It’s time for Alas Pilipinas’ Fifi Sharma, Josh Ybañez, Leo Ordiales, and Kim Malabunga to unveil the legendary volleyball superheroes who inspire their own powers on the court.
After Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Jade Disquitado, Buds Buddin, and Noel Kampton, Alas Pilipinas’ Fifi Sharma, Josh Ybañez, Leo Ordiales, and Kim Malabunga also shared the volleyball icons they look up to as their own superheroes.
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Humility and leadership: Josh and the model player in Yuki
For Josh Ybañez, humility and calmness are the superpowers he admires in Team Japan’s Yuki Ishikawa. Ever since high school, he has been inspired by Ishikawa’s leadership on the court.
“High school pa lang, kahit no’ng libero pa ako, siya na talaga ‘yong hinahangaan kong spiker. Kasi nga sobrang humble niya and ang galing niya mag-lead ng team,” he said.
Emulating Royalty: Fifi and Queen Tijana
Fifi Sharma embodies the spirit of a queen respecting her fellow queen as she admires Team Serbia’s Tijana Boskovic.
“I really wanna be her because she’s so good. I wanna experience how it feels to be that good. Like, how does their mind work and what are their bodies like,” she mentioned.
Obsession for speed and intuition
Veteran Kim Malabunga channels the power of Brazilian Gualberto Flavio when it comes to quick attacks and blocking skills. Someday, he hopes to be just like him.
“Gusto ko ‘yong mga quick attacks niya and ‘yong blockings,” he said.
Following the best: It's Matt's technique and style for Leo
For Leo Ordiales, the same opposite spiker techniques from Team USA’s Matt Anderson serve as a source of inspiration.
“Parehas kasi kaming opposite [spiker], parang ginagaya ko ‘yong play style niya ganun.”
Watch the full video here:
(With reports from Maureen Muarip/One Sports Digital)