The dynamic duo of Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips has nothing to prove amid criticisms of how ‘Pinoy’ they really are.
For everything they have achieved while playing in the Philippines, one word has been thrown around to invalidate the success of Petro Gazz’s Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips.
Two stars of Filipino-American descent, Van Sickle and Phillips, are often referred to as “imports” by a number of their bashers on social media, with the same argument used to discredit the Angels’ historic 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference title run.
The dynamic duo, though, couldn’t care less about these comments criticizing their heritage, knowing that they have more than proven their connection to the Philippines — both by blood and by heart — a long time ago already.
“I don’t really read comments so often, the only time I hear it about it is if people mention it to me, but I don’t take anything personally. It is what it is, and now I’m here, and I will represent the Philippines,” said Van Sickle, now a two-time Most Valuable Player in the All-Filipino Conference.
Despite being born and raised in the States, Van Sickle traces her Filipino heritage to her mother’s side, with her grandfather being a native of San Emilio, Ilocos Sur. Phillips was born and raised in Carson, California, but her mother Rowena, hails from Iba, Zambales.
Van Sickle made her way to Petro Gazz during the 2024 PVL season, while Phillips started her Philippine volleyball career in 2017, playing for the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors in the now-defunct Philippine Superliga (PSL).
“I don’t know, like, no words!” Phillips said with a slight chuckle. “I mean, I try to ignore the comments, because everything is honestly for my mom and my lola that passed away. Like every time that I look at the flag, I think of the Philippines and my lola.”
While Van Sickle understands where these criticisms are coming from, she also hopes that she and Phillips will be accepted as “legitimate” Filipino players one day. Diving into the technical side of things, the Fil-Hawaiian hitter is more than confident with the paperwork that validates their Filipino heritage.
“I am a Filipino, and to all those that [are wondering], I do have a passport and I got it on my own. But you know, it’s okay, I don’t expect people to be open arms with us, and I understand how they feel. I wish the best for them, and I just want to be able to play volleyball, the sport I love, and continue to immerse myself in this culture, our culture,” the Fil-Hawaiian hitter said.
“And I did have years back in the States where I missed out on this, and I’m really grateful to be here now and experiencing it now. So I think it’s just a part of the journey that God had for me, for us. So I think just hopefully one day we’ll all love each other and it’ll be okay,” added Van Sickle, who also spoke on behalf of Phillips.
Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips will now lead the Petro Gazz in the 2025 AVC Champions’ League from April 20 to 27, as one of three Filipino teams along with the Creamline Cool Smashers and PLDT High-Speed Hitters in the international club tourney.
The dynamic duo is also being eyed for inclusion into the Alas Pilipinas national team, with their federation switch from USA Volleyball into the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) reportedly underway.
“From the last I’ve heard, our paperwork has already been processed. We might have to fact-check that, but what I’ve been told is that it’s already been processed, so that’s just one step closer to being able to reach our dreams,” said Van Sickle.
“We want to be able to do as much as we can for our country, and you know? It’s just awesome to be able to be even considered, and I think that this country has such a good volleyball base. I think there’s so many talented players here, and just to even be recommended to the team is awesome.”
Should their federation switch fall through, rest assured that Van Sickle and Phillips will be cheering on for Alas from the sidelines as true-blooded Filipinos.
“And even if we can’t be part of the team, the team’s gonna be okay. Like, they’re phenomenal, they’re such good athletes, volleyball players here that they’ll be A-okay. But if we do so happen to be on the team, we’ll give our 100%, and, you know, do everything we possibly can in our power,” Van Sickle said, with Phillips sharing the same thoughts.
Banner image taken by RJ Ballecer.