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Category: Volleyball

  • No. 1 pick Camilla Lamina embraces new challenge in PVL with Galeries Towers  

    No. 1 pick Camilla Lamina embraces new challenge in PVL with Galeries Towers  

    For years, Camilla Lamina’s role was clear.

     

    She was the steady hand behind one of the most dominant programs in collegiate volleyball, orchestrating plays, directing traffic, and helping National University maintain its place among the country’s elite teams.

     

    Now, the challenge is entirely different.

     

    Instead of fitting into an established championship culture, Lamina is being asked to help build one.

     

    The former NU star officially enters the professional ranks as the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 PVL Draft after the Galeries Tower Highrisers made her the centerpiece of their future, entrusting the accomplished setter with a responsibility that extends far beyond distributing the ball.

     

    For Lamina, hearing her name called first overall was less about individual recognition and more about the confidence a franchise placed in her.

     

    “For me, siyempre fulfilling kasi wow, ako ‘yung isa sa mga napili nila ng Galeries. It shows ‘yung trust na ako pa talaga ‘yung napili. Very happy and very grateful,” she said.

     

    The selection marks a significant transition for one of the most decorated setters to emerge from the UAAP in recent years.

     

    At NU, Lamina was surrounded by a culture built around winning. Championships were expected, and excellence was the standard. At Galeries Tower, she enters a team still searching for its breakthrough and looking for foundational pieces capable of elevating the franchise.

     

    That reality is not lost on the 23-year-old playmaker.

     

    Rather than focusing solely on her skills as a setter, Lamina believes the biggest contribution she can bring comes from the values she developed during her years with the Lady Bulldogs.

     

    “Since I am from a champion team, which is NU, ang mabibigay ko lang at mao-offer ko sa Galeries ay kung gaano ako ka-competitive inside and outside the court at ‘yung hard work, discipline, at ‘yung work ethic ko,” Lamina said.

     

    Those traits could prove just as valuable as her precise sets and court vision.

     

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    Galeries Tower’s decision to make Lamina the top pick reflects its belief that building a competitive team requires more than talent. It requires players capable of setting standards and establishing habits that can influence an entire roster.

     

    The professional game, however, presents a different landscape from the one she dominated in college.

     

    Gone are the familiar opponents and systems. Waiting for her in the PVL are battle-tested veterans, former MVPs, national team standouts, and players who have spent years refining their craft at the highest level of Philippine volleyball.

     

    Instead of viewing that reality with apprehension, Lamina sees it as the next stage of her growth.

     

    “Of course, always ready naman ako syempre. But syempre, it will start sa how will I prepare first and how will I manage myself,” she said.

     

    “Siyempre, pagtuntong sa PVL, kasi iba na sila maglaro, mga beterano na sila maglaro. Feel ko marami ako matututunan and i-e-embrace ko talaga ‘yung challenge pag kalaban sila.”

     

    For Lamina, the draft did more than launch a professional career.

     

    It transformed her from the setter of a champion into a potential cornerstone of a franchise looking to write its own success story. The expectations that come with being the first overall pick are undeniable, but so is the opportunity.

     

    And for a player who spent her collegiate career helping others shine, the next chapter will be about proving she can help lead an entire organization forward.

     

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  • Former Cignal players Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Buding Duremdes find new home with Farm Fresh 

    Former Cignal players Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Buding Duremdes find new home with Farm Fresh 

    As former Cignal players continue to disperse across the Premier Volleyball League, Farm Fresh have landed two new players who can strengthen their squad.


    The Foxies bolstered both their net defense and backcourt stability by acquiring veteran libero Buding Duremdes and former PVL Best Middle Blocker Roselyn Doria-Aquino ahead of the 2026-27 season.

     

    The pair became the eighth and ninth former Cignal players to secure new teams following the Super Spikers’ leave of absence, with Farm Fresh adding proven experience to a squad aiming to build on its recent breakthrough campaign.

     

    For a team that came within reach of a Final Four appearance during the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, the additions signal a clear intention to take the next step from playoff contender to legitimate title challenger.

     

    Doria-Aquino addresses one of Farm Fresh’s key areas of depth by adding size, experience, and championship-level presence in the middle. 

