The journey to discover the future of Philippine volleyball—perhaps the next Alyssa Valdez—continues relentlessly.
1Pacman Partylist first nominee and Capital1 co-owner Milka Romero has been tirelessly planting seeds of inspiration and nurturing grassroots talent. Her latest initiative saw volleyball clinics conducted in Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City, providing hope and opportunity to aspiring athletes.
As part of her advocacy to empower communities through sports, Romero partnered with the PVL team Capital1 to lead these clinics. The Solar Spikers’ stars—such as Iris Tolenada, Leila Cruz, Roma Mae Doromal, Jorelle Singh, and Des Clemente—along with esteemed coach Roger Gorayeb, spearheaded the sessions, sharing their expertise and passion for the game.
The effort culminated in thrilling PVL matches at the Minglanilla Sports Complex, where 5,000 enthusiastic Cebuanos watched Capital1 face Galleries Towers and Cignal battle NXLED.
“Ako po bilang atleta, na-experience ko yung laban, yung pride to play for your country, and I want to make that accessible for any dreamers, for any Filipino, young or experienced, to be able to have the needs and essentials to grow in their field of sports,” said Romero, who was recently recognized as the Honorary Modern Filipina Heroism of the Year during the 7th Nation Builders and MOSLIV Awards.
Through this initiative, Romero aims to bring PVL stars closer to the younger generation, offering both inspiration and accessibility to the sport.
“This event came into my own experience because, growing up, I looked up to my idols. I couldn’t reach where I am now without my idols, so as the first nominee of the 1Pacman Party List, I want the game to be accessible to the nation,” she added.
Romero’s advocacy doesn’t stop at volleyball. She remains steadfast in her mission to strengthen grassroots sports programs across the Philippines and promote gender equality in sports.
“Di ito nalalayo sa mga ginagawa na natin ngayon, which is empowering women in sports—not just volleyball but in all sports across the Philippines,” Romero emphasized.
“Yung sports in the Philippines are very important. It is actually an integral part of the development, not just for youth but for every Filipino. Mentally and physically, lumalakas yung loob natin with sports,” she said.
