“Opinion niyo ‘yan, i-respect ko”: Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure on dealing with public criticism

Two of the Philippines’ brightest stars in women’s volleyball, Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure, continue to capture the attention of fans both on and off the court. With numerous individual accolades and team honors for Alas Pilipinas and their respective clubs in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), the duo has established themselves as not only top-tier athletes but also household names in the local sports scene.

Being professional athletes and public figures, however, comes with intense scrutiny. Rondina and Laure have both experienced criticism from fans and the media, which they openly discussed in a recent appearance on the talk show “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.” In the conversation, the two stars reflected on the lessons they learned from facing public backlash, highlighting the pressures of being in the spotlight.

For Rondina, the most memorable instance of “bashing” came in 2024, not because of her performance on the volleyball court, but due to a social faux pas: she admitted she did not know about SB19, a popular Filipino boy band. The revelation drew a wave of criticism online, with some fans questioning her cultural awareness.

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“Aminado naman ako na hindi ko naman intensyon ‘yon and at least that pangyayari is may natutunan ako and it is being more cautious kung hindi naman kilala and maging maingat na lang,” Rondina said, reflecting on the experience. She emphasized that while the criticism was initially difficult, it ultimately taught her to navigate public interactions with more awareness and care.

Handa na rin si Eya Laure para sa kwentuhan natin maayang 4:05. 🤩

Ilang minuto na lang! Kitakits sa #FastTalkWithBoyAbunda!#EyaLaure pic.twitter.com/KsnPjvNpbL

— Fast Talk with Boy Abunda (@FastTalkGMA) January 27, 2026

For Laure, public scrutiny has been a different, yet equally valuable learning experience. The seasoned player reiterated that all forms of criticism have taught her to focus on what truly matters: self-improvement and maintaining perspective amidst external pressures.

“Kung sino ‘yung nakakakita ng paghihirap mo, sila ‘yung parang may ano talaga, kung ano ‘yung kailangan ko pang i-improve sa sarili ko. Opinion niyo ‘yan. I-re-respect ko ‘yan, parang ganun na lang,” Laure said. Her reflection underscores a maturity that comes from balancing the demands of professional sports with the constant presence of social media and fan commentary.

Both Rondina and Laure serve as examples of how top athletes in the Philippines handle the dual pressures of performance and public expectation. While the accolades and spotlight are often celebrated, the reality of being a professional athlete also includes navigating criticism, managing personal image, and maintaining focus on long-term goals.

Their candid discussion on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” offers fans a rare glimpse into the human side of professional volleyball, showing that even the country’s most successful players encounter challenges off the court. By sharing their experiences, Rondina and Laure not only provide inspiration for young athletes but also highlight the importance of resilience, humility, and perspective in professional sports.

As the PVL season continues, both stars remain focused on their teams and the next milestones in their careers. Yet, their experiences with public scrutiny will likely continue to inform how they engage with fans and handle the pressures that come with being among the Philippines’ most prominent athletes.

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