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Category: Volleyball

  • Galeries Tower, Choco Mucho keep seasons alive as PVL Play-In pressure produces breakthrough performances

    Galeries Tower, Choco Mucho keep seasons alive as PVL Play-In pressure produces breakthrough performances

    Survival, not seeding, has become the true currency in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Play-In on Tuesday as two teams proved they have plenty left to spend.


    At the FilOil Centre in San Juan, the postseason’s backdoor route turned into a stage for reinvention. Lower-ranked squads, once on the brink of elimination, flipped the narrative and showed that momentum can outweigh rankings when everything is on the line.

     

    The biggest statement came from Galeries Tower, the No. 9 seed that refused to play like an underdog. Facing a higher-ranked Capital1 side, the Highrisers swept their way to a 25-16, 25-20, 30-28 victory.

     

    Galeries leaned on collective firepower and cohesion. Their system clicked at the right time, with multiple scoring options stretching Capital1’s defense thin. The result was a composed, confident performance that looked more like a team peaking than one merely trying to survive.

     

    Meanwhile, Capital1’s star player Bella Belen once again carried the offensive load with 21 points, but with no other player reaching double digits, the imbalance proved costly in a win-or-go-home scenario. The victory sends Galeries into a tougher test against the NXLed Chameleons.

     

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    If Galeries’ win was about control, Choco Mucho’s triumph in the nightcap was about resilience. Dragged into a grueling five-set duel by ZUS Coffee, the Flying Titans had to rediscover their rhythm multiple times before pulling off a 21-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-11, 15-11 escape. 

     

    The match unfolded like a test of endurance, with momentum swinging wildly before Choco Mucho found its footing when it mattered most.

     

    Sisi Rondina once again proved to be the heartbeat of the team, delivering a near all-around masterpiece with 27 points alongside heavy defensive contributions. While Maddie Madayag, Eya Laure, Kat Tolentino, and Deanna Wong all played crucial roles, giving the squad a more complete shape at the perfect time.

     

    For ZUS Coffee, the loss marked the end of a difficult campaign. Despite flashes of promise from Riza Nogales and Thea Gagate, consistency remained elusive throughout the tournamen.

     

    As the Play-Ins progress, the stakes only get higher—but so does the level of belief for the teams still standing.

     

    Galeries Tower now heads into its next matchup with growing confidence, while Choco Mucho prepares for a showdown against the Akari Chargers with renewed chemistry.

     

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  • “Lahat ng kaya kong gawin”: Maddie Madayag leads Choco Mucho’s charge to keep PVL hopes alive

    “Lahat ng kaya kong gawin”: Maddie Madayag leads Choco Mucho’s charge to keep PVL hopes alive

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans rose to the occasion when it mattered most, showcasing a blend of firepower, resilience, and composure to outlast the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in a gripping five-set thriller, 21-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-11, 15-11, in a do-or-die showdown in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, March 24, at the FilOil Centre.

     

    Facing elimination, Choco Mucho leaned on its veteran core and rising stars to stay alive in the tournament. Sisi Rondina once again led the charge with a stellar all-around performance, tallying 27 points on top of 15 excellent receptions. She was ably supported by Maddie Madayag, Eya Laure, and Kat Tolentino, all of whom delivered in crucial stretches of the match.

     

    While Rondina provided her usual spark, it was Madayag who emerged as the difference-maker. The versatile middle blocker turned in one of her best performances of the conference, finishing with 19 points highlighted by three timely blocks. Her efforts earned her Best Player of the Game honors and helped anchor Choco Mucho’s defense at the net during pivotal moments in the match.

     

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    After the game, Madayag did not shy away from acknowledging both the team’s struggles and their determination to overcome them.

     

    “Ayaw kong matalo, ayaw ko ‘yung feeling na natatalo. So, lahat ng kaya kong gawin sa team para manalo kami, go. Whatever that I can contribute sa team, ayun ‘yung gagawin ko. Sobrang laking bagay na makita na kaya namin bawiin ‘yung sarili namin. ‘Yun sabi ni Sisi Rondina na kagagawan namin na nasa bottom seed kami. Not too bottom, but seventh place, again,” Madayag said.