     

    The decorated blocker joins an already crowded rotation that includes Riri Meneses, Lorene Toring, Rizza Cruz, Des Clemente-De Guzman, Remy Palma, and recovering middle blocker Imee Hernandez.

     

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    Her arrival gives the Foxies another reliable option at the net as they look to strengthen a frontline that played a major role in their playoff appearances across all three conferences during the 2025-26 campaign.

     

    While Doria-Aquino shores up the middle, Duremdes provides immediate defense in the back row.

    One of the veteran liberos, Duremdes is expected to reinforce Farm Fresh’s floor defense unit alongside veteran Bia General and young defensive specialists Maicah Laroza and Ann Monares.

     

    The acquisitions represent another significant development in the ongoing redistribution of talent following Cignal’s temporary exit from the league.

     

    Meanwhile, former Super Spiker Jessa Ordiales became the 10th ex-Cignal player to find a new home after joining PLDT.

     

    Ordiales gives the High Speed Hitters additional depth on the wings, bringing both experience and offensive versatility to a team that remains among the league’s top championship contenders.

     

    The movement of former Cignal players has reshaped several PVL rosters in recent months.

     

    Creamline previously strengthened its lineup by adding Ishie Lalongisip and Erin Pangilinan, while other former Super Spikers have also been absorbed by teams eager to capitalize on the availability of proven PVL talent.

     

    Despite the flurry of signings, several former Cignal players are still searching for their next opportunities.

     

    Gyzelle Sy, Pearl Denura, Ethan Arce, Heather Guino-o, and Ivy Perez remain without announced destinations as the player market continues to evolve heading into the 2026-27 season.

     

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  • Thirty-eight aspirants await their moment at 2026 PVL Draft 

    Thirty-eight aspirants await their moment at 2026 PVL Draft 

    As the 2026 PVL Draft finally arrives, the conversation is no longer about who is missing. It is about who is ready to seize the opportunity left behind.

     

    What once appeared to be a draft class headlined by consensus top prospects Alyssa Solomon and Niña Ytang has transformed into one of the most unpredictable talent pools in recent memory. With both stars opting out before draft night, a new generation of hopefuls now steps into the spotlight, each carrying a legitimate case to become the first name called when teams gather at Novotel Manila Araneta City on Wednesday evening.

     

    At the center of that conversation are National University playmaker Camilla Lamina and University of Santo Tomas defensive anchor Bernadett Pepito.

     

    Lamina enters the draft as one of the most decorated setters in collegiate volleyball, having established herself as the steady hand behind NU’s championship success. Pepito, meanwhile, built her reputation as one of the country’s premier defensive specialists, earning multiple UAAP Best Libero honors while serving as the backbone of UST’s floor defense.

     

    But unlike previous drafts that featured a clear-cut favorite, this year’s selection process feels far more fluid.

     

    The absence of Solomon and Ytang has opened the door for several prospects to significantly boost their stock, including athletes who impressed scouts and coaches during the recent Draft Combine conducted by Valor Performance Institute.

     

    Among the biggest risers was Adamson speedster Barbie Jamili, who showcased elite athleticism by topping several testing categories. Jamili recorded the fastest 10-meter sprint time at 1.759 seconds, dominated the pro agility 5-10-5 test with a 5.109-second mark, and led the hop test reactive strength index with 3.36 meters per second.

     

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    University of the East standout Khy Cepada likewise strengthened her case as one of the most intriguing prospects in the class. She finished near the top of multiple combine categories, placing second in both the 10-meter sprint and countermovement jump while also ranking among the leaders in agility and vertical explosion drills.

     

    The draft pool remains rich with established collegiate names despite the high-profile withdrawals.

     

    Among those hoping to hear their names called are UST’s Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula; UP standouts Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo; FEU’s Ann Asis and Florize Papa; La Salle’s Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen; UE’s Tin Ecalla and Kayce Balingit; and former Ateneo setter Taks Fujimoto.

     

    Adding an international flavor to the proceedings is Jade Fuentes of Cal State Dominguez Hills, the lone Filipino-foreign applicant in the draft class.

