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Category: Stars Beyond Sports

  • Savannah Davison and Kath Arado lead PLDT’s emotional Mother’s Day tributes 

    Savannah Davison and Kath Arado lead PLDT’s emotional Mother’s Day tributes 

    Mother’s Day carried an added layer of emotion and meaning for the PLDT High Speed Hitters, as several of the team’s standout players took time to honor the women who have been central to their journeys both on and off the court in the Premier Volleyball League.

     

    For a squad built on discipline, resilience, and high-performance standards, the occasion became more than just a league-wide celebration. It turned into a heartfelt reminder of the personal sacrifices behind every spike, dig, and victory point earned in professional volleyball.

     

    Leading the tributes was Filipino-Canadian star Savannah Davison, who reflected on the close bond she shares with her mother, crediting her not only as a guiding figure but also as a lifelong source of inspiration and friendship.

     

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    “She never put pressure on me to achieve accolades. My mom already knows how much she means to me – she’s not only my mother, but also my best friend. If there’s anything more to say, it’s that I’m incredibly proud to be so much like her. Even with her strong and independent nature, she remains wistful, curious, and always beautiful,” Davison said.

     

    Team captain Kath Arado also shared a deeply personal message, acknowledging the sacrifices her mother made in order to support her volleyball career and family life. Arado emphasized that her success at the highest level of Philippine volleyball would not have been possible without that unwavering support system at home.

    “I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. I thank her for all the sacrifices, love, and support she’s given me and to my younger siblings,” Arado added.

     

    For opposite hitter Jessey de Leon, distance has made her appreciation for her mother even stronger. While balancing the demands of professional volleyball often keeps her away from home, she shared that staying connected through video calls helps maintain their close relationship despite the physical separation.

     

    “I will be video calling her. I’m so grateful for her and for everything she’s sacrificed for our family. She’s shown me what it really means to care for her children. I love you always,” De Leon stated.

     

    Outside hitter Alleiah Malaluan also paid tribute to her mother, describing her as her “number one supporter” through every stage of her athletic journey. Malaluan highlighted how her mother’s encouragement has remained constant, whether in moments of victory or during challenges on the court.

     

    “Mommy, thank you for everything you have done for me. Know that I am really grateful to call you my mom. I love you,” Malaluan concluded.

     

    Beyond the emotional tributes, the PLDT squad continues its campaign in the PVL with strong momentum, but the Mother’s Day reflections served as a reminder that behind every elite athlete is a support system built on love, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. For the High Speed Hitters, those foundations remain just as important as any training session or match preparation as they push forward in the season.

     

     

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  • Brooke Van Sickle and Alohi Robins-Hardy find home in Candon at PVL All-Star Showcase

    Brooke Van Sickle and Alohi Robins-Hardy find home in Candon at PVL All-Star Showcase

    The scoreboard told one story, but for Brooke Van Sickle and Alohi Robins-Hardy, the weekend in Ilocos Sur was about something deeper than volleyball.


    Team Hustle fell short against Team Heart, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17, in the much-anticipated return of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Star Game at Candon City Arena. 

     

    Yet beyond the four-set battle led by MVP Bella Belen, the event became a meaningful homecoming of sorts for the Filipino-Hawaiian standouts—one defined by culture, connection, and community.

     

    Van Sickle, who chipped in 11 points off the bench, found herself soaking in every moment—not just as a competitor, but as someone rediscovering her roots.

     

    “Just having the crowd and the energy, and just seeing the players having fun, like loose, having officials join the game and it was just good, enjoyable volleyball, and all the teammates that I didn’t know, it’s so fun,” the three-time PVL MVP said.

     

    “I was like telling Alohi, as the game is going on, my cheeks are hurting so much just from smiling so much. It’s a good experience and eye-opening to be able to see and understand the players even more.”

     

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    The smiles didn’t stop at the court. With family members in the stands—especially with ties tracing back to San Emilio—Van Sickle embraced the rare chance to play not just in front of fans, but in front of her roots.

