For longtime Filipino fans Maan, Gladilyn, and Irene, Leila Barros’ return to Manila was more than a reunion, it was the fulfillment of a dream 21 years in the making.
More than two decades after Leila Barros first captured the hearts of Filipinos, her long-awaited return to Manila for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship reignited a flood of memories for her most loyal fans.
For many, finally seeing the Brazilian volleyball icon once again was more than nostalgia — it was a dream fulfilled.
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Cheering for heart, not just talent
Maan Guevarra vividly recalls the 2000 FIVB World Grand Prix at the now-PhilSports Arena, when she and her friends first saw Leila lead Brazil in action.
“Puso eh. Dama mo ‘yung puso,” she said.
“You cheer for those kinds of people na hindi lang talented. It resonates with everyone. Kaya buong arena 'yung nag-cheer sa kanya lagi.”
Fans share photos of Leila Barros during the 2004 Samsung FIVB World Grand Prix. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
For Maan, one memory stands out above the rest: meeting Barros at the hotel after a game.
“Even though busy and tired siya, she was able to sit down and just take a picture with us. Big deal for a fan.”
Drawn by charisma
For Gladilyn Alvero, it was Leila’s mix of competitiveness and charisma that left a lasting impression when she first saw her on TV during the Grand Prix.
“‘Yung palaban siya pero pag nag-smile siya sa crowd, very endearing. Bukod sa skills niya, volleyball IQ, lovable at accommodating siya sa fans,” she said.
Though she never saw Barros live back then — she was only 12 years old — her biggest heartbreak came when she heard of Leila’s volleyball retirement.
“Nawalan ako ng hope na makikita ko siya ever. Pero 25 years later, she came back. Parang childhood dream na na-fulfill.”
A childhood wish fulfilled
Irene Bartolome, meanwhile, was just eight years old when her parents first took her to watch the Grand Prix.
“After noon, doon na ako naging fan. Ang galing-galing niya maglaro, tapos very charming, parang darling of the crowd talaga,” Irene recalled.
“Minsan sa sports nagagalit ang players, pero siya smiling lang lagi.”
Irene Bartolome and Karen Posadas show off their memorabilia from Leila Barros' second visit to the Philippines in 2004. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
For Irene, Leila’s return to the Philippines is the moment she had been waiting for.
“After noon, I always wished sana makabalik siya. Para ma-meet ko siya finally. So eto na — eto na yung moment na yun.”
A legacy that lasts
From their initial encounters in the early 2000s to finally seeing her again this year, fans like Maan, Gladilyn, and Irene are proof of how Leila Barros’ passion, charisma, and humility transcended the court.
To the fans, Barros isn’t just a volleyball star — she’s the reason they fell in love with the sport, and her return is a gift they’ll never forget.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.