It was all smiles for Roger Gorayeb and Jang Bualee as the two got to reunite after several years during the 2025 AVC Women's Champions League.
Amid the high-stakes action at the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, a quiet but meaningful reunion unfolded.
Capital1 head coach Roger Gorayeb and two-time Shakey’s V-League MVP Jang Bualee shared an emotional catch-up, made possible during the week-long AVC joust at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Now an assistant coach and team manager for Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima, Bualee didn’t miss the chance to reconnect with her former coach and longtime friend.
“I’m very happy to see him again. I messaged him, ‘Coach, are you coming to approach me?’ He said, ‘Yes, of course,’” Bualee said after Nakhon Ratchasima’s five-set victory over PLDT.
[ALSO READ: Jang Bualee cherishes Philippine 'homecoming' as Thai team sees action in AVC joust]
Gorayeb likewise shared how he got to be in touch with his former player once more.
“Nung Sunday, nagpunta ako du’n sa hotel. May ibibigay daw siya sa’kin, so ito ‘yung binigay niya—sapatos, T-shirt,” Gorayeb shared with a smile.
“Excited na ‘yang umuwi at makausap kami. 'Yung mga dating teammates, nag-chat sa kanya. Natutuwa ako kasi matagal na rin kaming hindi nag-uusap at nagkikita.”
Bualee was a central figure during the rise of the V-League before it later turned into the PVL, helping Gorayeb’s Sandugo-San Sebastian squad dominate while endearing herself to Filipino fans with her charisma, talent, and warmth.
“Malaki ang kontribusyon niya para iangat 'yung popularity ng volleyball,” said Gorayeb of Bualee. “Napakabait niyang bata. Ugaling Filipino talaga—hindi mahirap kausap, hindi mahirap pakisamahan.”
The bond between the two extended off the court as well. Gorayeb recalled how Bualee once stayed at his home during a difficult time in her life.
“Two, three years ago, du’n siya sa bahay ko nag-stay. Wala pa siyang tirahan, kaya du’n muna siya tumuloy,” he said. “Umiiyak pa siya noon kasi namatay ang wife ko. Nakaka-touch talaga.”
Bualee’s loyalty and genuine affection for her Philippine volleyball family stood out even more during a unique moment in her playing career.
After San Sebastian didn’t join the collegiate season one year, she briefly suited up for Ateneo. But even then, her heart remained with Gorayeb and her old squad.
“Umiiyak siya kasi sobra siyang attached sa amin,” Gorayeb recounted. “Pero sabi ko, okay lang, maglaro ka muna sa ibang school. Ganoon siya ka-loyal at kabait.”
Now, nearly a decade later, the volleyball world has come full circle.
Bualee will once again find herself on the opposite side of the net from one of her era's local stars—Alyssa Valdez—as her Nakhon Ratchasima squad face the Creamline Cool Smashers in the AVC quarterfinals on Thursday, April 25, at the PhilSports Arena.