PASSI, Iloilo — For Aby Maraño, this one meant more.
After a forgettable first homecoming earlier this year, the pride of Passi finally delivered the kind of performance she had long dreamed of—this time with her game, her grit, and her ever-spirited presence on full display for her fellow Ilonggos.
The Chery Tiggo Crossovers rode Maraño’s energy to their third consecutive win in the Premier Volleyball League on Tour, taking down Cignal in four sets, 25-13, 26-28, 25-15, 25-15, on a memorable Saturday night at the City of Passi Arena.
Unlike her last outing on home soil, where she saw limited minutes and scored just two points in a loss to Choco Mucho, Maraño made the most of her time this time around—finishing with seven points and playing a pivotal role in Chery Tiggo’s statement win.
“Last na tournament dito, hindi ako masyadong nakalaro. Konti lang ’yung oras ko na nakapaglaro,” the 32-year-old middle blocker recalled. “Pero nung nalaman ko na babalik dito, sabi ko talaga sa sarili ko: ‘Kapag pinaglaro ako nila coach, kailangan kong ma-showcase talaga kung ano ako para mapakita ko sa lahat ng mga taga-Passi kung sino si Aby Maraño.’”
And she did just that.
Maraño may not have posted eye-popping stats, but her impact was undeniable. From quick kills to timely blocks, and even more so, her signature energy and emotion—she ignited a spark in Chery Tiggo that carried them to the top of the standings.
More than anything, this game was about redemption and gratitude. It was about representing her roots, her family, and the hometown that raised her.
“Marami po akong relatives dito sa Passi, as in, ang angkan namin ng Palmares nandito,” she said, smiling with visible pride. “Kaya feeling ko buong pamilya ko yung nanonood kanina.”
That familiar warmth made the moment even more special. For Maraño, Passi isn’t just a place—it’s a living memory of childhood summers, family gatherings, and home-cooked meals. It’s where she spent countless New Year’s and Christmases growing up, where her journey began long before the lights and cheers of the pros.
“Sobrang special po kasi growing up, marami akong mga childhood memories dito dahil sa lola ko—lagi kaming umuuwi dito,” she shared. “Nagce-celebrate kami ng New Year, Christmas, summer, buong summer, iniiwan kami dito.”
The return to Passi wasn’t just a match—it was a homecoming. And this time, Maraño made sure to give her kababayan something to be proud of.
“Sobra po akong natutuwa. Gusto ko pong i-alay yung game na ’to para sa mga kababayan ko dito sa Passi,” she said. “Sana proud sila sa akin.”