     

    “My pamilya, they came to support, they always come to support. It’s always nice to have family ties and everything so that’s also why I love coming here. It’s volleyball and everyone and they’re super excited to watch me, so again, the hospitality we’re always welcome here so it’s amazing,” she shared.

     

    For Robins-Hardy, the experience unfolded in quieter but equally meaningful ways. The Farm Fresh rookie setter relished her time alongside Van Sickle, bonding over shared heritage while also immersing herself in Ilocano culture—especially through its food during their three-day stay in Candon.

     

    But perhaps the most lasting impact of the trip came away from the bright lights of the arena.

    For Van Sickle, participating in a tree-planting activity at the EcoPark became the defining memory of her first All-Star appearance—an unexpected highlight that reshaped what the event meant to her.

     

    “My best experience being in here is the planting of trees. It’s my first time doing it. It’s also nice to see that people are always giving back to the community and that’s the normalized thing here, so it’s really awesome to see, one step at a time, one tree at a time, and doing things for the planet. So we’re doing great things here.” Van Sickle said. 

     

    “It’s like awesome to be able to get outside and smell fresh air and the birds, so it’s always good. Love the province life.”

     

    In the end, the All-Star Game became less about which team won and more about what the players gained. For Van Sickle and Robins-Hardy, it was a reminder that volleyball can be a bridge—not just between teammates, but between identity, heritage, and the communities that welcome them home.

     

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  • Brooke Van Sickle finds home in Ilocos as All-Star Weekend becomes personal 

    Brooke Van Sickle finds home in Ilocos as All-Star Weekend becomes personal 

    For Brooke Van Sickle, the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase isn’t just another event—it’s a reminder of how far she’s come, and how close she now feels to home.

     

    Long before stepping onto the bright stage of the Premier Volleyball League, Van Sickle spent most of her life in the United States. But this week in Candon City, the journey feels full circle.

     

    “Yeah, I’m really happy, you know, super grateful to be able to just go around Ilocos Sur a little bit more in the Candon area, just to be able to see the area more than when we would come with PVL for games,” said the Nxled star, who hails from nearby San Emilio.

     

    This time, it wasn’t just about volleyball.

     

    Instead of the usual in-and-out game schedule, Van Sickle and fellow All-Stars slowed things down—sharing a welcome dinner, exploring the city, and even planting trees at the local Ecopark. It’s a side of the sport she rarely gets to experience, but one that has quietly deepened her connection to the country.

     

    “It’s a little hard to fit in extracurricular activities. So it’s been really exciting and really fun to be able to plant the trees, just see the Eco Park a lot. It’s really beautiful out here. So just all good experiences.”

     

    While the setting feels familiar, the stage still brings something new.

     

    Despite already being a three-time league MVP, Van Sickle is stepping into uncharted territory with her first-ever All-Star appearance—an experience she admits comes with a mix of excitement and nerves.

     

    “Yeah, I’m just really excited. I mean, I’m a little nervous. I don’t know what to expect because I’ve never been a part of any All-Star event like this before,” said Van Sickle, who is part of Team Hustle as a reserve. “So I’m just really excited to be surrounded by such good athletes and just wonderful people.”

     

    But beyond the competition, what stands out most is the shift in environment.

     

    Rivalries are set aside, replaced by shared moments and new connections. For Van Sickle, it’s a rare chance to see fellow players beyond the intensity of matches—to understand them not just as opponents, but as peers.

     

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    “It’s cool to get to know everybody slowly and everything. So yeah, I’m really excited just for good volleyball and I hope the fans enjoy it too and this is a good experience for everybody,” she added.

    Her return to Ilocos Sur also carries a quieter, more personal meaning.

     

    “It still feels awesome. Like, I know the first time I was here, it was just trying to grasp like, oh, I’m finally here,” she said, recalling her previous visit during the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference.

