MICHELE Gumabao-Panlilio considers Creamline Cool Smashers more than just a volleyball team, describing the club as the home that has helped sustain her career.
Gumabao-Panlilio said the close relationship among the players, coaches, management and staff remains one of the reasons behind Creamline’s continued success.
“Creamline is really more than a team for me, it’s really home,” she said. “My teammates are like, they’re really my sisters.”
She added that the team’s family-oriented environment motivates everyone to work harder, especially during demanding stretches of training, travel and competition.
“That relationship is what drives Creamline time and time again to work hard and to perform at its best,” she said.
Reflecting on her more than a decade in commercial volleyball after college, Gumabao-Panlilio described her journey as long but fulfilling, marked by victories, setbacks, different coaches and numerous teammates.
“In one word grateful,” she said.
The veteran spiker also expressed appreciation for the brands that trusted her, her teammates and coaches, and the opportunity to continue playing with a healthy body.
“I’m grateful to see volleyball where it was and to see volleyball how it is now,” she said, while also looking forward to the sport’s continued growth.
Gumabao-Panlilio acknowledged that injuries have become a concern across all levels of volleyball, with even younger players and rookies now experiencing setbacks.
She said her personal wish is to complete her career without suffering a major injury.
“Nothing major so far and sabi ko iyun lang talaga ang prayer ko. Matapos ko ang career ko without any major injuries and that’s also my prayer for all the other athletes,” she said.
For Gumabao-Panlilio, maintaining a long career also requires choosing an environment where a player can remain happy and motivated.
“If happy ka talaga sa ginagawa mo, it shows in your work and your body,” she said. “So talagang kailangan good vibes tayo lahat sa kahit ano naman trabaho natin.”
Even established teams such as Creamline face difficult days, she admitted, including mornings when players struggle to get up for early practices. However, the team’s collective effort helps keep everyone committed.
“You inspire each other,” she said, noting that players are encouraged by the younger members, veteran teammates, management, their families and the fans.
Gumabao-Panlilio particularly highlighted the supporters who spend money, travel and make time to watch their games.
“Kapag nakikita mo ang sigawa ng mga fans and iyung appreciation nila for what we do, you can’t help but feel inspired and to just give your best,” she said.
As she enters her 10th year in the commercial volleyball scene, Gumabao-Panlilio recalled that her generation had little certainty about pursuing the sport professionally because no established professional league existed at the time.
She said college players previously had limited options, with some turning to the military services to continue playing volleyball.
The veteran welcomed the sport’s development and the efforts to make the league more competitive and engaging. Still, she said players ultimately want the same basic things: fair competition, professionalism and opportunities to improve.
“As players, siyempre, you expect just a fair game,” she said. “You expect na professional din lahat ng mga tao around you.”
“Just to be given the opportunity to play all the time and to just get better also with what we do,” she added. (Adrian Co)