     

    Notably absent from the event itself will be FEU setter Tin Ubaldo, who remains committed to the Alas Pilipinas Women program as preparations continue for the upcoming AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City.

     

    Beyond the individual names, Wednesday’s draft represents another important chapter in the league’s continued growth. The PVL has increasingly become the primary bridge between collegiate stardom and professional volleyball, forcing teams to balance immediate needs with long-term roster building.

     

    That challenge begins with Galeries Tower, which secured the coveted No. 1 overall pick after winning the draft lottery despite long odds. Capital1 follows at No. 2, while Choco Mucho and Akari complete the top four selections.

     

    Nxled, Farm Fresh, PLDT, and Creamline round out the remainder of the first-round order.

     

    By the end of the night, careers will change, franchises will reshape their futures, and one prospect will walk away as the newest face of the league’s next generation. The only certainty heading into draft night is that no one truly knows how the board will fall.

     

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  • PVL Draft headlined by Detdet Pepito and Lams Lamina as 38 prospects prepare for selection night 

    PVL Draft headlined by Detdet Pepito and Lams Lamina as 38 prospects prepare for selection night 

    The Premier Volleyball League Draft is set to take center stage on Wednesday at Novotel Manila, with 38 hopefuls ready to hear their names called in what has become one of the most unpredictable draft classes in recent years. 


    What initially looked like an expected selection order has shifted dramatically following the withdrawals of Alyssa Solomon and Nina Ytang, opening the door for a deeper and more competitive talent pool.

     

    At the forefront of this year’s class are two of the most decorated collegiate players in recent UAAP seasons—National University’s two-time Best Setter Camilla Lamina and University of Santo Tomas’ two-time Best Libero Bernadett Pepito. 

     

    Their presence at the top immediately sets a tone of balance between playmaking precision and defensive excellence, two roles that often define long-term success in the professional game.

     

    With Galeries Tower holding the No. 1 overall pick after winning the draft lottery on May 25, followed by Capital1, Choco Mucho, and Akari, the early selections are expected to shape the league’s next competitive cycle.

     

    Beyond the headline names, attention has also shifted toward prospects who elevated their stock through the Draft Combine. 

     

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    Adamson’s Barbie Jamili stood out with top marks in the 10-meter sprint (1.759 seconds), pro agility 5-10-5 test (5.109 seconds), and hop test reactive strength index (3.36 meters per second), showcasing elite athletic explosiveness that could translate immediately at the professional level.

     

    University of the East’s Khy Cepada also delivered a strong all-around performance, finishing second in the 10-meter sprint (1.776 seconds) and countermovement jump (44.7 centimeters), while placing third in the pro agility test (5.133 seconds) and ranking consistently across other athletic benchmarks including hop test and approach jump metrics. These numbers have positioned both players as potential impact selections depending on team needs in the middle rounds.

     

    However, not all draft stories will unfold on stage. Far Eastern University’s Tin Ubaldo will skip the ceremony as she remains with the Alas Pilipinas Women pool preparing for international duty in the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City, highlighting how national team commitments continue to intersect with professional league pathways.

     

    The final draft pool reflects the depth of UAAP volleyball talent across multiple programs, including UST’s Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula; UP’s Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo; FEU’s Ann Asis and Florize Papa; De La Salle University’s Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen; UE’s Tin Ecalla and Kayce Balingit; Adamson’s Barbie Jamili; and Ateneo’s Taks Fujimoto. Adding an international dimension is Cal State Dominguez Hills’ Jade Fuentes, the lone Filipino-foreign applicant in this year’s class.

     

    Players who opted out of this year’s draft face a delayed professional entry, as league rules require reapplication in the next cycle. Since they did not participate in the draft proper, they will not be classified as free agents, reinforcing the PVL’s structured transition system from collegiate to professional play under Games and Amusements Board regulations.

     

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  • Alas Men and Women complete Philippine volleyball’s Asian Games return, secure spots in Nagoya-Aichi 2026 

    Alas Men and Women complete Philippine volleyball’s Asian Games return, secure spots in Nagoya-Aichi 2026 

    Philippine volleyball is headed back to one of Asia’s biggest sporting stages — and this time, both the men’s and women’s national teams are going together.

