Galeries Tower played with heavy hearts on Thursday night following the passing of their beloved utility staff member, Jeric Importante.
The Highrisers wore white ribbons during their 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference match-up against ZUS Coffee at the Philsports Arena to honor Importante, who left a lasting impact with his dedication and unwavering support for the team.
“Parang nung first conference ko sa Galeries, nandun talaga siya. ‘Di ko rin alam kung gaano na siya katagal, pero sa lahat po talaga ng bagay or sa araw-araw po naming may ensayo, siya po talaga ‘yung kasama namin,” said Eroa, who joined the team at the start of the 2024 PVL season.
“Kahit wala na ‘yung coaches, siya ‘yung naiiwan sa team kasi nagaayos pa. Siya ‘yung nag-aasikaso ng food namin, tapos ng mga gamit.”
(C) PVL Images
Eroa acknowledged that the team felt deeply affected by Importante’s passing, which was evident in their performance against the Thunderbelles.
Coming off three consecutive losses, Galeries was determined to win the game for Importante.
However, his untimely death was a heavy blow for the team, impacting their play and resulting in a 22-25, 16-25, 19-25 loss.
“Halos lahat po or wala pong may gustong magsalita. Kasi paran, may team member na nga po kaming nawala, parang dinamdam namin talaga ‘yung pagkawala niya na dapat ilaban namin ‘yung game [para sa kanya], pero mas lalo kaming nagluksa. Ganun ‘yung nangyari,” she explained.
It was a tough outing for the Highrisers, who – despite losing all of their matches to start the tournament – showed grit and potential, especially in their close losses against contenders Choco Mucho and Akari.
Now standing at 0-4, Galeries is working to address their on-court issues and deliver the tribute to Importante that he truly deserves.
(C) PVL Images
“Parang ngayong naguumpisa, parang pahirap na po nang pahirap ‘yung sa unang panalo eh. Parang lahat ng teams nag-iimprove tapos nakukuha nila ‘yung tempo at jelling nila,” said the Reinforced Conference Best Libero.
“Siguro gagawin din namin ‘yung best namin na maayos po namin at para talaga makapanalo na kami ngayong conference.”
