MANILA, Philippines — Djanel Cheng said having better communication has been one of the reasons for Petro Gazz emerging as one of the hottest teams in the PVL.

The Angels are currently on a seven-game winning streak in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference with their 8-1 mark good for second place just behind undefeated league leader and defending champion Creamline.

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“Siguro mas open communication na kami ngayon kapag may nakita kami agad na problem paguusapan agad yun. Hindi pwedeng ipagpabukas,” said Cheng, who had 13 excellent sets and five points in their 25-19, 25-18, 25-9 rout of Capital1 on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

READ: PVL: Petro Gazz rolls past Capital1 for 7th consecutive win

Then there’s Petro Gazz’s Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara and his doughnuts.

“Yung doughnut ni coach. Every game bumibili siya nang doughnut,” Cheng added.

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It may be a small gesture by Tsuzurabara but it has also served as a testament to the Angels’ strong bond.

“May kwento po kasi diyan eh. Noong una talaga, parang somehow, ayaw niya ‘yung culture nga namin na kapag training or game, kumakain kami. Ngayon, siguro, na-adapt na niya ‘yung culture na Pilipino tayo eh. We love food. Nagulat din kami, nagdala na siya ng pagkain, ng donut,” said Remy Palma, who had seven points.

“Sabi namin, ‘uy, ano, parang ilang percent, Pilipino na rin si coach.’ Nala-love na niya yung culture na meron tayo. Nakagawian na natin na kumain or mag-share ng food. So, siya rin, somehow, na-adapt na niya ‘yung ganong mindset and also ‘yung culture na Pinoy.”

READ: PVL: Petro Gazz hikes win streak to 6 after turning back ZUS Coffee

Tsuzurabara, known for his discipline, believes sweet treats like doughnuts also give his players energy for the game.

“We also have nutritious food coming. [But they can eat] any chocolate, donut, hamburger, anything. But these a lot are [not] nutritious food, but [it] gives energy,” said the Petro Gazz coach. “Now, I have a new [perspective]. Do not stop the hamburgers, chocolates, doughnuts, anything. [I used] to think that it should stop. Everyone, [like me], can change their mind or heart, and thinking…so can I. [Anything] that can improve their performance.”

Petro Gazz wraps up its first-round stint against Galeries on Saturday in Antipolo and Nxled on Thursday next week at the same venue in Pasig City.