Dell Palomata eyes comeback with PLDT after Indonesia Proliga stint

PLDT may soon receive a timely boost in the middle as Dell Palomata prepares to rejoin the High Speed Hitters following her pioneering stint overseas.

The 6-foot middle blocker recently wrapped up her campaign with the Medan Falcons in the 2026 Indonesia Proliga, where she made history as the Filipina import to compete in the league. 

Although the Falcons struggled and finished their season with a 0-12 record, Palomata considers the experience a valuable chapter in her career.

The Alas Pilipinas standout was already spotted at the FilOil Centre in San Juan, watching from the sidelines as PLDT battled its way to a thrilling five-set victory over the Farm Fresh Foxies. Her presence alone signaled that a return to the High Speed Hitters lineup could be coming soon.

While the results in Indonesia didn’t fall their way, Palomata said the overseas stint taught her lessons she intends to bring back to the PVL.

“Siguro yung patience pa rin. Kasi parang same-same lang yung laro sa Indonesia at dito sa Philippines. Kailangan talaga ng pasensya sa laban, kaya siguro yun yung pinakamalaking natutunan ko,” said Palomata.

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Alas Pilipinas middle blocker Dell Palomata is looking forward to rejoining the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference following her stint as an import in Indonesia.

Video courtesy of Jonas Lavarias/Abante Sports#DellPalomata #PLDT #PVL pic.twitter.com/DwRNNC8a2I

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Despite only recently arriving back in Manila, the 30-year-old middle blocker wasted little time reconnecting with the team. She has already resumed training with PLDT, though she acknowledged that a brief recovery period will help her fully regain rhythm.

“Pumunta ako rito, ready to play naman ako, pero kailangan ko pa ng konting pahinga. Balik uli ako sa training and kailangan ko mag-training pa,” the 30-year-old middle blocker said.

Her eagerness to return didn’t go unnoticed by head coach Rald Ricafort. In fact, the veteran blocker was so eager to help that she initially thought she might be inserted immediately into PLDT’s most recent match.

“Actually, akala niya palalaruin ko siya today. Hindi ko siya nasabihan na ‘di pa siya sasalang pero ganun ‘yung dedication nung bata. Kararating lang niya nung March 1. Naka-isang practice palan samin tapos ready na agad siya sumabak,” Ricafort said.

PLDT has managed to maintain strong momentum even without Palomata in the lineup, currently sitting at the top of the PVL All-Filipino Conference standings with a 5-1 record. Her return, however, could further strengthen the High Speed Hitters’ net defense and blocking presence as the tournament intensifies.

If all goes according to plan, Palomata could make her on-court return when PLDT faces the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Tuesday, March 10 at the FilOil Centre in San Juan — potentially marking the start of her next chapter after a groundbreaking stint abroad.

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