Petro Gazz Angels middle blocker Marian Buitre denied she was suspended, following a controversial gesture during the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals against the Creamline Cool Smashers.
Marian Buitre has broken her silence about the struggles she faced, following a controversial exit from the court during the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals.
Buitre was criticized on social media after being seen making an obscene gesture during the Petro Gazz Angels’ semifinal match against the Creamline Cool Smashers last May.
The incident, which was caught on camera during a net fault review, had become viral at the time.
On Thursday, Buitre spoke about the matter. She did not suit up for the match against the Akari Chargers, but was present in the press room while wearing a Petro Gazz shirt.
Speaking to One Sports, the 28-year-old middle blocker immediately denied that her actions during the match were directed at Creamline players, sharing that she maintains good relationships with them.
“Siyempre, aamin ko na naapektuhan talaga ako lalo na mentally. So, gusto ko lang din i-address na it was not really meant for [the] Creamline players, ganyan. Actually, goods nga kami nung mga players eh,” Buitre told One Sports in a moment after the post-game press conference.
Reports online claimed that Buitre had been punished for actions with an indefinite suspension—something she denied as well. PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo has also confirmed that no punishment was given to the middle blocker.
Instead, the reason for the former UP Fighting Maroons middle blocker’s disappearance for the rest of the season was because her contract expired. She also wanted to take a mental health break amid all the bashing.
“Hindi totoo ‘yung mga allegation na na-suspend daw ako, may sanction daw ako ganyan-ganyan. It just so happened na nag-end contract ko nun tapos ‘di na rin muna ako tumuloy dahil I wanted to take a mental break nung time na ‘yun, kasi sobrang dami na din nangyayari,” Buitre explained.
“Pero now, I’m better and thankful ako sa mga taong hindi ako iniwan, mga sumusuporta pa rin, and to my family. Nung time na ‘yun pinu-push away ko ['yung] mga tao pero my family never left my sight,” she added.
Buitre eventually found her way back to Petro Gazz, where she found solace in her teammates' unwavering support.
“Grateful ako sa Petro Gazz and to my teammates kasi despite everything tinanggap pa rin nila ako with no judgement and very welcoming pa rin naman sila,” said Buitre.
“Bumalik ako ng September [at] nung nag-team-building kami. Mas na-open ko ‘yung sarili ko sa kanila and mas nasabi ko naman ‘yung mga nararamdaman ko. And now I’m feeling better and parang naging okay pa. Better than ever ‘yung mga samahan namin,” she added.
However, Buitre’s PVL comeback hit a snag just a week before the opening of the ongoing 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference, when she suffered an ankle sprain. Now at about 50% recovery, Buitre is optimistic about returning to full strength.
“Mahaba pa naman ‘yung conference, marami pang puwedeng mangyari, so may time pa ako to recover. Siguro next year sa 2025, hopefully, ma-100% na rin ‘yung katawan ko,” Buitre bared.
Through it all, Buitre has learned the importance of seeking help and leaning on others.
“Aminin ko rin, nung nawala ako sa team parang may mga ilan-ilan na teammates, kinakamusta ako pero hindi ko sila pinapasin kasi I wanted to be alone. Pero what I learned from what happened is if I need help, I need to ask for help, hindi ‘yung lagi ko lang sinasarili,” she emphasized.
She also pointed out the importance of accountability and mindfulness whenever they're in the venue.
“Moving forward, lesson na rin ‘yun not just for me, it’s a lesson for everyone na mas maging mindful ka kasi siguro noon parang sa tingin ako invisible rin ako,” Buitre reflected.
“Dahil very crucial ‘yung game and ‘yung mga calls very controversial, parang lahat napapansin. Hindi pala ako invisible, so parang lahat pala ng ginagawa ko maraming puwedeng maging impact sa iba. It’s just a learning experience from there,” she added.
As she focuses on her recovery, Buitre looks forward to returning to the court stronger, determined to make a fresh start for herself and the Angels.
(With reports from Xander Cipriano, One Sports Digital)