After a grueling battle with PTB and pleural effusion that left him uncertain of returning, Joeven Dela Vega made an emotional comeback for PGJC-Navy in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
Nearly a year after his world turned upside down, Joeven Dela Vega finally stepped back onto the volleyball court.
On Wednesday night, the hard-hitting winger made his long-awaited comeback for PGJC-Navy, suiting up for his first official match in almost a year as the Sealions faced UST-Gameville in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena.
Dela Vega’s return is nothing short of remarkable. Last year, he was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) with pleural effusion, a severe condition that forced him into an extended battle for his health — and, at one point, his career.
“That time, na-find out na PTB plus pleural effusion, medyo malala na siya,” Dela Vega recalled. “Na-surgery ako — VATS — tapos sabi ng doktor mga four to six months pa bago makabalik sa physical activity. Pero pinilit ko talaga sarili ko na makabalik agad.”
A battle off the court
The diagnosis sidelined him for months.
Dela Vega was hospitalized for more than three weeks, transferred between three different hospitals, and confined to bed as his body weakened.
At his lowest point, he had lost over 10 kilograms, stepping out of the hospital frail and uncertain if he would ever play again.
“Para sa akin siguro ano eh, hindi ko rin ma-imagine na makabalik ako agad,” he said. “Pero it took a lot of sacrifices kasi kumbaga, ‘yung matatawag mo na sobrang hirap pero nakaya mo naman. Pero thankful din ako na naka-recover ako kaagad for more than six months.”
A relentless comeback
Doctors told him it would take four to six months before he could return to physical activity. But Dela Vega, driven by determination and love for the game, pushed through his limits to recover faster.
“Yun nga, after nun, sabi ng doktor mga four to six months pa ako makaka-physical activity but pinilit ko ‘yung self ko na makabalik agad,” he shared.
While still adjusting physically and emotionally, Dela Vega savored every moment back on the floor, scoring two points in his comeback performance.
“Excited saka blessed kasi kanina first game. Medyo mababa pa ‘yung performance pero ang mahalaga, nakabalik ako,” he said. “Hopefully sa mga susunod na laro, maka-adapt na agad.”
@onesportsphl ‘IT TAKES A LOT OF SACRIFICES.' ???🩹 Joeven Dela Vega opens up about his six-month recovery journey from pulmonary tuberculosis as he makes his return to the taraflex with the PGJC-Navy Sealions. He expresses his gratitude to everyone who prayed for and supported him throughout his recovery, as he now aims to perform even better in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference. | via Jamie Velasco/One Sports #OSOnTheSpot #SpikersTurf #SportsonTiktok ? original sound - OneSportsPHL
PGJC-Navy will be back on Friday, October 31, when they face the FEU-DN Steel at 2:00 p.m.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco/One Sports)
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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.