Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips celebrate the Petro Gazz Angels’ PVL All-Filipino Conference championship after beating Creamline Cool Smashers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines– Amid online remarks questioning their heritage, Petro Gazz stars Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips are standing firm: they are proud to be Filipinos.
HIGHLIGHTS: PVL All Filipino Finals Game 3 – Creamline vs Petro Gazz
There have been snide remarks circulating online throwing shade at the Angels’ latest championship and implying that the two Angels stars, both of Filipino-American descent, are essentially “imports” in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Phillips, who traces her Filipino roots to Iba, Zambales on her mother’s side, is tuning out the noise keep only her family in mind.
“I don’t know, like, no words. I mean, I try to ignore the comments because, I mean, everything is honestly for my mom and my Lola who passed away. Like, every time I look at the flag, I think of the Philippines,” said Phillips, who hails from Carson, California, and entered the Philippine volleyball scene in 2018.
“It’s all for my Lola–may she rest in peace. I don’t really read comments often. The only time I hear about it is if people mention it to me, but I don’t take anything personally.”
Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips excited to represent the country in the Champions League and hopefully, Alas Pilipinas. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/slbhpXcOwA
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 12, 2025
Van Sickle, whose mother Lisa Bragado Van Sickle is from San Emilio, Ilocos Sur, is also not letting criticism get to her. She’s focused on enjoying the PVL and immersing herself in Filipino culture.
“It is what it is. I’m here, and I want to represent the Philippines. I am Filipino. I do have a passport, and I caught it on my own. But it’s okay,” said Van Sickle.
READ: PVL: Brooke Van Sickle wins MVP as Petro Gazz rules All-Filipino
“I don’t expect people to be open arms with us. I understand how they feel and I just hope that one day they’ll embrace us and just accept us. I don’t feel any hatred towards them. I wish the best for them and I get it.
Van Sickle, who joined Petro Gazz last year, has a growing fan base in the country and has been vocal about the rise of Philippine volleyball.
“I just want to be able to play volleyball, the sport I love, and continue to immerse myself in this culture and our culture,” said the two-time All-Filipino Conference MVP.
Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips celebrate the Petro Gazz Angels’ PVL All-Filipino Conference championship after beating Creamline Cool Smashers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“Years back in the States, I missed out on this, and I’m really grateful to be here now and experiencing it now. So I think it’s just a part of the journey, what God had for me, for us. Hopefully one day they we will all love each other, and we’ll be okay.”
Both Van Sickle and Phillips are looking forward to suiting up for Alas Pilipinas, with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation already processing their transfer from USA Volleyball. They were part of coach Jorge De Brito’s 33-player wishlist for the national pool.
READ: PVL: No heartbreaks this time for MJ Phillips, Petro Gazz
“From the last what I’ve heard our paperwork’s already been processed. We might have to fact check that, but what I’ve been told is that it’s already been processed. That’s just one step closer to being able to reach our dreams. We want to be able to do as much as we can for our country. It’s awesome to be able to be even considered,” said Van Sickle.
Being part of the Philippine volleyball’s cream of the crop is an honor for both athlete, who will be vying for a spot in the three major international tournaments including the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
“I think this country has such a good volleyball base. I think there’s so many talented players her and to be recommended to be on the team is awesome. And even if we can’t be a part of the team, the team’s going to be okay,” said Van Sickle.
“They’re phenomenal. There’s such good athletes, volleyball players here that they’ll be a-okay. But if we do so happen to be on the team, we’ll give our 100%, and, you know, do everything we possibly can with our, in our power.”
Van Sickle and Phillips will next lead Petro Gazz in the AVC Champions League from April 20 to 27.
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