    Choco Mucho’s path to victory was far from smooth. After splitting the first two sets, the Flying Titans faltered in the third, where ZUS Coffee dominated with a commanding 25-13 win. With their backs against the wall, however, Choco Mucho responded emphatically in the fourth set, rediscovering their rhythm and overwhelming the Thunderbelles with a lopsided 25-11 performance to force a decider.

     

    That shift in momentum proved crucial, as the Flying Titans carried their energy into the fifth set, where they held their nerve in a tightly contested finish to complete the comeback victory.

    Madayag highlighted the team’s growth, particularly their improved ability to respond under pressure—something that had plagued them in previous outings.

     

    “May mga times and sets na nalalamangan kami, but I’m very proud of my team na kahit na umabot na kami sa point na parang feeling namin na matatalo na kami, kaya pa rin ilaban, which was our struggle in the past few games, past few conferences, na kapag nalamangan kami ng team, hindi na namin kaya bumawi. Nakikita mo ‘yung puso and competitiveness na ayaw pa namin matapos, and gusto pa namin mag-training,” she added.

     

    The victory not only keeps Choco Mucho’s campaign alive but also sets the stage for another high-stakes encounter. The Flying Titans will face the Akari Chargers in yet another knockout match on Saturday, March 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with a coveted semifinal berth on the line.

     

    With momentum now on their side, Madayag emphasized the importance of staying grounded and focused as they prepare for their next challenge.

     

    “Ayun na nga kailangan namin mag-focus saw bawat isa, sa team namin, kung paano kami gumalaw and kung pano namin i-angat ‘yung sarili namin,” Madayag concluded.

     

    For Choco Mucho, the mission is clear: build on this hard-earned victory, sustain their intensity, and continue proving that they belong among the league’s contenders—one match at a time.

     

     

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  • Rald Ricafort, Shaq Delos Santos lead race for coaching spotlight in PVL All-Star Game

    Rald Ricafort, Shaq Delos Santos lead race for coaching spotlight in PVL All-Star Game

    While fan voting has begun to shape the spotlight for the PVL All-Star Game, another compelling storyline is quietly taking form behind the scenes on who will call the shots from the sidelines. 


    As the first week of voting shows the result last March 22, the league’s brightest stars are leading the polls, but it is the success of teams in the preliminary round that is expected to determine the head coaches for the much-anticipated Team Heart versus Team Hustle clash.

     

    With the preliminary phase now in the books and the league moving into the play-in and qualifying rounds, attention shifts to the standings—where the PLDT High Speed Hitters and the Cignal Super Spikers have emerged as the top two teams in the preliminary round. 

     

    PLDT secured the No. 1 spot with a 7-2 record under head coach Rald Ricafort, while Cignal followed closely at 6-3, guided by veteran tactician Shaq Delos Santos. These two coaches are in prime position to take charge of the All-Star squads.

     

    But beyond standings, this potential coaching duel represents a meeting of two different yet equally accomplished journeys. 

     

    Ricafort has steadily built a reputation for adaptability and success, becoming the first PVL coach to win championships with two different teams, first with Petro Gazz in the 2022 Reinforced Conference and later with PLDT in 2025. 

     

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    His current squad’s consistency this season only strengthens the idea that he could bring that same winning system into the All-Star stage.

     

    On the other side is Delos Santos, whose experience stretches across multiple leagues and generations of players. Aside from steering Cignal’s strong campaign since 2021, he also balances duties in the collegiate scene, currently handling UST in the UAAP. His return to the university program carries historical weight, having last delivered a championship for the school in Season 72 back in 2010. 

     

    A four-time champion coach in the PSL, Delos Santos brings a wealth of experience that could prove invaluable in managing an All-Star lineup filled with elite talent.

     

    What makes this year’s All-Star format more intriguing is the level of influence given to the coaches. While fans determine the starters through voting, coaches will have a direct hand in shaping the rest of the roster, from selecting reserve players alongside a committee to organizing rotations and strategies during the game. 

     

    They are also tasked with appointing assistant coaches, further extending their imprint on the team’s identity. The format ensures a balance between fan engagement and competitive integrity.