     

    “It feels right. It’s really good to be out of the city. I’m not really a city girl. I’m more like a province, nature girl.”

     

    This time, the experience becomes even more special with family set to watch her play—adding another layer to a week already filled with meaning.

     

    “They’re going to come to the game tomorrow. So I’m really excited to spend time with them and just get to know Candon a little bit more.”

     

    Now in her second year in the Philippines, Van Sickle’s journey has evolved from adjustment to belonging.

     

    What started as an opportunity has turned into something more permanent, something personal.

    “Yeah, I mean, obviously, coming to events like this is very helpful in my personal growth and everything and just, like, eye-opening for me. And obviously, anything I go to is always a wonderful experience and I’m really grateful to be here. And yeah, it’s slowly, it’s been a really great experience these past two years,” said Van Sickle.

     

    “And I’m finally, like, coming to a place where I’m, like, this is home for me. Like, it’s, like, I get it, like, okay, I’m from Hawaii and everything, but I see this as home. Like, okay, like, that’s, like, vacation for me now is going to Hawaii. So, like, it’s really great to be here and just, you know, I’m loving life and just super grateful for everything and just, yeah, I’m just super happy all the time. Yeah.”

     

    In a weekend built around stars, stats, and spectacle, Van Sickle’s story stands out for a different reason.

     

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  • Candon City takes center stage as PVL All-Stars turn showcase into celebration 

    Candon City takes center stage as PVL All-Stars turn showcase into celebration 

    Before the first serve is even struck, Candon City has already won.

     

    The 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase may officially begin on Friday, but the celebration started days earlier, as the country’s biggest volleyball stars transformed the quiet Ilocos Sur city into the center of the sport—not just through competition, but through connection.

     

    From a warm welcome dinner on Wednesday night to a meaningful tree-planting activity at the Candon Ecopark on Thursday, PVL and Spikers’ Turf standouts embraced a different kind of spotlight—one that went beyond the court. Beneath the calm canopy of trees and far from the noise of packed arenas, the league’s biggest names shared a moment of purpose before shifting gears to high-level action.

     

    That balance between community and competition sets the tone for what promises to be a unique All-Star experience.

     

    Come Friday, the energy shifts to full throttle inside the Candon City Arena.

     

    The showcase opens at 3 p.m. with the Spikers’ Turf All-Star Game, putting the men’s league’s elite on display. But the main event arrives at 5:30 p.m., when the Premier Volleyball League All-Stars take center stage in a highly anticipated clash between Team Heart and Team Hustle.

     

    Team Heart enters with a lineup built on chemistry and star power. With Jia De Guzman orchestrating plays, supported by the firepower of Jema Galanza and the presence of Jeanette Panaga, the squad blends familiarity with versatility. They are joined by rising and established stars alike, including Bella Belen, Majoy Baron, Erika Santos, and Justine Jazareno, under the guidance of PLDT’s Rald Ricafort.

     

    But their depth might be what makes them truly dangerous.

     

    Alyssa Valdez headlines a loaded bench that also features newly crowned MVP Vanie Gandler, along with Dawn Catindig, Gel Cayuna, Myla Pablo, MJ Phillips, and Jean Asis—giving Team Heart multiple options across rotations.

     

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    On the other side, Team Hustle counters with its own brand of firepower and intensity.

    Kim Fajardo leads the charge alongside Kianna Dy and Mika Reyes, forming a core that thrives on experience and composure. Surrounding them are proven performers like Kath Arado, Bernadeth Pons, Eya Laure, and Fifi Sharma, with Rommel Abella calling the shots.

     

    Their second unit ensures there’s no drop in level.

     

    With Brooke Van Sickle and Tots Carlos anchoring the bench, plus contributions expected from Alohi Robins-Hardy, Ivy Lacsina, Jackie Acuña, Alyssa Eroa, and Bea De Leon, Team Hustle is built to sustain pressure from start to finish.

