MJ Perez is relishing her return to the Philippines after five years as she joins the Cignal HD Spikers in the upcoming 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
After five long years, Venezuelan spiker MJ Perez is back in the Philippines after signing with the Cignal HD Spikers in the upcoming 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
While it did take some time for Perez to return to the country, the 32-year-old veteran admitted feeling at home right away when she joined the HD Spikers.
"I'm very excited because it's been a while since I played here; it was five years ago. Now that I came back, I feel like I'm at home with my family," Perez told One Sports during the PVL Media Day on Saturday, July 13.
"You know how Filipinos are, they're very friendly, and all the fans welcome me very well, so I like that, and I'm very happy to be back," she added.
Perez brings a wealth of experience to the Cignal squad, which has been eager to return the Finals and bring home a PVL title.
MJ's international career has showcased her talent worldwide, most recently with Alexandria Sporting Club VC in Egypt. Perez has also played in Puerto Rico, Finland, Cyprus, France, Indonesia, Italy, and Vietnam.
Since joining the team, Perez has had nothing but praise for her new teammates, even liking their chances of winning the Reinforced Conference title.
"I feel that we have a very strong team. We have a very good setter and very good outside hitters," said Perez. "I think that we have a good opportunity to get the championship this year. I'm very excited and very positive about that."
Perez, by all means, is no stranger to the Philippine volleyball community, having played for the disbanded F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in the now-defunct Philippine Super Liga.
There, the 6-foot-2 outside hitter led the Cargo Movers to the 2017 Grand Prix championship.
As she readies for a new chapter with Cignal, Perez is still very much excited to face off against her former teammates, most especially those in the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
Some of Perez’s former teammates who are now in PLDT include Kim Fajardo, Majoy Baron, and Kianna Dy.
"For sure, I'm excited to meet PLDT because I think most of the F2 players are there, so I'm very happy to see them and very happy that they're still there, professionals," said Perez.
"Even if we are not on the same team, I wish them good luck and all the best for them because we share so many good things in the past. Now that I will be facing them, I'm very excited for sure," she added.