Aiza Maizo-Pontillas set realistic goals with the new-look Galeries Tower Highrisers ahead of their 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference campaign.
A new chapter is set to unfold for veteran hitter Aiza Maizo-Pontillas after joining the rebuilding Galeries Tower Highrisers for the 2026 PVL season.
Maizo-Pontillas admitted that joining a youthful roster under a new coaching staff under Aying Esteban came with early nerves, but those quickly gave way to excitement as the group settled into its program.
“Nung una, kinabahan kasi siyempre mga bagets yung magiging teammate ko and bago din yung coaches na magiging coach ko ulit. ‘Di ko pa sila nakatrabaho,” she said.
“Excited dahil mga bagets ‘yung kasama ko, malaking adjustment din sa program ni coach pero naging flexible naman ang bawat isa sa amin.”
Excited for the new chapter
Maizon-Pontillas was the marquee signing for the Highrisers during a busy offseason, which saw the squad sign 14 new players.
Asked how different she feels at this stage of her career, the 37-year-old stressed that her mindset remains grounded in steady improvement.
“Wala naman, siyempre every training, every game, bagong learnings lang din naman para sa akin yan. Tinatake ko naman sa pag-improve sa sarili ko.”
For Maizo-Pontillas, longevity has become a priority—one that goes hand in hand with enjoying the process and guiding a younger core.
“Sa akin, naalagaan ko lang yung sarili ko para mas tumagal pa lalo yung paglalaro sa volleyball and in-enjoy lahat ng ginagawa ko,” she said.
Maizo-Pontillas is fully aware of Galeries Tower's cellar-dwelling finishes since joining the league in 2023, as she set realistic goals with her new teammates.
“Siguro dahil yung nasa bottom yung Galeries season, ang ini-aim ko, not ako lang, pati lahat ng teammates ko na ‘yan, may angat paunti-unti ‘yung team namin.”
Galeries Tower will open its All-Filipino campaign against the Cignal Super Spikers on Saturday, January 31, at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
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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.