Myla Pablo relished the opportunity to team up once again with former Petro Gazz head coach Rald Ricafort in the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase last Friday night at the Candon City Arena.
Pablo previously played under Ricafort in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, where they helped the Angels capture the championship.
The two found themselves on the same side again in the All-Star Showcase, teaming up for Team Heart in a 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17 victory over Team Hustle in the PVL All-Star Game.
Having worked closely with Ricafort before, Pablo said their familiarity helped her settle in quickly and play with confidence, allowing her to perform at her usual level with comfort on the court.
The three-time league MVP finished with 10 points in the four-set win.
(C) PVL Images
“Si Coach Rald (Ricafort) kasi kilala ako, paano ako maglaro, lalo [na] pag nakakalaban kami nila sa PLDT, at mafe-feel mo naman yung tiwala niya sa’yo sa loob ng court,” said Pablo, who now plays for Nxled following Petro Gazz’s leave of absence earlier this year.
Ricafort and Pablo drew some of the loudest cheers from the Candon crowd when Pablo ran to the former coach to celebrate after a successful challenge in the third set, which overturned a call on a Pablo attack initially ruled out.
“Pero yun din, naging maganda din talaga kaya nakakagalaw ako nang maayos — yung tiwala niya, yung love niya, joke lang. Yung heart niya,” Pablo added.
The 32-year-old winger also cherished the chance to share the court again with Alyssa Valdez, as well as line up alongside the league’s rising young stars, led by Bella Belen.
“Siyempre, si Ate Aly, pangalawang beses ko na siyang naging teammate, Under-23 man o ngayon. At kay Bella din, first time ko siyang maka-teammate,” she said.
“Ang saya kasi may mga bata kaming nakasama sa loob ng court, at kami naman as veterans, nag-guide sa loob ng court.”
