CEBU — For PLDT High Speed Hitters’ Kianna Dy, turning 30 wasn’t just a milestone — it was a celebration that came with the sweetest gift of all: a convincing win and the warm embrace of her volleyball family.
On her birthday Saturday, Dy's one simple wish was to walk away with a victory. And her team didn’t just grant it — they made it unforgettable. PLDT cruised to a 25-11, 25-17, 25-21 sweep over the NXLED Chameleons at the USJ-R Coliseum, extending their unbeaten run in Pool A of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour and punching a ticket to the quarterfinals.
The veteran opposite spiker chipped in nine points, including a game-high three blocks, and stood tall in anchoring the High Speed Hitters’ suffocating net defense — the kind of presence that set the tone for PLDT’s dominance.
But the victory was only part of what made the day meaningful.
“Super happy! Siyempre, one of my birthday wishes is to get the win today,” Dy said, beaming.
Her parents flew all the way from Manila to join the festivities in Cebu, just as they had two weeks earlier in Isabela — a testament to their unwavering support. It was a birthday spent with both her volleyball family and her real one — a combination that meant everything to her.
“And very happy as well that I was able to spend my birthday with the people I love — my teammates, my family is also here — so it’s a very happy birthday for me,” she added.
Her teammates made sure she felt the love. There were smiles all around, celebratory huddles, and cheers echoing through the venue. Even the crowd joined in — Cebuanos waving banners and showing genuine affection for the La Salle alumna, who is slowly but surely returning to her peak form.
It’s been a long road for Dy, who only recently returned to action after recovering from a major knee injury that sidelined her for months. Her comeback has been inspiring — filled with quiet grit and an unshakable resolve to rise again.
“Very happy also with how the fans welcomed us here, and I super loved the energy. It’s really fun playing in front of people who are very energetic,” said Dy, who seemed visibly touched by the enthusiastic reception she received in Cebu.
On social media, messages poured in for her, with fans and teammates celebrating not just her birthday but her resilience and impact on the court. Even PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort made special mention of her growing influence in the team dynamic, alongside the strong presence of their middles — a unit Dy helps anchor with quiet command.
But there’s little time to dwell in the glow of celebration.
PLDT returns to action the very next day, set to face Galeries Tower at 4:00 PM as they chase a perfect 5-0 sweep in the pool stage — a feat that would cement their top seed heading into the playoffs.
“You can see naman na we work as a team, and continue lang sa next games and trainings. Maybe work more on consistency and communication. We’re just gonna work on it sa training,” Dy said.
