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Category: Volleyball

  • Jorge Souza de Brito seeks legal recourse against PNVF over disputed unpaid bonuses

    Jorge Souza de Brito seeks legal recourse against PNVF over disputed unpaid bonuses

    What was meant to be a quiet transition has instead turned into a growing standoff. For Jorge Souza De Brito, the closing chapter of his time with Alas Pilipinas has shifted from a story of program-building to one centered on accountability.


    After years of shaping the direction of Philippine women’s volleyball, the Brazilian coach now finds himself locked in a dispute with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), one that he insists could have been resolved with a simple conversation.

     

    “I really don’t like to go this way but I don’t know how [else to proceed]. I’m just trying to sit on the same table with them because I think that’s the right thing to do,” De Brito said.

     

    The main issues are unpaid salaries and bonuses tied to his tenure, including incentives from multiple SEA V.League tournaments and an AVC Nations Cup campaign. Despite his contract running through June, De Brito says clarity on these commitments has never come.

     

    His frustration goes beyond finances. For months, he claims, attempts to initiate dialogue have been met with silence.

     

    “Instead of sitting and talking with me, they keep on attacking me. They never talked straight to me. I’m here since December, trying to meet them. How many times have I met with them? Zero. Why? Why are they so afraid to talk? I don’t know,” the veteran coach said.

     

    The breakdown comes after a complicated exit. De Brito was relieved of his post in October, just weeks before the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. Yet rather than walk away, he stayed on to guide the team through the biennial meet closing his tenure on professional terms even as uncertainty loomed.

     

    Since then, he has returned to the club scene, taking the reins of the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League. Still, the unresolved dispute with the federation continues to cast a shadow over his present role.

     

    The situation is further entangled by a leadership shift within the PNVF, with Tony Boy Liao taking over from Tats Suzara. But for De Brito, accountability should not depend on who is in charge.

    “I’ve been working with [the federation] for five years. It’s sad that we have to go through this,” the former Alas Pilipinas coach said.

     

    Liao, however, has distanced the current leadership from the issue.

     

    “Hindi namin problema ‘yun. Kay Tats [Suzara] na ‘yun,” Liao said.

     

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    The PNVF president also raised concerns over alleged contract violations, claiming De Brito should not have coached a club team while handling the national squad. The Brazilian mentor firmly denied this, stating that no such restriction existed in his agreement.

     

    As tensions rise, the dispute has extended beyond financial claims. De Brito’s camp alleges that his working status in the country is now being used as leverage.

     

    “The PNVF is trying to force him to give up his claim by threatening to cancel his visa or make it complicated for him to get a working visa,” his legal representation said.

     

    Liao confirmed that arrangements were made with Capital1 to allow De Brito to finish his current stint in the Premier Volleyball League, but issued a warning tied to the ongoing situation.

     

    “Naniningil [si de Brito] kaya sinabi namin sa Capital1 na kapag inulit niya pa, ica-cancel namin visa niya. We can always write to the PSC. We agreed [with Capital1] na tapusin muna natin ‘yung tournament basta ‘wag mangugulo coach niyo,” Liao said.

     

    Despite the escalating rhetoric, De Brito maintains that his position is rooted in principle rather than conflict. He says he honored his commitment to the national team, turning down other opportunities in the process and is now simply asking for the same in return.

     

    After sending formal communication to the federation as early as December, with no response, he is now preparing to elevate the matter. 

     

    His camp has reached out to the Brazilian embassy and the Department of Labor and Employment, and is exploring further action through international and government channels, including the FIVB and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

     

    “I think it’s time to go to the right venue to put these demands on the table,” he added.


    Even as Alas Pilipinas moves forward under new head coach Tai Bundit, De Brito’s case underscores a deeper issue—one that goes beyond contracts and into the broader responsibility of managing a national program.

     

    “The national team deserves much more, The fans deserve much more. The country deserves much more. Hopefully in the future, these guys will know what the national team really means for the country,” de Brito said.

     

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  • Justine Jazareno credits teamwork as Akari eyes fifth straight win

    Justine Jazareno credits teamwork as Akari eyes fifth straight win

    As the Akari Chargers continue their climb in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, team captain Justine Jazareno is making one thing clear — their surge is built on collective effort.

     

    Akari heads into its next assignment riding a four-game winning streak, with its sights set on a fifth straight victory. For Jazareno, the team’s rise has been less about individual brilliance and more about everyone embracing their roles.

     

    “I think hindi ko rin naman magagawa talaga to kung hindi rin kami nagtulong-tulong, kung hindi dahil sa coaches na pinagkatiwalaan ako and binigay sakin yung role na which is, yun nga, maging captain,” Jazareno said.

     

    The libero has been instrumental in anchoring Akari’s defense, most notably in their recent upset victory over the Creamline Cool Smashers, where she delivered a standout performance.

     

    Jazareno finished with 22 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions, earning Player of the Game honors as the Chargers snapped Creamline’s momentum and extended their own streak.

