PVL Draft applicants Angel Galinato and Kirsty Destajo. PVL Media
MANILA — Two PVL aspirants from the provinces are taking a leap of faith in the upcoming 2026 Rookie Draft.
Cebu's Angel Galinato from University of San Carlos and Kirsty Destajo of the University of Nueva Caceres in Naga are eyeing to make it to the professional league, backed by their personal motivations and courage to shoot their shot in Manila.
"The reason is the people who believe in me," said Galinato, answering why she joined the Draft. "They were the ones who pushed me po and try in the Draft."
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USC's Galinato played in CESAFI as well as multiple Shakey's tournaments.
"Because of them (who supports me) I chose to believe in myself and my skills — that maybe, I am capable of competing here in Manila."
For Destajo, she wanted to challenge herself and show what she learned in her hometown.
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"(Gusto kong) i-challenge 'yung self ko dito sa pros — at mag-excel pa po, (and gamitin) 'yung natutunan ko sa province na ginagawa namin sa volleyball," said the Camarines Sur pride, standing tall at 5-foot-9 and a middle blocker.
Destajo said that she learned a lot from her colleagues in the UAAP and NCAA during the Draft Combine.
"Marami po (akong natutunan) from UAAP and NCAA players," she said. "Nakaka-adapt din po ako kung ano'ng nakikita ko."
The proceedings are scheduled for June 3, and these two aspirants hope that the sky's the limit, even for aces from the provinces.