Volleybukids: Building dreams and character through volleyball

In the small community in Morong, Bataan, a passionate group of young people known as Volleybukids has emerged, united by their love for volleyball.

Founded in 2020 by Pedro Aquino Jr.—was then a college student and avid volleyball enthusiast at the time—the group has become a beacon of hope for young athletes in the area.

Initially, establishing Volleybukids was not without challenges. The community had long favored baseball and softball, supported by strong local government initiatives, leaving volleyball in the shadows.

Nevertheless, Pedro’s dedication to uplifting and nurturing the volleyball skills of local youth fueled his determination. He took it upon himself to secure the necessary equipment, slowly turning his dream into reality.

Pedro and his teammates aspire to someday join the ranks of the top volleyball teams they admire across the country. Reflecting on their journey, Pedro shared their humble beginnings:

"Nagsimula kami noong 2020, noong nagkaroon ng COVID-19 pandemic. Lumang duyan at rubber ball ang ginagamit namin sa paglalaro ng volleyball dito sa aming lugar. Minsan kaming humingi ng tulong sa mga opisyal sa aming lugar para suportahan ang aming grupo, pero mas priority nila ang ibang sports gaya ng baseball kaysa volleyball. Nakaranas din ang grupo namin ng diskriminasyon, pero hindi kami nawalan ng pag-asa," he said.

Determined to keep moving forward, Pedro reached out to Spike and Serve Philippines, an organization led by former UAAP volleyball player and current Petro Gazz Angels member Nicole “Tiammy” Tiamzon.

"Sinubukan kong mag-reach out kay Ate Nicole at sa Spike and Serve para ilapit sa kanila ang aming club, at agad nila kaming tinulungan. Very thankful ako kay Ate Nicole sa tulong at suporta na ibinigay nila sa akin at sa aming grupo," he expressed.

Pedro’s unwavering commitment did not go unnoticed. Coach Tiammy and the Spike and Serve team were inspired by his grassroots efforts and determination to uplift his community through volleyball.

"Ini-reach out kami ni Pedro noong 2020 at ipinakita niya sa amin ang ginawa niyang pagtulong at pagbuo sa grupong Volleybukids. So we helped them and gave them the things they needed," Tiamzon shared.

As a result, Spike and Serve donated new volleyball equipment, including nets and balls, and even installed solar-powered lights in their practice area.

"Nag-donate kami ng mga bola at net para sa kanila, at pinakabitan namin sila ng mga solar lights para may ilaw sa lugar nila kapag maglalaro at mag-eensayo sila ng volleyball," Coach Tiammy added.

This generous support has motivated the youth of Volleybukids to further enhance their skills and pursue their dreams—many now hoping to compete on national and even international stages.

With unshakable determination and the support of Spike and Serve, the Volleybukids are paving the way for a brighter future in volleyball—nurturing not only athletes but also responsible and values-driven citizens.

"Hindi lang skills sa larong volleyball ang gusto naming ma-develop sa mga kabataang aming tinutulungan. Mahalaga at importante sa lahat ay ang hubugin sila na magkaroon ng magandang pag-uugali. Dahil iyan ang layunin ng Spike and Serve—‘Building Community through Sports,’” Coach Tiammy concluded.