     

    Beyond the numbers, Jazareno pointed to the steady growth of the team’s chemistry and confidence as key factors behind their recent success.

     

    “Yung kumpiyansa kasi ng team is nagbi-build up pa so every training, pinagtatrabahuhan talaga namin para mas magkaroon kami ng confidence and magkaroon kami ng connection,” Jazareno said.

     

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    Akari’s resurgence has also been aided by a fully healthy roster, allowing the team to establish rhythm on both ends of the floor. Jazareno emphasized that their performance is not just a product of what happens during matches, but also the preparation and support system behind the scenes.

     

    “Yes, I think and kudos din sa mga PTs [Physical Therapists] namin and sa SNCs [Strength and Conditioning] namin na inaalagaan kami kasi without them, hindi rin naman kami makakapagperform,” she added.

     

    Despite the momentum, the Chargers remain cautious as they prepare for their next challenge against the Galeries Tower Highrisers, a team eager to bounce back.

     

    “Back to the drawing board lang ulit, and siyempre hindi rin madaling kalaban ang Galeries, so we have to work hard pa,” Jazareno said.

     

    With their captain leading both in voice and performance, Akari’s winning run is beginning to look less like a hot streak and more like a team finding its identity at the right time.

     

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  • UST’s Angge Poyos, Josh Ybañez take early control of UAAP Season 88 MVP race after Round 1

    UST’s Angge Poyos, Josh Ybañez take early control of UAAP Season 88 MVP race after Round 1

    As the first round of the UAAP Season 88 volleyball tournament wraps up, the race for individual supremacy has begun to take shape—and the early spotlight belongs to the University of Santo Tomas’ star players.


    Both divisions currently feature Thomasian standouts at the forefront of the Most Valuable Player conversation. For the women’s side, Angge Poyos has emerged as the early statistical leader, while on the men’s side, two-time MVP Josh Ybañez is once again positioning himself as the player to beat.

     

    Poyos, who already made waves earlier in her collegiate career by claiming the Rookie of the Year honors in Season 86, is building on that promise with a dominant start to the season. 

     

    The UST Golden Tigresses star finished the first round with 156.22 statistical points, giving her a comfortable 9.322-point cushion over her closest challenger.

     

    Trailing her is Shaina Nitura of the Adamson Lady Falcons with 147.200 statistical points, while Angel Canino of the De La Salle Lady Spikers sits in third with 142.800. Rounding out the top five are Adamson’s Nigerian standout Frances Mordi with 139.200 and Gerzel Petallo of the FEU Lady Tamaraws with 137.500.

     

    Beyond the numbers, Poyos has been a major catalyst for UST’s campaign. The third-year outside hitter has scored 111 points through seven games—coming from 95 spikes, 12 blocks, and four service aces which helped the Golden Tigresses secure four victories in the opening round. UST currently sits tied for third place alongside Adamson and FEU in the standings.

     

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    Efficiency has also been one of Poyos’ defining strengths this season. She leads the entire women’s tournament in spiking efficiency with a 39.92 percent success rate, underscoring her role as the primary offensive engine of the Golden Tigresses.

     

    On the men’s side, Ybañez is once again proving why he has already captured two MVP trophies. The UST Golden Spikers captain topped the men’s statistical race after Round 1 with 158.000 statistical points, placing him firmly on course for what could be a third MVP award.

     

    The national team standout tallied 121 total points through seven matches built on 110 spikes, seven service aces, and four blocks to rank third in the league in scoring. His offensive efficiency remains impressive, posting a 41.98 percent spiking success rate and averaging 0.28 service aces per set.

     

    However, Ybañez’s impact extends beyond offense. His defensive contributions have been equally vital, ranking second in the league with a 62.14 percent efficiency rate.

     

    The Golden Spikers ended the first round with a 5–2 record, tied for second place with National University. Their strong position in the standings reflects the consistent production from their leader on both ends of the floor.

     

    Still, the MVP race in the men’s division remains far from settled. The NU tandem of Michaelo Buddin and Leo Ordiales are close behind with 153.750 and 152.083 statistical points, respectively. Meanwhile, the undefeated FEU Tamaraws are also represented in the race through Dryx Saavedra (127.083) and Mikko Espartero (124.583), who complete the top five.

     

    With the first half of the tournament complete, attention now shifts to the crucial second round where the standings and the MVP race could dramatically change. The next phase of the competition begins Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where UE Red Warriors face FEU Tamaraws and NU Bulldogs take on the UP Fighting Maroons.

     

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  • Cool Smashers seek bounce-back, Foxies eye upset in tight PVL playoff race 

    Cool Smashers seek bounce-back, Foxies eye upset in tight PVL playoff race 

    For a team long accustomed to smooth paths and deep playoff runs, the Creamline Cool Smashers find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory as the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference nears the end of its preliminary phase.

