Former Petro Gazz team manager David Dichupa explained the franchise's decision to take a leave of absence from the PVL, even after two titles in 2025.
Weeks after the Petro Gazz Angels’ shock announcement to take a leave of absence from the PVL, many fans are still wondering what happened to the four-time champions to prompt such a decision.
The Angels were fresh off two PVL titles in 2025 and looked poised to make another run in the upcoming All-Filipino Conference.
Speaking to Noli Eala on One PH’s Power & Play, former team manager David Dichupa said the move was driven largely by business considerations.
“The plan was really to join up with another team. That was born out of an arrangement that was more business than sports,” Dichupa explained.
“We were supposed to use Nxled products as giveaways when people come to buy gas from us. It started as a business proposition.”
Timing of the LOA
That initial concept eventually led to talks of a possible merger with the Nxled Chameleons, which ultimately did not materialize after the PVL rejected the proposal.
“We sort of moved over to the possibility of merging the two teams, which didn’t happen,” Dichupa said. “So we decided that we will beg off. Although our plan really is to somehow remain with volleyball.”
Dichupa also pointed to timing as a key factor in Petro Gazz’s decision, coming off a highly successful year that saw the Angels capture the All-Filipino and Reinforced titles.
“If we’re going to step away from this, now is a good time, considering galing kami sa dalawang championship last year,” he said. “Those two conferences were the most important for the year.”
[ALSO READ: Flying high: 7 memorable moments from the Petro Gazz Angels in the PVL]
Once an Angel, always an Angel
Despite the success, the decision was still an emotional one for both management and players.
“While it’s sad to say goodbye to something you’ve been with for quite a while, even the girls really felt sad about the whole thing,” Dichupa added. “We’ve established a connection with all the girls.”
[ALSO READ: PVL: Van Sickle, Phillips look back on Petro Gazz run as Nxled chapter begins]
With most of the Angels’ players now moving on to other PVL teams—many of them to Nxled—Dichupa had a message for the Petro Gazz fan base.
“I hope the fans continue to be supportive of our players, the ones who came from Petro Gazz,” he said. “Even though some of them have gone on to other teams, they’re still Angels in our eyes.”
—
Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.