     

    In a significant breakthrough for the sport, Alas Pilipinas Men and Alas Pilipinas Women have officially secured their places in the indoor volleyball competition of the Nagoya-Aichi 2026 Asian Games, giving the country representation in both divisions of the prestigious continental event.

     

    The qualification is more than just another tournament appearance. It is a reflection of how far the national program has come in recent years, with both teams climbing the Asian rankings and earning the right to compete against the region’s traditional powerhouses.

     

    “This is great news for our volleyball program,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino after receiving confirmation from the Asian Volleyball Confederation over the weekend.

     

    The Alas Women punched their ticket as Asia’s No. 10-ranked team in the FIVB rankings, while the Alas Men qualified as the continent’s No. 15 squad.

     

    Their inclusion completes a remarkable chapter for Philippine volleyball, which will now have representation in both indoor and beach volleyball competitions at the Asian Games.

     

    For the women, the qualification validates years of steady progress that transformed Alas Pilipinas from an underdog into one of the region’s emerging programs. For the men, it serves as another reward after a resurgence that saw the squad steadily gain ground against stronger Asian opposition.

     

    Both teams will compete in a 16-nation field when the indoor volleyball tournament unfolds in Aichi Prefecture from September 27 to October 3.

     

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    The men’s division will feature regional heavyweights Japan, Iran, China, South Korea, Qatar, Thailand, Indonesia, Bahrain, Chinese Taipei, India, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, and Pakistan alongside the Philippines.

     

    Meanwhile, the women’s field includes Japan, China, Thailand, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei, Iran, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, North Korea, and Qatar.

     

    The development was personally relayed to Tolentino by AVC president Tats Suzara, further solidifying the country’s participation despite the ongoing administrative issues surrounding Philippine volleyball.

     

    With the Philippine National Volleyball Federation currently under suspension by the FIVB, the Philippine Olympic Committee is expected to oversee the country’s volleyball participation moving forward.

     

    The indoor teams’ qualification also completes the Philippines’ volleyball delegation after the national beach volleyball squads previously secured their own Asian Games berths.

     

    Leading that charge are reigning Southeast Asian Games champions Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, who will spearhead the country’s campaign in the beach volleyball competition at Hekinan City.

     

    With both indoor teams and beach volleyball pairs now qualified, Philippine volleyball is set for one of its most extensive Asian Games representations in recent memory — a sign that the sport’s momentum continues to grow on the continental stage.

     

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  • Creamline Cool Smashers turn to youth with Ishie Lalongisip addition 

    Creamline Cool Smashers turn to youth with Ishie Lalongisip addition 

    For years, Creamline has mastered the art of winning in the present.

     

    Now, the Cool Smashers appear to be making a move for the future.

     

    Fresh off another successful campaign, the league’s most decorated franchise has quietly begun addressing a challenge that often accompanies sustained dominance: time.

     

    The arrival of former Cignal standout Ishie Lalongisip may not carry the same immediate fanfare as a marquee signing, but it could prove to be one of Creamline’s most important additions in recent years.

     

    At 24 years old, Lalongisip joins a roster built around battle-tested veterans who have delivered 11 championships to the franchise. More importantly, she arrives at a time when Creamline has openly acknowledged the need to start preparing for the next generation.

     

    For months, head coach Sherwin Meneses repeatedly pointed to the same reality. While the Cool Smashers remained at the top of the PVL, their championship core was also growing older.

    The concern wasn’t about the present.

     

    It was about what comes after it.

     

    That makes Lalongisip’s arrival feel less like a routine acquisition and more like the first visible piece of a larger transition.

     

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    She becomes just the seventh player on Creamline’s roster born in 2000 or later, adding youth, athleticism, and offensive upside to a squad whose average age is nearing 29 years old.

    The timing is notable.

     

    Only days ago, Meneses discussed the importance of securing younger players through the PVL Draft, stressing the need to identify eventual successors to the veteran group that has carried the franchise through one of the most dominant dynasties in league history.

     

    Instead of waiting for draft night, Creamline may have already landed one of its answers.

