For Alleiah Malaluan, dreams really do come true—especially when they come wrapped in High Speed red.
The former De La Salle University stalwart couldn't contain her emotions after being selected ninth overall by the PLDT High Speed Hitters during the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft on Sunday at the Novotel Manila Araneta City. And it wasn't just any draft pick. It was the one she had been quietly, fervently hoping for.
“Actually to be honest I’m really grateful and sobrang minamanifest ko talaga mag-PLDT kasi aminin ko, 'yun yung dream team ko. I’m just really happy and I’m out of words right now,” Malaluan said, smiling through disbelief and joy.
As names were called and the rounds unfolded, Malaluan sat still, hopeful, prayerful. When it was finally her turn, the stars aligned.
A decorated product of the Lady Spikers program, Malaluan is coming off a UAAP career filled with grit and grace, and her transition to the pros comes at a pivotal time for PLDT. The High Speed Hitters are in need of fresh firepower on the wings following the departures of Erika Santos and Fiola Ceballos—an opportunity Malaluan is more than ready to embrace.
Slated to join a wing rotation that includes Savi Davison, Jovie Prado, Kiesha Bedonia, and Shiela Kiseo, the 5-foot-10 outside hitter is ready to prove herself on the PVL stage. But there’s more to her excitement than just volleyball. For Malaluan, this is personal.
“Actually during nasa La Salle pa ako, nagtu-tune-up kami sa kanila. Nakikita ko na siya (Davison) and super nilu-look forward ko rin makipaglaro with her. Isa din siya sa tinitignan ko as idols sa PVL,” she shared.
What makes her PLDT debut even sweeter is the fact that she’s joining a lineup full of familiar faces—and iconic ones at that. The team boasts some of the most celebrated names to come out of La Salle: Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, and Mika Reyes. For Malaluan, it’s not just a reunion—it’s a homecoming.
“Actually it’s a huge help kasi yung sisterhood namin nandoon. Kasama ko yung La Salle ‘ates,’ mas magiging comfortable ako and I know that I’ll be okay with the team,” she said.
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