to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy… and to laugh along the way
Will the Oklahoma City Thunder be the first back-to-back champs since the 2018 Golden State Warriors? Or will there be a resurgence of the ‘Bad Boys’ swag of the Detroit Pistons? Will the generational brilliance of Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio finally overpower the league? All three teams are young, talented and threatening to stay on top of the heap for the next decade or so. These and more as our favorite league witnesses a tectonic shift in power.
I predict the Spurs will outlast the defending champions OKC Thunder in an epic Western Conference Finals. They will not only reach the Finals but go all the way, capturing the title. A 2024 Rookie of the Year, Wemby is changing not just the trajectory of shots, he is changing the game. Defensively, offensively, and even psychologically.
This finals proved that a ‘passing of the torch’ cannot be a single event, but rather, a gradual process. The young Vanie may have the MVP crown, but it was Alyssa and the Cool Smashers who raised the trophy up high. Truly, it was an event that celebrated the arrival of a new superstar without diminishing the light of the legend who paved her way.
Whether Vanie becomes the official heir will depend much on the outcome of the PVL’s 2026 All-Filipino Finals. To truly take the torch, one must eventually go through the torch-bearer. As they head into this epic best-of-three championship series, the stakes are poetic. For Aly, it is a chance to prove to the fans that the throne still belongs to her. For Vanie, it is a golden opportunity to prove that the future is here and now.
The stage is set: another timeless championship drama is about to unfold before our very eyes, ready to write a fresh page in the PVL’s colorful history. We aren’t just watching a volleyball game; we could be witnessing a collision of eras. On one side stands the Creamline dynasty, a masterclass in composure and tactical depth, looking to prove that their throne remains untouchable. On the other, the Cignal Super Spikers, fueled by a breakout season and an uncompromising hunger, are ready to play the role as giant-killers.
Life doesn’t need to be complicated to be fulfilling; it just needs a dash of adventure, a bit of competition, and a creative mind to capture it all. My playing days may be over. As my Papa used to say: I used to be an all-around athlete, but now the only athlete left in me is my athlete’s foot! But the passion for the game – and the stories behind it – will remain as strong as ever.
Color My World 