     

    Yet beyond the matchups and star-studded lineups, this year’s showcase carries a deeper meaning.

     

    It’s not just about assembling the best players—it’s about bringing the game closer to the fans, to communities, and to places that rarely get to host this level of talent. For Candon City, this isn’t just an event. It’s a moment.

     

    And by the time the lights shine brightest on Friday night, one thing will already be clear:

    The stars didn’t just come to play—they came to leave a mark.

     

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  • Bella Belen and Capital1 teammates’ PBA appearance sparks buzz, but connections tell the real story

    Bella Belen and Capital1 teammates’ PBA appearance sparks buzz, but connections tell the real story

    It looked like a crossover moment fans didn’t expect—but one that quickly made sense the closer you looked.

     

    When Bella Belen was spotted at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game, attention shifted almost instantly from the court to the stands. The reigning volleyball star, seated near the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters bench, became an unlikely talking point in a matchup between Phoenix and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

     

    Adding to the intrigue, she wasn’t alone. Belen was seen alongside fellow Capital1 players Leila Cruz, Pia Abbu, and Pauline Gaston, as well as Galeries Tower’s Jules Samonte—turning the section into something of a volleyball cluster in the middle of a basketball night.

     

    When the broadcast cameras caught her on screen, Belen’s quick attempt to duck away only fueled curiosity further.

     

    The timing didn’t help quiet the noise.

     

    Fans had already begun linking her to Rain or Shine guard Andrei Caracut following a recent joint appearance at an event in Legazpi City—a trip that also included Adrian Nocum. With both Belen and Caracut now in the same venue, speculation came naturally.

     

    But according to Caracut, the situation was far less complicated than it seemed.

    “Nag-invite yung girlfriend ni Josh (David),” he said, pointing to a more grounded explanation behind the gathering.

     

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    That detail reveals a broader web of connections that stretches beyond headlines. Cruz, who was with Belen that night, is in a relationship with Rain or Shine player Joshua David. Gaston’s partner, meanwhile, is Phoenix’s Francis Escandor, while Samonte is linked to Rain or Shine’s Felix Lemetti.

    In other words, what looked like coincidence—or even intrigue—was simply a night shared among overlapping circles in Philippine sports.

     

    As for Belen and Caracut, the latter was quick to clarify the nature of their connection.

    “Friends. Nagsama kami sa Bicol, may guesting kami.”

     

    The trip itself seemed lighthearted, even memorable for its off-court moments.

    “Nakulitan kay Eric (Nanas),” Caracut added, referring to Rain or Shine’s well-known utility staff who joined the group during the Bicol engagement.

     

    In a sports landscape where stories often jump from speculation to assumption, this one turned out to be something simpler: a reminder of how interconnected athletes can be, even across different leagues.

     

    And for one night, it just so happened that those connections gathered in the same seats—right where everyone could see them.

     

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  • From rival colors to same side of the court: Real-life couple Myla Pablo and Rald Ricafort reunite on PVL’s All-Star stage 

    From rival colors to same side of the court: Real-life couple Myla Pablo and Rald Ricafort reunite on PVL’s All-Star stage 

    The 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase is already loaded with storylines, but few carry the same mix of sport and personal intrigue as the pairing inside Team Heart.


    As PLDT High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort prepares to steer a star-laden roster in Candon City on May 1, he will be sharing the same competitive space with real-life partner Nxled’s standout Myla Pablo but not as opponents this time, but as part of the same All-Star team.

     

    Even though Ricafort’s PLDT High Speed Hitters fell short of reaching the Final Round of the PVL All-Filipino Conference, their overall body of work still spoke volumes. It was their dominant run in the preliminary round—finishing at the top of the standings with a 7–2 win-loss record that ultimately solidified Ricafort’s appointment as head coach of Team Heart. 