     

    Starters voted by fans will open the match and play until a set point threshold, after which reserves will take over, guaranteeing equal exposure for all selected players. In the final set, coaches will be given full control of substitutions, allowing them to experiment and manage the flow of the game.

     

    With voting running from March 15 to April 11 and the All-Star event set for May 1 at the Candon City Arena, the race is not just about which players make the cut—but also which coaching minds will be entrusted to lead them.

     

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  • Bella Belen calls for Capital1 adjustments ahead of crucial knockout clash

    Capital1 Solar Spikers star player Bella Belen emphasized the urgency of tightening their overall performance as they prepare for a high-stakes play-in showdown in the PVL All-Filipino Conference against the Galeries Tower Highrisers.


    With Capital1 holding an even 4-5 record for eighth place and Galeries Tower trailing at 2-7 in ninth, the upcoming clash carries significant weight for both squads. 

     

    The Solar Spikers find themselves in a must-win situation, and Belen made it clear that refining their execution will be key to extending their campaign.

     

    “Siguro yung mindset lang namin is, ayun nga, must win na eh. So kung gusto namin makaabot ng series, kailangan mas puliduin pa namin yung galaw namin,” Belen, the former UAAP MVP said.

     

    “And we all know naman na Galleries ulit yung kalaban namin. So siguro titignan namin kung ano yung pinerform namin this game. And then, ayun, mag-training kami tomorrow, tingnan namin kung ano pa yung pwede namin ma-improve para mas magpadali yung game namin on Tuesday against them,” she added.

     

    Belen pointed to one of the team’s recurring struggles—falling behind early in matches—as a major concern that needs immediate correction. 

     

    In their previous outing, slow starts allowed opponents to dictate the tempo, forcing Capital1 to play catch-up for most of the game.

     

    “Siguro huwag yung nagpapauna kami ng ilang points. So siguro yun yung kailangan namin ma-improve, lalo na yung side-out game namin na kailangan… makakuha agad kami ng point. Ang baga, point by point lagi,” the 23-year-old outside hitter of Capital1 said.

     

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    As the conference’s current top scorer with 218 total points, Belen has consistently delivered on offense, but she acknowledged that individual production alone won’t be enough. 

     

    For Capital1 to survive the knockout round, a more cohesive team effort will be required on both ends of the court.

     

    Interestingly, Belen’s transition into the professional ranks this 2026 season has further highlighted her evolution as more than just a prolific scorer. 

     

    Beyond piling up points, she has taken on a growing leadership role—often seen directing teammates on the floor and helping stabilize the squad during tense stretches. 

     

    Her ability to balance scoring with on-court guidance could prove crucial as Capital1 navigates its most pressure-filled game yet.

     

    Capital1 and Galeries Tower are set to face off in a knockout play-in match, with the winner advancing to the next phase of the league.

     

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  • Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez named PVL Player of the Week for March 17 to 21

    Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez named PVL Player of the Week for March 17 to 21

    The Creamline Cool Smashers have made a strong start to the ongoing 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, winning six of their nine games to secure third place in the standings.

     

    Their most recent victory came against the Cignal Super Spikers in a thrilling five-set match at the FilOil Centre on Saturday, March 21. After dropping the first two sets, 19-25 and 20-25, Creamline bounced back, winning the next two 25-15 and 28-26 before edging Cignal 18-16 in the decider.

     

    Central to the comeback was captain and star player Alyssa Valdez, who delivered a vintage performance that reminded fans why she remains one of the league’s elite. Valdez finished with a triple-double of 22 points, 13 receptions, and 13 digs, leading her team from the front in the absence of fellow stars Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons.

     

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    This was a welcome return to form for the 32-year-old, who had struggled in recent games, averaging just 3.57 points in Creamline’s previous seven matches. Her stellar showing earned her first-ever PVL Press Corps Player of the Week in the league’s professional era for March 17-21. She outshone strong contenders including Royse Tubino (Farm Fresh Foxies), Trisha Tubu (Farm Fresh Foxies), Eli Soyud (Akari Chargers), Brooke Van Sickle (Nxled Chameleons), and Sisi Rondina (Choco Mucho Flying Titans).

     

    Reflecting on her performance, Valdez emphasized effort and team spirit over personal accolades.

