PLDT head coach Roger Gorayeb had quite the eventful experience in Cagayan De Oro City, Saturday.
For one, Gorayeb and his Power Hitters managed to wield the upset axe at the expense of the Ramil De Jesus-mentored F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. This was also his first win over De Jesus since Gorayeb transferred to the PSL last year.
But besides the victory, Gorayeb is glad he found precious time to catch up with his long-time coaching rival.
“Nagkwentuhan kami. Marami kaming pinag-usapan yung mga nakaraan,” the decorated mentor said.
During a lull due to the air-conditioning woes in the Corpus Christi Gym, Gorayeb sat beside De Jesus on F2 Logistics’ bench to spark a conversation. Then fFollowing the half-hour stoppage, the former joined the latter once more to continue their conversation.
“Lahat pinag-usapan namin. Kasi kami original talagang magkakasama niyan,” the former National team head coach said.
Gorayeb and De Jesus are two of the most distinguished tacticians in the country.
Gorayeb has been at the helm of the San Sebastian Women’s Volleyball program that has built a dynasty in the NCAA.
On the other hand, De Jesus has been the architect of De La Salle University’s dominance in the UAAP ever since 1999. He led the Lady Archers to numerous titles, including two impressive three-peats.
Gorayeb would then compete against De Jesus in the UAAP from 2008 to 2013. The former steered the Lady Eagles to prominence, as Ateneo started to transform into one of the best volleyball programs in the country. This was also when the Ateneo-La Salle rivalry began.
But before they became two of the most brightest minds in Philippine volleyball, they both started out as dreamers.
And through the brief conversation they shared, the two long-time colleagues waxed nostalgic about their days as teammates, look back at their clashes as coaches, and reminisce the late Nes Pamilar.
“1993 si Nes, ako, at siya. Kami talaga yung sa national youth team,” Gorayeb said.
At the end of the day, Gorayeb is just delighted that he fleetingly set his coaching duty aside and start a conversation with an old friend.
“May mga pangyayari lang na hindi maganda noon at least ngayon nag-uusap na kami.”
