Jack Kalingking knows that PGJC-Navy’s campaign in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference hasn’t gone as planned. But for him, the season isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about fighting for something bigger.
With his teammate and close friend Joeven Dela Vega sidelined due to a lung condition, Kalingking has made it his mission to dedicate the remainder of their journey to Dela Vega, hoping to turn things around in his honor.
“Para kay Joeven (Dela Vega) talaga ‘yung mga pinaghihirapan namin. Alam namin kulang ‘yung tao namin, pero wala kaming magagawa. Bibigay pa rin ‘yung best namin para kay Joeven at sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa PGJC-Navy,” Kalingking shared.
Dela Vega’s absence has been a tough blow for the Sealions, who have struggled in his wake. He missed the entire first round before ultimately being ruled out for the rest of the tournament. But as if that wasn’t enough, Navy was dealt another setback when veterans Greg Dolor, Omar Lioc, and Marvin Hairami—who had stepped up to fill the void—were pulled from the roster to undergo basic training for their military promotions.
For Kalingking, this challenge is all too familiar. The former Alas Pilipinas standout himself missed the previous Invitational Conference due to schooling requirements for his promotion in the Navy.
“‘Yung last conference, gustong gusto ko maglaro nun. Pero kasi, wala akong magagawa kasi nasa schooling ako nun. Kailangan talaga ‘yun, priority talaga sa Navy para sa promotion,” said the Perpetual Help alumnus.
Now that he’s back, Kalingking is determined to be the stabilizing force PGJC-Navy needs—both on and off the court.
“Ngayon, siguro ‘yung matutulong ko sa team is ‘yung leadership sa loob ng court at sa labas,” he added.
The Sealions have dropped four straight matches, slipping to a 1-5 record. However, they remain in the hunt for a playoff spot, currently tied with Alpha Insurance and VNS-Laticrete in the middle of the standings. With a narrow path to the next round, Kalingking knows that if Navy wants to keep their campaign alive, they must rediscover their fire and rally together.
“Siguro ano, simulan muna namin sa character ng bawat isa. ‘Yun kasi ‘yung nagkakaproblema ngayon eh. ‘Yung skills nandiyan na eh. ‘Yun ‘yung laging sinasabi sa’min ni coach George (Pascua), ng mga coaches namin,” he said.
“Talagang dapat pagkatiwalaan ‘yung sarili kasi ‘yung skills nandiyan na eh.”