    “Honestly, what was on my mind was: we are already here, so we are going to fight for it. Wherever this takes us, we will be thankful to the Lord. There’s something different when you give everything, your full effort, and fight all the way,” Valdez said.

     

    She added: “That’s really all I was thinking about. I didn’t even remember the score. I even had to ask what the last point was because I didn’t realize the game was already over. When you’re in the moment, you’re just focused on finishing strong.”

     

    Valdez’s leadership extends beyond scoring. Widely regarded as the most popular volleyball player in the Philippines, she is credited with helping bring the sport into the mainstream. Yet for her, it is always about the team.

     

    “I think every game, it’s more of a reminder for myself and for the team that we are still here. If there’s something to motivate myself, it’s honestly hard to always rely on thinking about other people. So now, I remind myself that I’m still capable. I will just do my part in practice, and when I’m needed, I’ll step up and help,” Valdez explained.

     

    Creamline will look to maintain their momentum when they face Cignal again in the qualifying round on Thursday, March 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The winner will advance directly to the semifinals, while the losing team will face a lower-bracket opponent for another chance to progress.

     

    With Valdez leading the charge, the Cool Smashers are proving that experience, determination, and resilience remain their keys to success in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • Jia De Guzman, Kim Fajardo emerge as early leaders in PVL All-Star fan voting

    Jia De Guzman, Kim Fajardo emerge as early leaders in PVL All-Star fan voting

    The excitement is building for the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase, and the early fan voting results are already hinting at which players could dominate the spotlight on May 1 in Candon City. With just over a week into the voting period, several athletes are staking their claim as early frontrunners, setting the stage for what promises to be a fierce and fan-fueled showdown.

     

    Rather than a straightforward popularity contest, the All-Star format combines fan votes with head coaches’ picks for seven starters per team, while the seven reserves are chosen by a diverse panel—including coaches, players, team managers, the PVL Control Committee, referees, broadcast and production staff, and the press corps. This approach ensures that the final rosters reflect both fan passion and professional insight.

     

    On Team Heart, eight-time PVL Best Setter Jia de Guzman of Creamline has surged to the front, claiming a remarkable 77.86 percent of early votes for her position. The outside hitter race is shaping up as a true battleground: Capital1 rookie Bella Belen currently leads with 25.94 percent, but Alyssa Valdez (21.91 percent) and Jema Galanza (20.21 percent) remain well within striking distance in a three-way contest that could shift with every vote.

     

    At opposite, Ara Galang of Farm Fresh holds the early edge at 37.66 percent, while Pangs Panaga of Creamline and PLDT’s Majoy Baron top the middle blocker tally with 27 percent and 19.57 percent, respectively. Justine Jazareno of Akari leads the libero category with 37.71 percent, fending off a close chase from Creamline’s Denden Lazaro-Revilla and Choco Mucho’s Thang Ponce.

     

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    Team Hustle shows similar competitive dynamics. Setter Kim Fajardo of PLDT has pulled ahead with 51.33 percent of the vote, but the outside hitter race has emerged as the season’s most closely watched contest. Bernadeth Pons of Creamline sits at 30.97 percent, with Brooke Van Sickle (24.92 percent) and Eya Laure (24.30 percent) trailing in a battle that could come down to the wire.

     

    Opposite hitters Tots Carlos (38.68 percent) and Kianna Dy (33.42 percent) are locked in a tight duel, while the middle blocker race sees Mika Reyes of PLDT narrowly leading Fifi Sharma (24.96 percent) and Bea de Leon (20.99 percent). In the libero category, PLDT’s Kath Arado leads at 35.33 percent, with Creamline’s Kyla Atienza and Jennifer Nierva staying within reach.

     

    On the men’s side, early fan returns for Team Power and Team Passion suggest a similarly competitive environment, with several athletes already carving out early leads and stirring conversations among fans eager to see their favorites take the court.

     

    Voting continues through April 11 at pvl.ph/allstar, giving fans plenty of time to influence the lineups for what promises to be a thrilling celebration of volleyball talent. With the races shaping up in nearly every position, the 2026 PVL All-Star Showcase is already generating buzz as one of the most hotly contested in recent memory.

