
More importantly, Baron and Reyes stood tall despite a looming collapse after squandering a 2-0 set lead.
They combined for eight points in the deciding set to carry the High Speed Hitters to their first-ever championship.
“I think meant to be talaga sa’min kasi hanggang dulo, chinachallenge talaga kami. Masasabi ko lang na sobrang proud ako sa team ko, sa coaches, sa management kasi ever since pagdating ko sa PLDT, process talaga siya,” said Baron.
“Every conference, may natututunan kami, may naa-add kami, and ngayon nabuo yung formula so ang sarap sa feeling na nabuo talaga siya sa hardwork.”
