
New mIssion for Daquis in PVL
RACHEL Anne Daquis is having a new mission, guiding the rising stars in the Premier Volleyball League.
The volleyball icon made her long-awaited return, suiting up for Farm Fresh in the All-Filipino Conference after being away from the game since mid-2023.
Daquis, who last played for Cignal before taking a break in 2024 to focus on her business ventures, made a surprise comeback Thursday night, eager to instill the values of leadership and smart play in her young teammates.
“Unang-una, ‘yung contribution ko sa team—sobrang meaningful nitong comeback para sa akin. Wala na akong hinahabol sa career ko; para na ito sa mga bata,” Daquis said after her return against Galeries Tower.
Daquis scored a point, a kill in the second set, as the Foxies pulled off a 28-26, 17-25, 25-19, 25-17 victory over the Highrisers to improve to 4-4.
Trisha Tubu fired a career-high 33 points, but the moment belonged to Daquis.
Known for her relentless energy and charismatic leadership, the Far Eastern University legend understands that her presence on the court extends beyond scoring points. It’s about setting an example—both in action and in attitude.
“‘Yun ‘yung magiging biggest contribution ko sa kanila—kung paano ako mag-lead sa loob ng court, paano sila maging intact na puwede nilang sundan. Gumagawa lang tayo ng blueprint para sa kanila,” said Daquis.
Daquis checked into the match late in the first set, getting applause from the Philsports Arena crowd. Her presence, though brief, helped stabilize Farm Fresh.
No wonder, Daquis’ experience is invaluable.
“‘Yun ‘yung nakikita kong magiging best contribution ko sa team. Kita mo naman, 33 points si Tubu—nandiyan na lahat, kumpleto na ‘yung bala. So ang tanong na lang, paano namin lalaruin ‘yung laro namin at paano ko sila matutulungang maging intact. Parang ako ‘yung glue, so ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-mahalaga,” Daquis said.
As she embraces this new page of her decorated career, Daquis has adjusted her playing style.
Once known for her explosive attacks, Daquis now leans on her volleyball IQ to help the Foxies.
“Before, I loved playing with power. Ngayon, I love playing smarter. Sa ensayo pa lang, ginugulangan ko na ‘yung mga teammates ko,” said Daquis, laughing.
“Totoo ‘yun, galit na galit sila! Pero ‘yun ‘yung nasa isip ko—hindi mo laging kailangan ng power. Ngayon, kailangan mong maging mas matalino. Sa dami ng batang malalakas ngayon, lamang pa rin ang marunong maglaro nang matalino. Kaya ‘yun ‘yung talagang ina-eye ko na ipasa sa kanila,” she added.