     

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  • PVL Play-In Begins: Six teams fight for Final Four spots

    PVL Play-In Begins: Six teams fight for Final Four spots

    The long grind of the preliminaries has officially lost its value. What once separated contenders from pretenders now carries little weight as the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference shifts into its most unforgiving phase.

     

    The Play-In stage opens not as a continuation of the standings, but as a reset—one where reputations are tested, not protected. Six teams step into a format that strips away comfort and demands immediacy, where every rally can tilt the fate of an entire campaign.

     

    In this environment, there is no room for what came before.

     

    Recent wins, like those secured by the Capital1 Solar Spikers and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, offer no guarantees. If anything, they serve as reminders of how thin the margins are. Capital1 needed to fend off a determined push from the Galeries Tower Highrisers, while Choco Mucho handled the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in four sets—but both results came in matches where momentum could have easily swung the other way.

     

    That uncertainty now becomes the defining theme. Capital1 continues to draw strength from Bella Belen, whose scoring touch has returned at the right time. Yet even her presence doesn’t eliminate the threat posed by Galeries Tower, a team that has shown enough depth and balance to turn a close match into an upset with just a few cleaner sequences.

     

    “Well, of course they will study us and we have to do the same. And since the game is really on Tuesday, the first part is study and rest. But you know they have a lot of potential to be explored on the other side. 

     

    So we’re gonna see what we can counter attack. But for sure, it’s time to go,” said Capital1 head coach Jorge Souza de Brito after the Solar Spikers subdued the Highrisers last Saturday.

     

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    On the other side, Choco Mucho brings star power and offensive firepower led by Sisi Rondina, but the unpredictability of ZUS Coffee lingers as a dangerous variable. In knockout settings, structure can quickly give way to chaos—and teams that embrace that chaos often find ways to extend their run.

     

    “Sa panalo na to, syempre sobrang ganda para samin. Extra motivation para sa paghaharap namin ulit sa kanila, mas may dala-dala at may paghuhugutan kami na kaya namin dominahin sila ngayong game,” said Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

     

    “At yun pa, kung ano pa yung pwede naming adjustment para sa game, siguro gagawin namin sa training,” he added.

     

    The structure of the Play-In only amplifies the pressure. Survive one knockout match, and another immediately follows. There is no easing into rhythm, no time to recover. Each win simply earns the right to face a fresher, waiting opponent.

     

    The winners of the opening clashes will move forward to face higher-seeded teams, with either Capital1 or Galeries Tower set to take on the Nxled Chameleons, and either Choco Mucho or ZUS Coffee advancing to meet the Akari Power Chargers. Only after navigating that gauntlet will a team secure a crack at the final semifinal berths.

     

    Waiting ahead are the league’s top four: the PLDT High Speed Hitters, Cignal HD Spikers, Creamline Cool Smashers, and Farm Fresh Foxies, who will battle separately for outright Final Four spots. Even then, nothing is settled—the losers of those matchups will drop into another sudden-death encounter against the Play-In survivors.

     

    It creates a layered postseason where advantage exists, but safety does not.

    For teams emerging from the Play-In, the path is undeniably harder, but it also forges something different. They arrive battle-tested, sharpened by pressure, and accustomed to playing with everything on the line.

     

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  • NU Lady Bulldogs head coach under fire as fans demand Camilla Lamina return amid UAAP Season 88 struggles

    NU Lady Bulldogs head coach under fire as fans demand Camilla Lamina return amid UAAP Season 88 struggles

    As the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament continues, defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs are facing a more turbulent path than expected after a second‑round defeat to the FEU Lady Tamaraws. 


    The loss at the Smart Araneta Coliseum sparked a wave of frustration among Lady Bulldogs supporters, who loudly called for veteran setter Camilla Lamina to be given more playing time. 

     

    A viral video on social media captured fans inside the arena expressing their displeasure, chanting for Lamina’s insertion and leveling harsh remarks toward the coaching staff.

     

    NU’s head coach, Regine Diego has drawn criticism from some sections of the fanbase for opting to keep Lamina on the bench in favor of sophomore Abegail Pono as the team’s starting setter. 

