Cignal’s Jau Umandal expresses how Galeries Tower’s Ysa Jimenez serves as his inspiration, continuously driving him to elevate his performance in every match.
In the world of volleyball, where every point is a battle and every victory a testament to perseverance, love can be both an anchor and a catalyst.
For Ysa Jimenez and Jau Umandal, their relationship transcends the court, fueling each other's drive to reach new heights in their respective careers.
Ysa Jimenez recently etched her name in the history books, leading the Galeries Tower Highrisers to a breakthrough victory in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
In a stunning four-set triumph over the Cignal HD Spikers, she erupted for a career-high 23 points—her finest performance yet.
This win not only secured the Highrisers' first-ever playoff berth but also cemented Ysa’s status as a rising star in Philippine volleyball.
While Ysa's performance captivated the crowd, Jau Umandal was also proving his mettle on the court.
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As a key player for the Cignal HD Spikers, Jau has built a name for himself through hard work and dedication—qualities that he and Ysa deeply admire in each other. Their unwavering belief in one another has become their greatest source of strength.
“Ginagawa ko siyang inspiration. Tinutulungan namin ‘yong bawat isa na umangat kami sa larangan ng volleyball. Kahit na maraming tao sa paligid namin na madaming sinasabi na parang dini-disregard namin sila,” Jau shared.
“Hindi namin sila kailangang paniwalaan. Dalawa lang kami na maniniwala sa isa’t isa,” he added.
From their high school days to their professional careers, they have been side by side, witnessing each other’s struggles and triumphs.
“Si Ysa, since high school, kami na magkasama. Ups and downs namin, career namin, magkasama na kami. Hindi pa ako gano’n kakilala, siya gano’n din, kami na ‘yong magkasama. Eight years na kaming magkasama. Siya ‘yong kasama ko sa hirap at ginhawa,” Jau reminisced in a Poplife PH feature.
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But their support for each other goes both ways. Just as Jau lifts Ysa up, she does the same for him, standing by his side through every challenge.
“Nandoon na ‘yong suporta niya para sa akin. ‘Yong every game, almost nag-start ako sa Cignal. Lahat naman ng team ko talagang nandiyan siya side ko para sumuportang manuod sa akin. Nagiging boost siya na kailangan kong galingan nang galingan palagi,” he said with One Sports.
As Ysa basks in her hard-earned victory and Jau continues to make waves in his own career, one thing remains constant: they support each other unconditionally. Together, they will keep striving, keep winning, and keep proving that love, indeed, has the power to elevate.
Watch the full interview here:
With reports from Jamie Velasco/One Sports