For Akari Chargers spiker Ivy Lacsina and Choco Mucho Flying Titans setter Deanna Wong, love is about standing by each other no matter what.
525,600 minutes. 525,000 moments so dear. One Sports is using this season of love to celebrate all kinds of beautiful relationships--romantic, platonic, and what have you--with the mini-series Match Point. Where better to start than The Heart of Volleyball?
For Ivy Lacsina and Deanna Wong, love isn’t just about spending time together—it’s about standing by each other no matter what, especially when facing criticism and negativity.
As two of the most well-known volleyball players in the country, the Akari Chargers spiker and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans setter have learned to tune out the noise and focus on what truly matters: their relationship and personal growth.
“Mas tumitingin kami sa isa't isa and 'yung tiwala namin sa isa't isa and naka-focus kami kung saan 'yung mas makaka-help samin. And then 'yung mga iba na hindi ganun ka-ganda, pakikinggan namin, pero like hindi na namin para idagdag pa sa problema namin. Kalma lang kami. Para lang kami mag-barkada eh,” Lacsina told One Sports.
Being in the spotlight, especially in the Philippine volleyball scene, often comes with scrutiny. But for Lacsina, having Wong by her side makes it easier to navigate the challenges.
“Siyempre, palagi naman niya akong na-iinspire kasi mas matagal siya sa industry ng pro. Marami rin akong natututunan sa kanya, kaya madalas tinitignan ko talaga siya,” she said.
While volleyball dominates their daily lives, the couple makes a conscious effort to separate their job from their personal time.
“Kapag nasa condo na or sa bahay, hindi na namin masyado pinag-uusapan 'yung volleyball kasi halos everyday volleyball na 'yung life namin. Siguro it's more on siyempre parang mag-uusap lang kami na ganito 'yung nangyari sa training, ganito ganyan, and then support lang sa isa't isa,” Lacsina shared.
Instead, they find comfort in the little things—like simply being there for each other.
"The way niya ako i-support is sasabihin ko lang lahat sa kanya and then kakausapin niya ako kung anong puwede i-help ganun or mas mabilis kasi ako ma-comfort 'pag, 'Anong gusto mo kainin?' Ganun lang niya ako kausap,” Lacsina giggled.
On Valentine’s Day, their plans remain spontaneous, with Lacsina unsure if they’ll get to celebrate due to their schedules.
“According sa schedule ni coach Taka [Minowa], wala daw kaming training. Hindi ko pa alam kasi 'yung partner ko is may training din so wala pa kaming exact [plan] talaga. More on spontaneous talaga kami,” Lacsina shared.
But regardless of how they spend the day, Lacsina had a heartfelt message for Wong:
“Hi, Adi, siyempre Happy Hearts Day! Lagi mo lang tatandaan na nandito ako for you, and siyempre, a life to go.”
For Ivy and Deanna, love isn’t about extravagant plans but about supporting and uplifting each other—both on and off the court.
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