     

    The decision has been controversial given Lamina’s pedigree who is a two‑time UAAP Best Setter (Seasons 84 and 87) whose numbers have dipped to 1.68 average sets per game this season from 5.34 during their 2025 championship run. 

     

    Lamina, standing at 5‑foot‑7 has started just three of NU’s nine matches so far, managing double‑digit production only twice this year.

     

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    NU’s recent struggles are also a product of roster changes entering Season 88. The Lady Bulldogs, historically one of the UAAP’s most successful programs with five overall championships, have seen several core players graduate after a dominant stretch that included a back‑to‑back title in Season 87 and multiple finals appearances in recent years. 

     

    Adding fuel to the clamor, Lamina has battled minor injuries this season — including an index finger issue that occasionally limited her availability — which may have influenced the coaching staff’s cautious approach. 

     

    Rather than a simple benching, observers say the move could be aimed at managing her health and preserving her effectiveness throughout the grueling UAAP schedule. 

     

    Fans, however, remain unconvinced, insisting that NU needs Lamina’s championship experience now more than ever if they are to retain positioning near the top of the standings.

     

    The Lady Bulldogs have shown flashes of resilience despite setbacks. After suffering earlier losses this season, supporters are still calling for clearer adjustments as NU prepares to face the Ateneo Lady Eagles on Saturday, March 28, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, a crucial match that could shape their Final Four hopes. 

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas skipper Jia De Guzman breaks silence on Philippine volleyball draft controversy

    Alas Pilipinas skipper Jia De Guzman breaks silence on Philippine volleyball draft controversy

    Philippine volleyball is currently facing a period of intense scrutiny, as controversies surrounding athlete welfare and program structure continue to dominate headlines. At the center of the debate is the proposed draft system for the Alas Pilipinas Women, which has sparked widespread discussion across the volleyball community.

     

    The proposed system reportedly requires invited players to commit exclusively to the national team pool, a provision that has raised serious questions about athlete autonomy and long-term career planning. Many players and stakeholders have voiced concern that such a policy may force athletes into difficult decisions, potentially compromising their professional opportunities in domestic leagues.

     

    The situation has been further complicated by lingering issues regarding alleged unpaid bonuses to former head coach Jorge de Brito, adding another layer of tension to an already sensitive matter. These financial disputes, combined with structural concerns in the federation, have fueled criticism from fans, former athletes, and industry insiders alike.

     

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    Amid the controversy, Jia De Guzman, captain and star player of Alas Pilipinas, spoke out in a series of Instagram posts, sharing her thoughts after taking time to “step back and process everything before speaking.”

     

    “Representing the country has always meant a lot to me, and I know that pride is shared by so many athletes—but more than that, it’s something we have a responsibility to protect and build for generations that come after us,” De Guzman wrote.

     

    The 30-year-old superstar addressed key concerns about the draft system and the overall environment for national team athletes, emphasizing the need for support and balance.

     

    “At the same time, I believe athletes should be in an environment where they can continue to grow, compete, and be supported—without being put in a position where they have to choose between the national team and their careers in the league. That part I don’t really understand. But again, despite this, we also remain open to dialogue. We just hope that it is formal, meaningful, and talaga with a genuine desire to address the needs of the athlete,” she said.

    De Guzman also highlighted broader issues in Philippine volleyball, noting that athlete welfare extends beyond financial compensation. She outlined three areas that require urgent attention:

    1. Comprehensive athlete welfare: “It’s not just compensation, but development, preparation, and long-term sustainability.”
    2. Structured and meaningful competition: “It’s not just about the volume of games that we play, but the right kind of exposure at the right time, ensuring athletes have the opportunity to grow without being overworked.”
    3. Alignment between the federation and local leagues: “There needs to be coordination so that competition, training, and recovery are properly balanced, creating a sustainable ecosystem for athletes at every level.”

    Her comments shed light on the complexity of managing national teams in a developing volleyball landscape, where professional, developmental, and international priorities must all be carefully balanced.

     

    The Philippine National Volleyball Federation, led by Tony Boy Liao, has acknowledged the concerns and expressed its commitment to listening and evolving.

     

    “The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) acknowledges the sentiments and concerns shared by our volleyball community, including those surrounding the Alas Draft and athlete welfare. As the sport’s governing body, we remain committed to building a sustainable, inclusive, and athlete-centered path forward,” the federation said in a statement.

