Rookie Alleiah Malaluan admitted to feeling the jitters after making a winning debut with the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the 2025 PVL Invitational.
Months after being drafted as the ninth overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, Alleiah Malaluan finally made her debut for PLDT in the league's Invitational conference.
Malaluan came off the bench in the High Speed Hitters’ sweep of Chery Tiggo, 25-16, 25-14, 25-20, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City Thursday, Aug. 21.
After the match, the former La Salle standout admitted to feeling the nerves as she entered the taraflex. Despite this, she finished with 11 points and 13 excellent digs.
“Of course, kasi first time playing with PLDT. Sabi ko nga kanina, ba’t ako kinakabahan? I already experienced playing internationally. So, yeah, sobrang happy lang din na nairaos ko,” Malaluan said during the presser.
[ALSO READ: PNVF clears Alas Pilipinas Women to return to PVL clubs before end of national team period]
“Sobrang grateful ako with this opportunity because, siyempre, I’ve been with the team for a few months na, and this experience has been my stepping stone para magkaroon pa ako ng connection with the team,” she added.
Malaluan, along with other Alas Pilipinas players, were recently cleared by the PNVF to rejoin their respective PVL clubs.
Having played during the 2025 VTV Cup, the 23-year-old spiker credited her national team stint for helping her adapt quickly to the High Speed Hitters’ system.
Alleiah Malaluan reacts during her first game with PLDT. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
“Kung ano 'yong itinuturo sa'kin na corrections [sa Alas], ita-try ko ring i-apply sa PLDT, kasi I know it could help me rin in the long run.”
But even while training with Alas Women, Malaluan made sure to stay locked in with head coach Rald Ricafort’s program in PLDT.
“Sumasali rin ako sa viewings nila. Inaaral ko 'yong mga itinuturo, and I always make sure na kung anong sinasabi ni coach [Rald], ina-absorb ko lang.”
With her first PVL game officially over, Malaluan will now turn her attention to PLDT's next foe, Cignal, when they clash Saturday, Aug. 23.