     

    Meanwhile, Pablo earned her spot in the reserve pool of Team Heart after a multi-sector selection process that included coaches, players, officials, and media representatives, cementing her place among the league’s most recognized names for the exhibition showcase.

     

    The selection brings her alongside elite company, including Alyssa Valdez, Jia De Guzman, Jema Galanza, and other league mainstays forming a balanced mix of veterans and rising stars.

     

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    What has added an unexpected layer to her All-Star appearance is the public attention surrounding her personal life. Pablo recently posted a photo with Ricafort on her social media account, a move widely interpreted by fans as a confirmation of a long-rumored relationship. 

     

    The post quickly circulated online, drawing a wave of reactions and turning what was already a sporting headline into a trending off-court moment.

     

    On the court side, however, both arrive with different competitive contexts. Pablo’s Nxled Chameleons missed out on a semifinals berth in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference after a loss to Farm Fresh, closing their campaign earlier than hoped. 

     

    On the other hand, Ricafort’s PLDT High Speed Hitters squad stayed in the title conversation with a strong semifinal run and a pending bronze medal series against Farm Fresh in a best-of-three battle for third place.

     

    The All-Star setting now creates a rare crossover, a coach leading the league’s top talents while one of those talents happens to be his real-life partner. 

     

    It’s a dynamic that doesn’t change the structure of the game, but undeniably adds narrative weight to Team Heart’s already star-heavy rotation.

     

    Beyond the headlines, the league itself continues to frame the showcase as a celebration of balance—fan voting, technical selection, and committee input shaping the final roster of Team Heart and Team Hustle.

     

    But in a sport often defined by rival colors and fierce club allegiances, this year’s edition adds something more personal which are familiarity on opposite ends of coaching and playing roles, now converging under one banner.

     

     

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  • Galeries’ Jules Samonte and Rain or Shine’s Felix Lemetti expect first child in heartwarming announcement

    Galeries’ Jules Samonte and Rain or Shine’s Felix Lemetti expect first child in heartwarming announcement

    In a moment that blended sports, love, and new beginnings, Galeries Tower Highrisers spiker Jules Samonte and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters guard Felix Pangilinan-Lemetti have stepped into an entirely different kind of milestone—one far beyond the court.


    Samonte shared the announcement on social media through a series of intimate photos alongside Pangilinan-Lemetti, where the couple is seen holding ultrasound images that mark the start of their journey into parenthood. 

     

    The reveal carried a simple yet heartfelt caption: “Table for 3 po,” confirming that they are expecting their first child. In the photos, the two can be seen embracing warmly, with one shot focusing closely on the ultrasound images that made the moment even more real for fans.

     

    What stood out about the announcement was its quiet simplicity—no grand production, just a personal glimpse into a life-changing moment shared directly with supporters. 

     

    Within minutes, the post circulated across social media, drawing waves of greetings from fans, teammates, and fellow athletes who have followed both their careers closely in volleyball and basketball.

     

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    Samonte has been one of the Highrisers’ veteran players in the PVL, while Galeries struggled through a tough 2026 All-Filipino Conference campaign, finishing outside the semifinal race. 

     

    Despite limited action in recent games, she has remained a respected presence as the team continues to rebuild its core.

     

    On the basketball side, Pangilinan-Lemetti has been a steady backcourt contributor for Rain or Shine, bringing international experience from his multi-country playing background before entering the PBA in 2024. 

     

    His development has been closely followed as the Elasto Painters continue to position themselves as one of the league’s most promising young squads.

     

    Beyond their respective leagues, both athletes have built reputations as hardworking professionals adjusting to the demands of high-level competition. 

      

    The couple’s announcement adds a lighter, human moment to an otherwise intense season in both volleyball and basketball, where Galeries continues its PVL campaign rebuild and Rain or Shine pushes through a competitive PBA stretch.

     

    As fans celebrated the news online, many also highlighted how the timing adds an emotional boost to both athletes’ seasons—turning what is already a competitive year into one marked by a shared new beginning off the court.

