Behind the Camera: Pillars of the Players

Camera clicks, cacophonous shouts, and overlapped by the noise of the shoutcaster, signifying that the match ended, crowded the gymnasium of Cabancalan 1 Elementary School. A hint of disappointment displayed on team Tigers while catching their breaths. Could’ve been but never was. But behind every game, lies a strong support system. The players played in the gymnasium, their families and supportive coaches stayed rooted in their seats, heartbeats racing with nervous hope. Win or lose, they were the first to clap, the first to shout encouragement, the first to rise when their sons faltered. Their presence—firm, unwavering—became the heartbeat behind every play. After the game, sweats were still dripping, Von Gerruz Ayong Magpayo, 12, spiker of eagles, said in an interview “Among buhaton sunod kay maningkamot mi na amo trungon sunod.” Resiliency, respect, and humility are not just mere values, they are—home values. The truth is, consistent training sessions were never enough. Behind every serve, every receive, every spike were packed lunches, rubbed shoulders, early-morning wake-up calls, and whispered reminders to “do your best.” Families endured the heat, the long waits, and the emotional rollercoaster just to be in the crowd—just to let their players know that whatever happens in the gymnasium, they are not alone. In every game, the real pillars aren’t always seen on the floor. They’re the ones sitting quietly behind the camera, cheering the loudest when the world goes silent.