Jovelyn “The Bionic Ilongga” Gonzaga embraces role as frontliner-athlete

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Jovelyn “The Bionic Ilongga” Gonzaga is not spiking balls and lifting championship trophies, but this might be her most ultimate goal, and that’s to win the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The former team captain of the Central Philippine University volleyball team in Iloilo is currently serving the Philippine Army as a corporal and is assigned to the special services center that facilitates locally stranded individuals (LSI).

“Kahit pa gaano katatag katawan namin, dumadating sa point na nagkakaroon kami ng anxiety, pagod, at lungkot. Pero nung nagkaroon ako ng chance mag-serve, nagkaroon din ako ng purpose,” said Gonzaga.

The 28-year-old volleyball superstar said the past three months was life-changing, and with the pandemic still going on, changed her take against the current situation.

“Athletes kami lahat dito and we just want to serve more. Makikita mo lahat ng kasamahan mo, bawat isa ginagawa ‘yung trabaho nila. Ito na ‘yung bagong game, laro namin. Ito yung laban na dapat naming ipanalo. That’s how we see it,” Gonzaga added.