Kath Arado capped the PLDT High Speed Hitters' historic PVL on Tour championship with her own milestone, capturing the Best Libero award while finally savoring her first title at any level.
The PVL on Tour Finals felt like a double victory for Kath Arado.
Not only did the 27-year-old libero anchor the defense in PLDT High Speed Hitters’ breakthrough championship run, she also walked away with the Best Libero award, capping off what has been a perfect preseason run.
“Sobrang proud lang po talaga kasi since Day 1 talaga, 'yung sacrifices ng team, lalo na 'yung coaches, lalo na 'yung tutok nila every game, every team na makakalaban namin talagang hands on talaga kami,” Arado shared during the championship press conference.
“From injuries, parang hindi natatapos 'yung injuries, so ngayon kami nakumpleto, so sobrang saya ko kasi finally champion and kumpleto kami.”
Despite her decorated career, including national team stints, Arado had never won a championship—not even in college.
That made Sunday’s title and personal award even more meaningful.
“Sa ngayon kasi hindi ko ma-explain kung ano 'yung nafi-feel ko talaga, parang sobrang grateful lang talaga ako na naging part ako ng team na ‘to,” the former UE standout said. “Sobrang proud na sila 'yung kasama ko na may suot nitong [championship] t-shirt na ito,” she said.
Arado credited not just her teammates, but also PLDT’s coaching staff for pushing her through the grind and believing in her role as a tone-setter.
“Ang dami rin talagang ano—’yun nga lalo na sa babae very emotional, so talagang ‘yung tiyaga ng coaches sa amin, sa akin lalo, na parang ‘Oh kailangan ikaw magsimula ng level.’ So ‘yung tiyaga na nakikita ko sa training talaga nadala talaga namin siya ngayon.”
[ALSO READ: Savi Davison says PLDT's first PVL title is a testament to total team effort]
With her first championship now secured, along with another Best Libero recognition, Arado can finally savor the moment she’s long been chasing.
But the work only continues for Arado and the High Speed Hitters as they return to action on Thursday, August 21, for the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference.