Two-time Olympic boxing medalist Nesthy Petecio showed her support for some friends by attending the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference’s thrilling doubleheader at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Tuesday.
Petecio and her fiancée, Riza Geneblaza, were among the 9,551 fans in attendance, witnessing Chery Tiggo’s stunning four-set upset of the previously unbeaten PLDT and Creamline’s electrifying four-set victory over Choco Mucho.
The two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist revealed she was there to support her close friends Abby Maraño and Alyssa Valdez. She also highlighted Choco Mucho’s physical therapist Bethel Solano, who had worked with her as a PT during the SEA Games and Asian Games.
Meanwhile, her partner felt equally excited to see her idol, Choco Mucho star Sisi Rondina, in action.
“Sobrang nakakatuwa na sinusuportahan din yung mga kaibigan natin sa volleyball, si Abby Maraño isa na doon,” said Petecio, who spoke with reporters after the first game.
“Si ma’am Bethel Solano, PT ng Choco Mucho, siya yung PT namin nung SEA Games [at] Asian Games. Nakakatuwang ano, makita na ganun karami ‘yung suporta ng tao sa volleyball,” she continued.
“Both teams sa Creamline, si Alyssa Valdez close ko din po yun. Sa Choco Mucho siyempre si ma’am Bethel. Sobrang idol ng partner ko si Sisi Rondina. Gustong-gusto ko manood last conference pa nung finals nila pero wala po akong time.”
(C) PVL Images
Petecio expressed her admiration for the growing fanbase of women’s volleyball and shared her hope that boxing will someday experience a similar level of enthusiasm and support from Filipino fans.
“I wish na ganun din po sa boxing,” said the 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist.
With more female athletes rising to prominence, Petecio shared her happiness at seeing the increasing visibility and success of women in sports. She hopes they will continue to thrive and break barriers in their respective fields.
“Syempre nakakatuwa po na ‘di lang puro lalaki ‘yung mga nakikita ng mga tao. Nandiyan na rin po ‘yung mga kababaihan. Masarap sa pakiramdam, masarap na masaksihan ‘yung ganun na nangyayari,” said the 32-year-old pride of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur.
“More support po sana and wala pong discrimination sa gender or something. Sobrang nakakatuwa sa binibigay na suporta ng mga tao.”