     

    Lalongisip also represents part of a larger reshuffling across the league following Cignal’s leave of absence from the PVL. The former Adamson standout became the seventh former Cignal player to secure a new home, joining a growing list of talents dispersing throughout the league.

     

    For Creamline, however, her value extends beyond simply replacing depth.

     

    The Cool Smashers are chasing a difficult balance that every championship organization eventually faces — remaining strong enough to contend today while becoming young enough to compete tomorrow.

     

    Lalongisip fits squarely within that vision.

     

    She offers the possibility of immediate contributions while also providing something Creamline increasingly needs: time.

     

    The franchise’s veteran core remains intact, and its championship expectations remain unchanged. But as the Cool Smashers continue looking for ways to extend their dynasty, the addition of Lalongisip suggests the organization is no longer focused solely on defending titles.

    It is also beginning to build what comes next.

     

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  • PVL’s biggest stars take center stage as the league celebrates a season of breakthroughs and brilliance

    PVL’s biggest stars take center stage as the league celebrates a season of breakthroughs and brilliance

     The PVL season may have ended on the court, but the celebration of the league’s biggest moments only reached its peak under the lights of the awards stage.

     

    At the 2nd Pilipinas PVL Press Corps Awards Night, the league gathered its brightest names for an evening that looked beyond wins and losses — recognizing the performances, growth, leadership, and moments that shaped another landmark season for Philippine volleyball.

     

    And fittingly, the night belonged to more than just one name.

     

    While individual honors highlighted breakout campaigns and career milestones, the bigger story was the depth of talent and impact that continues to push the league forward.

     

    Farm Fresh’s Trisha Tubu emerged as the biggest individual awardee after being named Season Most Valuable Player, capping a campaign that saw the Foxies reach the playoffs across all three conferences and record their strongest finish to date.

     

    But even as she stood at the center of one of the night’s biggest moments, her message reflected the spirit shared by many awardees.

     

    “Unang-una, sobrang thankful po ako and sobrang grateful po sa award na ito… napakaraming players diyan na magagaling at isa ako sa mga nabigyan ng chance po na makuha itong award na ito.”

     

    Her recognition became part of a larger celebration of athletes who helped raise the level of competition throughout the season.

     

    On the rookie side, Bella Belen earned PVL Rookie of the Year honors after quickly establishing herself as one of the league’s most exciting young talents. Her presence in the awards night symbolized another strong wave of incoming stars ready to reshape the league’s future.

     

    Creamline, meanwhile, walked away with Team of the Year, reinforcing the franchise’s continued standard of excellence after another campaign filled with deep playoff runs and memorable performances.

     

    The night also highlighted the league’s elite performers through the PVL Mythical Team, headlined by Tubu alongside Savi Davison, Bella Belen, Pangs Panaga, Majoy Baron, Gel Cayuna, and Kath Arado — a reflection of the league’s balance of power across positions and teams.

     

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    Individual excellence stretched beyond the women’s side as well.

     

    On the men’s front, Jude Garcia captured Spikers’ Turf Season MVP honors after steering Criss Cross to back-to-back championships.

     

    “Hopefully, magtuloy-tuloy and sana mai-angat pa natin ‘yung level and mag-grow pa ‘yung men’s volleyball sa Pilipinas,” Garcia shared.

     

    Though Criss Cross was unable to attend due to commitments in South Korea, the impact of their season remained one of the night’s biggest talking points.

     

    The awards also recognized the people behind sustained success.

     

    Rald Ricafort (PLDT) and Tai Bundit (Criss Cross) shared Coach of the Year honors, while Jonathan Ng of Creamline was named Executive of the Year. Meanwhile, Alyssa Valdez, Erika Santos, and Kim Kianna Dy were recognized for their leadership, improvement, and resilience through special awards.

     

    Beyond trophies, the evening also celebrated moments that transcended the standings.

     

    The Alas Pilipinas women’s beach volleyball team received a special citation for their historic SEA Games gold medal, while the Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball team was honored for its inspiring international campaign.

     

    And because awards nights have become just as much about style as achievement, Majoy Baron and Mark Calado closed the evening as Stars of the Night, turning heads with standout red-carpet looks that added another layer of celebration.

