Kath Arado made history as the first libero to bag the PVL Finals Most Valuable Player citation in PLDT’s back-to-back championship run.
Kath Arado was in shock when her name was called as the Finals Most Valuable Player in the 2025 PVL Invitational.
The PLDT team captain finished with 22 excellent digs to help her squad take down Japan’s Kobe Shinwa in four sets, 21-25, 31-29, 25-22, 25-18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Sunday, Aug. 31.
In the process, Arado became the first libero in league history to take home the award.
“Actually, 'yong Finals MVP, hindi ko talaga alam na mayroon palang ganoong liberong puwedeng mag-Finals MVP,” Arado told reporters.
“Happy and, at the same time, proud sa team kasi ang layo ng pinagdaanan namin since Day 1."
[RELATED STORY: Savi Davison crowned PVL Invitational MVP after powering PLDT’s perfect run to the throne]
Arado’s historic individual plum also came hand-in-hand with her fifth Best Libero award.
But for the 27-year-old defensive stopper, the hardware means less than the journey.
“Itong grupo na 'tong kailangang ma-maintain 'yong pagiging injury-free kasi doon na kami galing, 'yong mga maraming injury sa amin. So masaya at on cloud nine,” she said.
"Ito na talaga 'yong pinaka-celebration naming nag-champion."
Kath Arado celebrates PLDT's second consecutive title. | Photo: PVL
The moment was especially sweet for the former University of the East star, who once endured winless years in the UAAP.
Looking back, Arado was amazed at how far her career has come.
“Hindi sumagi sa isip ko,” Arado admitted.
“Pero when I joined PLDT, gusto ko talagang mabago ‘yong tingin sa team at makilala ito as champion. Super happy kasi kinayod talaga [namin].”
[WATCH: PLDT lifts second straight trophy after dismissal of Kobe Shinwa | PVL Highlights]
Add to that the heartbreaking defeats suffered by the High Speed Hitters over the past years, leading up to their back-to-back titles.
Now, all the sacrifices and struggles have paid off big time for Arado.
“Sobrang bawing-bawi talaga. Hindi lang naman sa heartbreaks [kung hindi pati na rin] 'yong sacrifices talaga ng bawat isang hindi indahin 'yong pagod, hindi indahin 'yong may masakit,” said Arado.
“Parang may reason nga talaga lahat ng nangyayari. And, laking pasasalamat kong hindi bumigay ‘yong ni isa sa amin,” she added.