#UsapangPSL: PSL ambassadors share stories in their time during the pandemic

Capping off the Pilot of Usapang PSL Saturday evening were a trio of volleyball superstars, as they come to terms with the harsh reality that the games were not played owing to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The F2 Logistics tandem of Aby Marano and Majoy Baron teamed up with Cignal skipper Rachel Anne Daquis as they shared the stories on their two-and-a-half months of being idle owing to the lockdown that was in place in the country.

Apart from winning a UAAP title, what is their common factor between them? They are the ambassadors of the Philippine Superliga, with lady behind "Beast Mode" first held the title in 2017, with Daquis succeeding her a season later before handing it over to Baron this year. 

For Marano, the lockdown have somehow stopped her athletic life, but despite being a extrovert, the quarantine made her re-appreciate her family more.

"Yung pinakaimpact niya talaga, parang nagstop yung life ko as an athlete pero, na-reconnect yung buhay ko bilang isang anak at kapatid sa pamilya ko," she said.

Right when the lockdown was launched, the former Queen Tamaraw and her family have been doing rounds of donation drives from their home in Taytay, Rizal. They gave out food, protection equipment and other essentials to those who have not been reached by several groups,  including government efforts.

Said Daquis, "An act of kindness goes a long way. Di kelangan maging mayaman para tumulong. Kumbaga yung kaya lang natin." For her, those who had been reached by her efforts called it a blessing.

On the other hand, the current PSL Ambassador had mentioned what her alma mater did, when the brothers of La Salle raised four million pesos in its event named "Kada Uno Lasalyano".
"Whole day concert, andun sina Gary V, tapos nung gabi may meet and greet yung mga current Lady Spikers and alumni. Nakakatuwa na madaming natutulungan," she explained, noting the fact that the F2 pair had owed their career with the UAAP powerhouse.

In addition to that, Marano went with her fellow players and launched her own drive as well, and it did more than just sending personal protective equipments by putting their emphasis on the people who are with them on game days.

"Kaya naisip namin na kung ang mga players ok naman kami, paano kaya yung mga officials natin na wala ding trabaho na umaasa sa volleyball ngayon, ay dahil na-stop?," she asked, referring to the game and table officials and utility crews who are left behind in this pandemic.

It was that realization for Marano that it was their duty and responsibility to never leave them behind when it mattered.

"Naisip namin na tumulong. Basta lahat ng kaya namin maishare para mai-auction," she added, citing the families of the 248 game officials and crew in whom they reach out with their donation drive, which includes putting up their playing jerseys and other game accessories for bidding.

For these three players, the lockdown might have set aside their athletic life, but being a well-rounded person entails most of the responsibilities off the playing court, and they have lived up to the billing as PSL ambassadors.

Photo: Roman Prospero/Philippine Superliga