PASSI, ILOILO — Sisi Rondina couldn’t help but feel emotional as she realized the impact she now has on people who once, like her, only dared to dream.
The 28-year-old volleyball superstar was a clear crowd favorite at the City of Passi Arena here, where she led Choco Mucho to a 25-18, 25-23, 26-24 victory over Chery Tiggo on Saturday, securing their sixth straight win heading into the PVL All-Filipino Conference qualifying round.
After the match, Rondina shared a heartfelt moment with a fan in a wheelchair, who burst into tears upon seeing her idol up close.
Deeply moved, Rondina took off her jersey, signed it with a special dedication, and handed it to the young fan.
(C) PVL Images
“Grabe, naiyak talaga ako kanina kasi umiyak na siya nung lumapit ako. And grabe, sobrang galing ng PVL na alam mo yun, dinadala sa probinsya para lang makapanood yung mga malalayo — at isa na doon yung mga may kapansanan,” said a teary-eyed Rondina.
“Sobrang, grabe, ang gaan sa pakiramdam, ang sarap sa pakiramdam na mga ganong tao nilu-look up ka pa rin kahit ganon yung kalagayan nila,” added the University of Santo Tomas legend.
“Sobrang grateful, sobrang thankful ako kay Lord na binigyan ako ng ganitong talent para makapagbigay saya and makapagbigay inspirasyon sa mga tao — lalong lalo na dito sa probinsya.”
From once dreaming of a better life as a young girl in Compostela, Cebu, Rondina has not only achieved her goals but has also become a beacon of hope and inspiration for others.
Inside a packed arena in a city 56 kilometers from Iloilo City, the 5-foot-6 explosive spiker realized that her purpose goes beyond just playing the game she loves.
It’s about making others love it, too.
(C) PVL Images
“Masaya sobra!” she beamed when asked about performing in front of a sellout crowd.
“Wala naman kaming ibang gustong ipakita sa mga tao kundi ito yung volleyball. Ito yung sport kung saan kami tinuwid ng mga pangarap namin, at isa ito sa mga tumulong sa pamilya namin — hindi lang sa amin, pero sa mga pamilya namin din,” she said.
“Masaya ako na naipakita namin yung ganong feeling. Lalong lalo na sa mga hindi makapunta ng Manila para makapanood ng live, kaya thankful talaga ako sa PVL — sila rin yung nagtuwid para makapanood yung mga taga-malayo sa mga idols nila.”