     

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  • Manny Pacquiao dominates the spotlight with multiple appearances across U.S. sports events

    Manny Pacquiao dominates the spotlight with multiple appearances across U.S. sports events

    The eight‑time world champion’s recent swing through major American sports arenas didn’t include punching gloves—it featured roaring crowds, customized jerseys, and even a return to his early athletic roots on the pitching mound.


    Pacquiao had his appearance at the Los Angeles Clippers matchup against the San Antonio Spurs at the Intuit Dome. Fans erupted when his image appeared on the arena screen, and he waved back, soaking in the welcoming cheers from a crowd that spans beyond boxing’s usual boundaries.

     

    He then made his way to the soccer pitch at Dignity Health Sports Park as a spectator of Major League Soccer action, watching the LA Galaxy fall 2–1 to Minnesota United FC. 

     

    Despite the home team’s loss, Pacquiao remained the focal point, engaging with supporters and posing for photos. The Galaxy presented him with a tailored jersey bearing his name and the number 17.

     

    That influence followed him to ice hockey, where he was spotted courtside for a thrilling showdown between the Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs. 

     

    The Kings edged out a 7–6 victory, and the crowd roared even louder when his boxing career highlights were splashed across the Jumbotron, followed by a live shot of Pacquiao soaking it all in.

     

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    Meanwhile, recently he returned to his first athletic love, Pacquiao stepped onto the pitcher’s mound at New York Yankees’ Yankee Stadium to throw the ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Oakland Athletics. 

     

    Dressed in a bespoke pinstriped jersey layered over a blue jacket adorned with the Philippine flag, the 47‑year‑old legend received a standing ovation that echoed decades of admiration.

     

    “For the longest time, when I was young, in elementary I used to play baseball. It’s my first sport before boxing,” Pacquiao revealed, reconnecting with the sport that shaped him long before world titles did.

     

    He also reflected on the gravity of the moment amid Yankee lore, “I’ve always loved the energy of New York sports, to stand on this mound where so many legends have played is a great honor. I might be a boxer, but today, I’m just a fan of the game.”

     

    Pacquiao’s US tour isn’t just a series of appearances—it’s a portrait of an athlete whose influence and love for sport rivals even his own storied boxing career. 

     

    It comes with an exciting chapter ahead as Pacquiao will return to the boxing ring this September for a highly anticipated rematch against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas, ten years after their first bout.

     

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  • Bella Belen finds pickleball reset amid volleyball duties with Capital1

    Bella Belen finds pickleball reset amid volleyball duties with Capital1

    Bella Belen shared how pickleball has become her go-to outlet away from volleyball, helping her stay mentally refreshed while also sharpening parts of her game.

     

    For Bella Belen, recovery does not always mean rest. Sometimes, it means picking up another racket.

     

    As the demands of professional volleyball continue to grow, the Capital1 Solar Spikers star is learning that staying at her best is not just about training harder or getting more reps in the gym. It is also about finding space away from the sport — something that allows her to breathe, reset, and return with a clearer mind.

     

    That space, lately, has come in the form of pickleball.What began as a passing curiosity on social media has quietly turned into one of Belen’s favorite ways to decompress, especially after long stretches of training and competition.

     

    “Last year kasi, parang dumadaan na siya sa feed ko na maraming naglalaro ng pickleball. Sabi ko, gusto ko rin itong i-try pero that time, wala akong kakilala. Wala akong friends na naglalaro ng pickleball,” Belen shared during the PVL’s Media Day.

     

    “Tapos this year, nakita ko na may mga friends ako naglalaro ng pickleball. Ayun, sabi ko, i-try ko, then doon nagsimula lahat.”

     

    For an athlete whose routine has long revolved around volleyball, the appeal was not just the game itself — it was what the game offered outside of competition.

     

    Belen admitted that when everything starts to revolve around volleyball, the pressure can build faster than people realize. Bad training days, frustrating performances, and the natural weight of expectations can easily stay with a player long after practice ends.

