At 33, Myla Pablo knows staying healthy is just as important as delivering points for Nxled.
With the Premier Volleyball League’s competition getting tougher and younger players making their mark, the two-time league MVP is putting in extra work off the court to ensure she remains a reliable presence for the Chameleons throughout the All-Filipino Conference Siklab series.
Despite the influx of younger and stronger players in the league, Pablo remains one of the PVL’s most dependable hitters. However, sustaining that level of play after more than a decade in the league has required her to be more mindful of her body, by prioritizing recovery and making adjustments to prolong her career.
“I know na isa rin ako sa inaasahan ng team ngayon, na kailangan maging healthy yung katawan ko. And siyempre, ayoko magkasakit kasi pag nagkasakit ka, back to zero ka,” said Pablo, who has dealt with her fair share of injuries throughout her decade-long PVL career.
“So, yun yung lagi kong nire-remind yung sarili ko, na kailangan every day talaga, maging maganda yung gising ko. Kailangan maganda yung kalalabasan ng katawan ko para maging maayos yung pag-prepare ko sa bawat games namin this conference.”
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Pablo has become more disciplined with her conditioning ahead of the conference, committing to daily workouts and healthier food choices to keep herself in top shape and avoid setbacks.
“Kasi bago mag-start yung All-Filipino, naging ano na ako sa katawan ko eh. Hindi na ako yung sobrang matakaw kumain, and every day din ako (nagti-train with Aldo), yung (strength and conditioning coach) ko,” she shared.
Her commitment is already paying dividends, as evidenced by her performances in Nxled’s first two games of the conference.
Pablo finished with nine points in the Chameleons’ 25-16, 25-20, 25-18 sweep of PLDT. She then erupted for 17 markers in their 25-19, 25-17, 23-25, 20-25, 15-12 victory over Farm Fresh on Saturday.
She came through when it mattered most, delivering Nxled’s final four points, including the game-winning block that sealed the hard-fought victory.
“Siyempre, yung nasa isip ko talaga is mag-block lang ako sa loob ng court. Kasi kung maka-touch man ako, malaking bagay na yun kasi malakas naman yung nasa harapan namin, Brooke at MJ din,” said Pablo.
“Kaya lagi kong nire-remind yung sarili ko na every set talaga, kailangan maka-touch ako at maka-block ako kasi yun naman yung magiging trabaho ko as an opposite. Siguro bonus na lang din talaga kapag nakakapalo ako nang maayos. Laking tiwala din ng mga teammates ko at mga coaches ko.”
