For Cignal HD head coach Edgar Barroga, the HD Spikers’ win over the Cocolife Asset Managers meant more than a semifinals berth in the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Cup.
In his years as a National Team-caliber player and accomplished tactician, Barroga never thought that he would ever have to coach against his own daughter.
Gyra Barroga spent most of her formative years bonding with her dad over volleyball, treating one-man drills as pre-breakfast routines. She eventually blossomed into a high-caliber high school player recruited by one of the best local collegiate programs in La Salle.
When she came upon a crossroads in her volleyball career, it was Edgar that decided it was for her to explore her options as a pro player with Cocolife
It didn’t take long for the Barrogas to cross paths in the PSL. With the HD Spikers vying for a semis slot and the Asset Managers fighting for pride, the Barrogas’ family business was centerstage.
“Actually before we started the game parang relax lang kami (ng Cignal),” said Edgar. “Parang gusto lang namin maglaro since ‘yung anak ko ‘yung kalaban namin.
“Pero when I found out na kapag natalo kami magdedeikado pa kami kasi 3-1 din ang Smart, I told them na hindi pa tayo sigurado.”
“It was a very different experience. All this time, very used to ka na supportive ‘yung dad mo sa’yo,” added Gyra.
“Supportive pa rin naman siya, although it was weird nga na he was coaching the opposing team today.”
The buildup towards the match was admittedly awkward for both Barrogas. Their usual morning volleyball talks stopped for a week as they tried to avoid any conflict of interest.
“Actually dapat sabay kami (pumunta sa venue), pero nirequest daw ni coach Moro (Branislav) na hindi kami magsasabay at hindi muna kami mag-uusap. So, may mga routine kami, like in the morning before the game binibigyan ko siya ng drills. Pero the past one week pinaubaya ko kay coach Moro, sabi ko kanya-kanya muna tayo since ‘yun ‘yung gusto niyo pero we really enjoyed the game,” Edgar reflected.
“It was tough for the both of us nga kasi I’m used to talking to him a lot. Pero it was test for me to really focus on helping my team,” added Gyra.
“Actually hindi (ko naisip makakaharap si Gyra), kung sakali mang mangyari ‘yun magkasama kami (sa isang team) at the same time natutuwa ako kasi parang challenged rin siya kanina. The way she played a while ago parang nakita ko ‘yung ang lakas niyang pumalo,” Edgar closed.