     

    More than recognizing individual success, the night became a reminder of what the PVL has become: a league no longer defined by a handful of stars, but by an entire generation pushing each other to new heights — on and off the court.

     

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  • PVL Rookie Draft Chaos: Alyssa Solomon, Nina Ytang withdraw as Alas pulls talent away from pros 

    PVL Rookie Draft Chaos: Alyssa Solomon, Nina Ytang withdraw as Alas pulls talent away from pros 

    The 2026 PVL Rookie Draft was supposed to arrive with a clear storyline.

     

    Alyssa Solomon at the top. Niña Ytang not far behind. A loaded class ready to redefine the league.

    Instead, the draft board looks nothing like the one teams were preparing for just days ago.

     

    In a stunning late shift before the withdrawal deadline, consensus No. 1 pick Solomon pulled out of the draft entirely. And before teams could even adjust their plans, another major name followed.

     

    Niña Ytang — one of the fastest-rising prospects in the class and a near-lock to challenge for the top selection — also withdrew her application, choosing to remain committed to Alas Pilipinas Women instead of entering the professional ranks.

     

    The moves instantly changed the complexion of what had once looked like a draft with a clear pecking order.

     

    For Solomon, sources pointed to a decision that went beyond overseas opportunities.

    There had reportedly been discussions surrounding her continued involvement in the national team program — enough to keep the decorated former NU star from immediately taking the professional route.

     

    Then came Ytang’s turn.

     

    After her stock surged following Solomon’s withdrawal, the UP standout looked poised to become one of the strongest candidates for Galeries Tower’s top selection. But rather than capitalize on her rising draft value, Ytang chose to stay with the national setup.

     

    Her decision also comes at a complicated moment for Philippine volleyball, with uncertainty surrounding the national federation and preparations for upcoming international commitments.

     

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    And the reshuffling did not stop there.

     

    Sources revealed that Letran standouts Lara Mae Silva and Natalie Estreller also withdrew from the draft to continue prioritizing national team duties after being part of the expanded Alas Pilipinas pool.

     

    Suddenly, what looked like a draft class centered around a handful of elite names has become one of the most unpredictable in recent PVL memory.

     

    The departures remove players widely expected to reshape the opening selections — forcing teams to go back to the drawing board.

     

    National University setter Lams Lamina now emerges as one of the strongest names entering the conversation for the top pick, while other prospects such as Nicole Ong, Detdet Pepito, and several rising wing spikers could see their draft value climb overnight.

     

    What was once shaping up as a race dominated by familiar names has turned into something far more open.

     

    And in the middle of all that uncertainty, the PVL draft may end up becoming less about who leaves college for the pros — and more about who stays behind to carry the country’s colors.

     

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  • Ricky Palou does not see the suspension of PNVF affecting the PVL

    Ricky Palou does not see the suspension of PNVF affecting the PVL

    Philippine volleyball has been thrust into the spotlight amid a developing governance controversy following the International Volleyball Federation’s (FIVB) decision to suspend the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) over what it described as “serious governance concerns” and “multiple purported violations of the FIVB Code of Ethics.”

     

    The suspension, announced on Friday, May 29, takes immediate effect and comes at a critical juncture for the sport in the country, with the Philippines set to host the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, from June 6 to 14—less than two weeks after the ruling was made public.

     

    The timing of the decision has raised questions regarding administrative stability and tournament oversight, especially with the FIVB confirming the formation of an ad hoc committee tasked with temporarily overseeing the affairs of the PNVF during the suspension period.

     

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    Despite the uncertainty surrounding the governing body, Premier Volleyball League (PVL) president and PNVF Treasurer Ricky Palou downplayed concerns that the situation would have any immediate impact on the professional league’s operations or its upcoming plans.

     

    “About PNVF, I only know what you guys read on social media because I only arrived today. Kasi wala naman, no inkling ako, so sabi ko totoo kaya ito?,” Palou told reporters, expressing surprise over the development.

     

    Palou added that he intends to meet with current PNVF president Ramon “Tonyboy” Liao to clarify the details of the suspension and assess its potential implications for Philippine volleyball moving forward.

