Two-time Olympic boxing medalist Nesthy Petecio traded the ring for the court last Tuesday as she joined a passionate crowd of 9,551 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to watch the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference doubleheader.
Petecio, alongside her fiancée Riza Geneblaza, witnessed two thrilling matches—Chery Tiggo’s stunning four-set comeback victory over the previously unbeaten PLDT and Creamline’s electrifying triumph against Choco Mucho.
While volleyball isn’t her primary sport, Petecio’s heart was on full display, showing up to support her close friends, including Aby Maraño and Alyssa Valdez, as well as Bethel Solano, Choco Mucho’s physical therapist who had worked with Petecio during the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games.
“Sobrang nakakatuwa na sinusuportahan din yung mga kaibigan natin sa volleyball, si Aby Maraño isa na doon,” Petecio shared.
For Geneblaza, the event was just as special. She was thrilled to watch her idol, Choco Mucho star Sisi Rondina, take to the court.
“Gustong-gusto ko manood last conference pa nung finals nila pero wala po akong time,” Petecio admitted.
Beyond her admiration for volleyball, Petecio couldn’t help but marvel at the immense support women’s volleyball receives in the Philippines. She expressed her wish for a similar level of enthusiasm for boxing, especially for female boxers striving to bring pride to the nation.
“I wish na ganun din po sa boxing,” said the 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist.
Petecio also took the opportunity to reflect on the rising prominence of women in sports, a development that fills her with pride.
“Syempre nakakatuwa po na ‘di lang puro lalaki ‘yung mga nakikita ng mga tao. Nandiyan na rin po ‘yung mga kababaihan,” she said. “Masarap sa pakiramdam, masarap na masaksihan ‘yung ganun na nangyayari.”
As someone who has experienced challenges in her own career, Petecio emphasized the importance of gender equality and continuous support for female athletes across all sports.
“More support po sana and wala pong discrimination sa gender or something. Sobrang nakakatuwa sa binibigay na suporta ng mga tao,” she said.
