The Petro Gazz Angels are riding on a seven-game winning streak in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference. PVL Media BureauMANILA, Philippines – Petro Gazz's seven-game winning streak in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) could be attributed to two things: donuts and open communication.
This was at least according to captain Remy Palma and coach Koji Tsuzurabara.
Aside from the firepower of their offensive duo of reigning All-Filipino Most Valuable Player (MVP) Brooke Van Sickle and veteran Myla Pablo, to go with the playmaking wonders of setter Djanel Cheng, their run was also a result of an unusual culture from Tsuzurabara he uniquely brought in — bringing donuts during PVL matches.
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Yes, you read that right.
The Japanese coach has embraced a new tradition of treating his players donuts, which he believes promoted a positive atmosphere among the team, resulting in several wins during the preliminaries.
"I have a new perspective now. Do not stop the hamburger, chocolate, donut, anything. I used to think that it should stop. Everyone can change their mind or heart as long as it can improve their performance," said Tsuzurabara.
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Sharing the backstory of this "donut culture," Palma said her coach somehow just changed.
Previously, the foreign mentor did not like his players eating during training or games. However, he caved in, and Tsuzurabara eventually saw the pleasing impact of letting them eat.
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Now, he's the first to bring food to his team.
"May kwento po kasi diyan, eh. Noong una talaga, parang somehow, ayaw niya 'yung culture nga namin na 'pag training or game, kumakain kami," Palma shared.
"Ngayon, siguro, na-adapt na niya 'yung culture na Pilipino tayo eh. We love food, guys. Alam naman natin 'yan. Tapos nagulat din kami, nagdala na siya ng pagkain, ng donut, kung ano man, 'pag binibigay. So, sabi namin, 'Uy, ano, parang ilang percent, Pilipino na rin si coach,'" she went on.
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But more than the sweet treats, it was open communication that also keyed the Angels' winning run. And Palma knows the importance of speaking up, which she said fostered better chemistry among them.
"Kailangan talaga namin na open communication. 'Yun talaga lagi 'yung solusyon, eh. Even sa loob ng court, kapag bagsak 'yung communication, 'di talaga kami magkakaintindihan. And also, wala kaming mabubuong chemistry."
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