Since Petro Gazz’s loss to Creamline in its second game of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, the Angels have been unstoppable, racking up seven consecutive wins.
This impressive streak, which began on November 23 last year, is fueled by the team’s trust in one another — and an unexpected secret ingredient: Donuts.
Head coach Koji Tsuzurabara has made it a tradition to bring sweet treats for Petro Gazz on gamedays, providing an extra boost on the Taraflex.
“I have a new perspective now. Do not stop the hamburger, chocolate, donut, anything. I used to think that it should stop. Everyone can change their mind or heart as long as it can improve their performance,” said the Japanese tactician.
Since their defeat against the Cool Smashers, which dropped them to 1-1, the Angels have been on a tear, taking down Farm Fresh, Akari, PLDT, Cignal, Chery Tiggo, ZUS Coffee, and most recently, Capital1 on Tuesday.
Their latest victory propelled them to an 8-1 record, securing solo second place behind Creamline.
(C) PVL Images
Petro Gazz captain Remy Palma appreciates Tsuzurabara’s efforts and adjustments, noting how he has embraced certain Filipino customs.
“May kwento po kasi diyan eh. Noong una talaga, parang somehow, ayaw niya ‘yung culture nga namin na ‘pag training or game, kumakain kami,” Palma shared.
“Ngayon, siguro, na-adapt na niya ‘yung culture na Pilipino tayo eh. We love food, guys. Alam naman natin ‘yan. Tapos nagulat din kami, nagdala na siya ng pagkain, ng donut, kung ano man, ‘pag binibigay. So, sabi namin, ‘Uy, ano, parang ilang percent, Pilipino na rin si coach’,” she quipped .
Of course, the Angels don’t just rely on a sugar rush — they put in the work on the Taraflex as well.
Setter Djanel Cheng has been masterfully orchestrating the team’s offense, feeding the high-scoring duo of Brooke Van Sickle and Myla Pablo.
The team also got key contributions from Jonah Sabete, MJ Phillips, Palma, and the rest of the Petro Gazz rotation.
Fully trusting her teammates, Cheng follows a simple philosophy: keep feeding the hot hand for easy points — and she gives some credit to the donuts, too.
“Kung sino yung maganda gising sa kanya ibigay, easy point,” Cheng said.
“Siguro mas open communication na kami ngayon. ‘Pag may nakita kami agad na problem, pag-uusapan agad yun. Hindi pwedeng ipagpabukas,” she added, revealing the team’s sweet secret behind their winning streak.
“Tsaka siguro yung donut ni coach. Coach, the donut is expensive, right? Every game nagba-buy siya ng donut.”
