Are Deanna Wong and Ivy Lacsina now comfortable with fame?

Choco Mucho Flying Titans’ Deanna Wong and Ivy Lacsina of Akari Chargers are two of the country’s volleyball superstars. Their huge followers fondly call them DeaVy. The couple attracts public attention whether inside or outside the volleyball court.

Deanna’s fans once flocked to the gate of the star athlete’s house in Cebu on a Good Friday to catch a glimpse of her.

Public figures lose their right to privacy when they become famous. Celebrities may either relish or abhor fame bestowed on them by the multitude, depending on how they perceive it. Are Deanna and Ivy now comfortable with fame? Deanna said that she was initially overwhelmed but later got used to it. She does not complain because fame is a blessing. She needs to stay grounded.

“I remember where I came from, how I started, and who I was before.”

Ivy shared, “Noong first din nagulat pero never nagreklamo kasi blessing po talaga siya sa life namin. Private iyong life before pero syempre nasanay na lang din.” She was a runway model before becoming a volleyball player. Ivy is not closing her doors if given the chance to try it again.

Life under the constant scrutiny of the public can sometimes be exhausting. The couple takes a breather by going to the beach or traveling abroad to enjoy peace and relaxation before returning to work.

Their parents have a great influence on them as athletes. Deanna’s father was a basketball player who once dreamt of going to the PBA. He encouraged Deanna to continue playing volleyball. Meanwhile, Ivy’s parents were both athletes.

“Si Daddy iyong nag-push lalo na iyong pagpunta ko ng Manila. Before ayaw ko talaga kasi sobrang close ako sa family. Medyo hirap kami sa buhay noon. Sabi niya, malaking opportunity daw po sa akin kaya I tried kahit sobrang sakit sa akin na lumayo,” she explained during the celebrity couple’s interview in “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.”

Ivy has already met Deanna’s family in Cebu. “Dinadala ko po siya sa probinsiya namin. Na-meet na niya iyong family ko. Nakapunta na rin siya sa bahay namin,” related Deanna who is called Boss D by her adoring fans.

Like other ordinary couples, they also faced some struggles at the beginning of their relationship. “Marami po kasing pinagdaanan iyong sa amin sa side ko po,” Ivy admitted.

Everything is now okay in their families. Ivy believes they need to grow together as a couple for their relationship to last.

Many aspiring volleyball players look up to Deanna and Ivy as seasoned athletes. What piece of advice would they give these young players? According to Ivy, a person must accept failures to improve in the sport.

“Coming from my experience, kahit gustung-gusto mo nang tumigil, huwag kang susuko talaga. Ang iisipin mo iyong long-term. What can this do to you sa susunod na mga panahon kasi what you reap, you sow,” advised Deanna.

The next Olympics will happen a few years from now in Los Angeles. I asked Deanna if our Philippine national volleyball teams can qualify and compete in 2028.

“Super kaya, Tito. I think kailangan lang ng long-term plan that they have to focus on the people that they have right now,” she replied.