It's not the end of the road for F2 Logistics.
"Hindi ka babae lang, babae ka."
Regine Diego made quite a splash in her debut as the only female coach in the women's professional volleyball league.
She has made a lot of noise in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, and it's well worth talking about since she led the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers to a bronze medal. The first in the franchise's history in the PVL.
But for Diego, the Cargo Movers' exciting run in the league's all-local edition brought something more valuable than a shiny piece of metal.
"Thank you @f2cargomovers and to @pvlph for the opportunity to coach these amazing girls and for helping me create a platform that could inspire women to dream more, learn more and become more," Diego posted on Instagram after their third place finish.
That platform though has been a double-edged sword for F2 Logistics.
They have gathered quite a lot of detractors on social media for their looks while on the court—from their on-fleek eyebrows to their fluttering eyelashes. Diego herself has not been spared as she mixed up her hairstyle every match.
But maybe we should ask ourselves, what is so wrong with having a perfectly-winged eyeliner?
What's so wrong with feeling good when you're looking good?
Even the F2 Logistics' on-court swagger earned some ire, with some online critics calling them "mayabang."
Diego herself has been branded as "mataray" in some social media comments for her sharp tongue.
The coach though is setting an example. Instead of being cowed by the criticism, she is embracing the fierceness.
"I hope all the girls be bosses by their own [right]," she told One Sports. "Kailangan strong [and] independent tayo."
That attitude has been well received by F2 Logistics, with captain Aby Maraño leading the way by showing fans there's no reason to wish harm on players when there's plenty of kindness to go around.
Maraño also explained the reason behind her swag. Like her coach, it's all about having fun.
"Normal lang talaga sa'kin na parang binabakla ko kasi nag-eenjoy ako 'pag ganun eh. Alam niyo naman sa life natin, 'pag walang mga bading, dull! Boring!" Tyang said after their Game 1 victory over the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
And for Maraño, it's not about demoralizing her opponents. It's about lifting her squad.
"Kaya forda show kung paano ako maglaro. Nakikita ko na 'pag nag-eenjoy ako at nalalabas ko 'yung sarili ko sa laro, nabu-boost 'yung confidence ng teammates ko."
Thus, the Cargo Movers end up with their first-ever podium finish in the PVL.
The squad in yellow vows this is only the start of more deep playoff runs, and Diego says she is happy to have left her mark in this conference's third-place finish.
"This is not the end of the road for us. Cheers to making more history or HERstory for our team!"