     

    As tensions continue, stakeholders are watching closely to see what concrete steps the federation will take to address these issues. While policy adjustments may be necessary, De Guzman’s comments underscore the broader need for open communication, transparency, and collaboration between players, coaches, leagues, and governing bodies.

     

    For Philippine volleyball to progress sustainably, the community agrees that reforms cannot focus solely on rules and regulations. Instead, meaningful change will require shared responsibility, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to placing athlete welfare at the forefront—ensuring that the pride of representing the country does not come at the expense of players’ careers or well-being.

     

    With the upcoming international competitions and domestic league schedules looming, the decisions made in the coming months could have lasting implications for the sport and its athletes, shaping the future of volleyball in the Philippines for years to come.

     

     

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  • PLDT, Cignal, Creamline, Farm Fresh complete PVL All-Filipino Qualifying Round cast

    PLDT, Cignal, Creamline, Farm Fresh complete PVL All-Filipino Qualifying Round cast

    After a chaotic and tightly contested preliminary phase, the PLDT High Speed Hitters, Cignal HD Spikers, Creamline Cool Smashers, and Farm Fresh Foxies have emerged as the final cast for the qualifying round of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Two outright semifinal spots now hang in the balance as the quartet prepares for a pair of knockout clashes on Thursday, with PLDT facing Farm Fresh and Cignal set to run it back against Creamline.

     

    Creamline booked the final ticket in dramatic fashion, surviving an undermanned lineup and a relentless challenge from Cignal in a gripping five-set duel, 25-19, 25-20, 15-25, 26-28, 16-14, before a packed crowd at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

     

    In a deciding set that saw momentum swing wildly, the Cool Smashers leaned on composure and experience. Bea De Leon delivered the decisive moment, denying Jewel Encarnacion at the net to end a nerve-wracking contest and push Creamline into the next phase as the No. 3 seed.

     

    A key factor in Creamline’s late surge was Alyssa Valdez, whose impact went beyond numbers and into momentum-shifting performances. When given extended playing time, Valdez delivered 14 points in one outing and followed it up with a 21-point performance anchored by 13 excellent receptions and digs. Her all-around brilliance powered Creamline to back-to-back wins to close the preliminaries, ultimately earning her PVL Player of the Week honors and helping secure their spot in the qualifying round.

     

    That result sets up an immediate rematch, with Creamline facing No. 2 Cignal once more—this time with a semifinal berth on the line.

     

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    If Creamline’s entry was defined by grit, Farm Fresh’s was built on authority. What had been expected as a tight, down-to-the-wire clash for a Top Four berth instead turned into a statement performance, as the Foxies dismantled the streaking Akari Power Chargers, 25-19, 25-14, 23-25, 25-17, at the same venue.


    The emphatic win not only snapped Akari’s momentum but also secured Farm Fresh the No. 4 seed, allowing them to edge out both the Nxled Chameleons and Akari in a tightly contested tiebreak for the final qualifying spot.

     

    Meanwhile, PLDT’s path to the top seed was shaped long before the final stretch. Even after absorbing a late setback against Nxled, the High Speed Hitters’ body of work had already established their position. A four-game winning streak to open the conference, followed by another three-game surge after a loss to Cignal, laid the foundation for their rise.

     

    Those runs were not built on easy wins either. PLDT took down heavyweight contenders such as Creamline, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, and Farm Fresh along the way—victories that ultimately defined their push for the No. 1 ranking heading into the qualifying round.

     

    While the spotlight now shifts to the quarterfinalists, the battle continues for those left behind. Nxled finished fifth and Akari sixth, sending both teams to the Play-In stage along with the rest of the lower-ranked squads. The Chameleons will headline Group I with the Capital1 Solar Spikers and the Galeries Tower Highrisers, while Akari joins Choco Mucho and the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in Group II.

     

    From there, the path only gets tougher, with the Play-In winners still needing to defeat the losers of the qualifying round matches to complete the Final Four.

     

    For now, however, the focus is set on four teams with everything still within reach. By the end of the week, only two will move forward—but all four have already shown why they belong.

     

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