    The veteran sports executive also addressed speculation regarding league expansion, hinting that new teams could be joining the PVL in the upcoming conferences, although he declined to disclose specific names at this stage.

     

    “I don’t think so. Wala naman siguro diba? I don’t know even if the suspension holds. I will find out. Meron, meron. They told me not to, I’m not at liberty to announced kung sino. Pero meron, there are two of them actually. Basta electric, alam ko power company. Di pa next conference. Pinapag-aaralan din nila. They’re asking questions, they want to join, what are the requirements,” Palou said.

     

    He further clarified that the upcoming AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City is expected to proceed as scheduled, despite the administrative shake-up at the national federation level.

     

    “I think the one in Candon, tuloy na yun diba? I think it’s too late to cancel. But I don’t know, wala pa kaming ano. We reached out to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and other agencies concerned,” he added.

     

    The broader situation continues to develop, with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) reportedly set to consider a possible suspension of the PNVF during its General Assembly in June, which could further complicate governance and international representation issues for Philippine volleyball.

     

    In response to the FIVB decision, the PNVF released an official statement on Sunday, May 31, emphasizing its commitment to continuity and athlete welfare amid the ongoing uncertainty.

    At the core of its message, the federation reiterated its priority to ensure that Filipino athletes remain supported and that the country’s participation in international volleyball events remains uninterrupted.

     

    “The Federation respects the important roles of FIVB, PSC, POC, and all relevant institutions and Philippine and international sport, and is prepared to engage constructively through the proper channels,” the statement read.

     

    As the situation unfolds, Philippine volleyball now finds itself at a critical crossroads, balancing governance challenges at the administrative level with the immediate need to maintain stability ahead of a major international tournament on home soil.

     

     

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  • Early move to pro pays off for Trisha Tubu after PVL Press Corps Season MVP win

    Early move to pro pays off for Trisha Tubu after PVL Press Corps Season MVP win

    The Farm Fresh Foxies opposite spiker, Trisha Tubu was awarded the season Most Valuable Player at the 2nd PVL Press Corps Awards Night, capping a breakout professional campaign that transformed her from a promising collegiate standout into one of the league’s defining forces.


    Tubu topped the MVP race with a weighted score of 171.868, powered by consistent performances across the PVL On Tour, Invitationals, and All-Filipino Conference. 

     

    She also collected 50.4 media votes and 25.2 team votes, sealing the league’s highest individual honor during the ceremony supported by Immuni+ and Rebisco.

     

    Beyond the numbers, her season was defined by impact as Tubu led Farm Fresh to playoff appearances in all three conferences, highlighted by the franchise’s best-ever fourth-place finish in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Her rise carries added weight considering how her professional journey began. The former Adamson Lady Falcons standout took an early leap into the pro ranks without guarantees, a move that now stands validated by both performance and recognition.

     

    Tubu reflected on that decision with honesty, acknowledging the risks that came with leaving college early.

     

    “Siguro po, mula nung nag-take risk ako sa college pa lang na mag-jump na sa pro, siguro in-accept ko na po lahat ng challenge na pwedeng mangyari. And siguro ‘yun po ‘yung naging stepping stone ko para makuha ko po itong ganoong mga awards,” she said.

     

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    Despite her rapid rise, she admitted the MVP honor still felt unreal.

     

    “Actually, sobrang shocked ko talaga kasi never ko naisip na panaginipan or what na magkakaroon ako ng MVP award,” she said.

     

    What has defined Tubu’s season most, however, is not just production but mindset. She emphasized treating every match as if it were her last.

     

    That mentality helped anchor Farm Fresh’s most successful PVL campaign to date, including their first-ever semifinal appearance in the All-Filipino Conference. 

     

    Now, Tubu is setting her sights even higher, aiming to push the Foxies beyond breakthrough status.

     

    “Matulungan ko yung team ko na hindi lang sa Final Four na hopefully mag-podium finish po kami next conference.”

     

    Her dominance was further recognized beyond the MVP award, as she also earned a spot in the PVL Mythical Team alongside Savi Davison, Bella Belen, Pangs Panaga, Majoy Baron, Gel Cayuna, and Kath Arado.

     

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