Ging Balse-Pabayo wanted to leave a legacy of her own as far as her volleyball career is concerned.
She has many reasons why she almost quit the sport, but there were also factors that made her pull through that adversity of decision making.
And one of those silver linings is for her to help the younger generation.
"Happy ako kasi hanggang ngayon nandito pa rin ako sa Lady Troopers," said the 38-year-old Balse-Pabayo, who scored nine points to help Black Mamba win against the BaliPure Purest Water Defenders, 25-16, 25-27, 25-21, 26-24, in the PVL Open Conference at the PVC Socio-Civic & Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte on Tuesday, July 20.
"Kasi nung una talaga parang nag-give up na ko, parang hindi muna ako maglaro ganun, pero nung time na yun hindi nawala sa akin yung pagvo-volleyball ko -- parang dugo na talaga sa akin. Nagtry ako magtraining muna tapos biglang niline up ako ni coach . Sabi ko sige challenge ‘to kung kaya ko pa naman sarili ko ng katawan ko ng isip ko go ako," added the former national team member who bagged bronze medal in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games.
Though admitting that she wasn't in the best form yet, Balse-Pabayo vowed to do her best for the team given the seasoned experience she gained since 2004 in her collegiate years.
Fortunately for the Davaoeña skipper, the decision of the PVL to turn professional also paved the way for her career to prosper at age 38.
Balse-Pabayo said this will continuously give more opportunities for the younger generation who wants to pursue a career in volleyball.
And there's no bigger challenge for her and the team than competing with strong opponents in the league.
"Mas challenging ngayon sobra kasi maraming batang malalakas pa satin. Syempre dati ibang iba. Pero ako naman masaya ako kasi gusto ko yung malalakas na kalaban, challenge yan para sa sarili mo para sa team namin," added Balse-Pabayo.