     

    That is where stepping away, even briefly, has made a difference.”Feeling ko kasi, pag puro volleyball nalang isipin ko, mas lalo akong ma-stress and mas clouded ‘yung utak ko, lalo na siguro if may days na pangit ‘yung training or pangit ‘yung game ko, so mas lalo ko siyang i-overthink,” she said.

     

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    “Maganda rin siguro may hobbies outside volleyball para mas stress-free.” More than just a distraction, pickleball has become a way for Belen to mentally hit reset.

     

    The shift in environment — from teammates and team systems to a completely different set of people and a more relaxed setting — has given her a kind of break that volleyball itself cannot always provide.

     

    “Kasi, siyempre, iba naman ang kasama ko—hindi teammates ko—so new environment naman,” Belen shared.

     

    “Ayun, very refreshing siya every time maglalaro ako ng pickleball. Parang na-reset ‘yung utak ko pag naglalaro ako ng pickleball, then volleyball naman.”

     

    That sense of balance may be one of the more important adjustments Belen is making as she continues settling into the professional ranks.

     

    For years, she has been defined by winning, consistency, and the pressure that comes with being one of the country’s brightest volleyball stars. But life as a pro is teaching her that performance is not just built during training sessions and matches — it is also shaped by how well an athlete manages everything in between.

     

    And interestingly enough, the sport she picked up for fun may also be helping her game.Belen sees familiar demands in pickleball, particularly in the way it forces quick movement, coordination, and fast reactions — all of which translate naturally to volleyball.

     

    “Sa pickleball kasi need mabilis footwork and coordination mo. So, I think natutulungan niya ako since sa volleyball need mabilis na reaction since mabilis ‘yung bola,” Belen explained.

     

    “Medyo napagtutugma ko naman sila at hindi ako nalilito sa rules. Hindi ko pa sila namimix-and-match. May tulong din naman si pickleball sa volleyball,” she laughingly added.

     

    Now with her 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference campaign behind her, Belen has a small but meaningful window to recharge.

     

    And for one of Philippine volleyball’s busiest stars, that reset no longer comes from doing less. Sometimes, it comes from playing something else.

     

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  • BINI brings P-pop to the NBA stage in Clippers’ Filipino Heritage Night

    BINI brings P-pop to the NBA stage in Clippers’ Filipino Heritage Night

    BINI’s rise is no longer confined to concert stages and music charts. This time, the Nation’s Girl Group found itself under the bright lights of an NBA arena, adding another first to its growing resume.

     

    The P-pop sensation made history after becoming the first Pinoy pop group to take part in an NBA Filipino Heritage Night, joining the Los Angeles Clippers’ celebration at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood.

     

    What made the moment stand out was how naturally BINI fit into the setting.

     

    The group attended the Clippers’ matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, where they were welcomed not just as celebrity guests, but as part of the night’s spotlight. 

     

    The members were given personalized Clippers jerseys, and the arena crowd also got a glimpse of the group on the Jumbotron while their newly released song “Honey Honey” played inside the venue.

     

    For BINI, it was another sign that their reach is starting to extend well beyond music.

     

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    Their latest NBA appearance also served as a follow-up to an earlier crossover with the Clippers. Back in November 2024, the team’s Clippers Spirit dance squad used BINI’s hit “Cherry on Top” for a halftime routine during another Filipino Heritage Night.

     

    That earlier performance introduced BINI’s music to the NBA stage. This time, the group itself got to be part of the event.

     

    The milestone adds another layer to BINI’s growing global profile, especially as the group continues to break into spaces where Filipino acts have rarely been seen. It also comes at a timely point for the octet, with international attention continuing to build ahead of their much-anticipated performances at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

     

    From pop stages to pro basketball arenas, BINI continues to find new platforms — and in the process, continues to push Filipino representation into bigger spaces.

     

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