     

    What once appeared to be a straightforward march into the next round has turned into a tense and complicated race, with every remaining match carrying significant implications.

     

    Creamline enters Tuesday’s clash against the surging Farm Fresh Foxies at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex needing to regain control of its campaign, knowing that another stumble could pull them deeper into a crowded battle for the final qualifying spots.

     

    The Cool Smashers were on track to secure their place early, but a four-set loss to the red-hot Akari Chargers disrupted that trajectory and dropped them to 5-2. That result not only halted their momentum but also tightened a race that now features multiple teams still in contention for the last two berths in the next phase.

     

    With the PLDT High Speed Hitters and Cignal HD Spikers already safely through, the remaining slots have become the focus of a tense scramble involving Creamline, Akari, the Nxled Chameleons, and Farm Fresh. 

     

    Nxled currently holds a 4-4 record with just one game left, while Akari sits at 4-3 amid a strong resurgence. Farm Fresh, meanwhile, remains very much alive at 3-4 with two matches to play, making its showdown with Creamline particularly critical for both sides.

     

    The possibility of a multi-team tie only adds to the pressure surrounding the Cool Smashers. Should they falter in their final assignments, including a looming match against Cignal, they risk being dragged into a tiebreak scenario that could ultimately determine who advances and who is forced into a more difficult route.

     

    That alternative path leads to the Play-In stage, where teams ranked fifth to tenth will be divided into groups and forced to fight for survival. For a franchise that has built its reputation on dominance and consistency, that scenario represents both a challenge and an unfamiliar test.

     

    Farm Fresh, however, enters the matchup with confidence and momentum after a gritty five-set victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans. The Foxies have shown an ability to compete under pressure and will look to capitalize on Creamline’s recent vulnerability to keep their own Top Four hopes alive.

     

    Leading the charge is Trisha Tubu, one of the conference’s most prolific scorers, supported by setter Alohi Robins-Hardy and a seasoned core that includes Ces Molina, Royse Tubino, Mylene Paat, Ara Galang, and Riri Meneses. Their depth and experience make them a dangerous opponent, especially with so much at stake.

     

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    Creamline will counter with its own championship-tested lineup, anchored by a resurgent Jema Galanza and consistent scorer Tots Carlos. Contributions from Bernadeth Pons, Michele Gumabao, Pangs Panaga, and Bea De Leon will be essential if the Cool Smashers are to steady themselves and avoid further complications heading into the final stretch.

     

    In the earlier match, the Chargers aim to sustain their remarkable turnaround when they take on the Galeries Tower Highrisers. After opening the conference with three straight losses, Akari has rediscovered its rhythm and now carries a four-game winning streak into the contest.

     

    “For us, we remain humble muna. Balik lang sa dati, balik lang ulit sa baba. Kung pagod ngayon, pahinga lang ulit, so hanap ng maayos na inspirasyon, maayos na nutrition, and recovery,” said Akari head coach Tina Salak.

     

    “Trabaho lang. Nothing new, dere-deretso lang. Kung ito yung nagwo-work sa amin, whatever works, tuloy lang. We see the light,” she added.

     

    Under Salak’s guidance, Akari has developed into a cohesive and confident unit, with Ivy Lacsina, Grethcel Soltones, and Eli Soyud providing firepower, while Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo anchor the middle. The steady playmaking of Mars Alba and the floor defense of Justine Jazareno have further solidified their resurgence.

     

    As the preliminary round winds down, the margin between security and uncertainty continues to shrink. Creamline remains in control of its fate, but the cushion it once held has disappeared, leaving no room for complacency in a race that has become as unpredictable as it is unforgiving.

     

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  • Kim Kianna Dy admits struggles against Sisi Rondina in PLDT’s win

    Kim Kianna Dy admits struggles against Sisi Rondina in PLDT’s win

    The PLDT High Speed Hitters have opened their 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign in dominant fashion, compiling an impressive 7–1 record to sit atop the standings early in the tournament. With a blend of veteran leadership and disciplined system play, PLDT has quickly established itself as one of the teams to beat in this conference.

     

    The High Speed Hitters sustained their strong run in their most recent outing, overcoming the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in four sets, 23–25, 25–21, 25–19, 25–19, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Saturday, March 14. After dropping a tightly contested opening set, PLDT showed composure and resilience, making key adjustments on both ends of the floor to take control of the match and secure the win.

     

    Despite the victory, PLDT star Kianna Dy acknowledged the challenge posed by one of the league’s most explosive players, Sisi Rondina. A former PVL Most Valuable Player, Rondina once again proved why she remains one of the most feared attackers in the league, finishing with 23 points built on 20 attacks and three service aces.

     

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    Dy admitted that Rondina’s offensive firepower initially caught them off guard, forcing PLDT to regroup and make in-game adjustments after the opening set.

    “Kasi nung first set talaga wala akong makapa kay Sisi. As in ang taas, ang lakas. So really had to adjust, kasi kung hindi kami makaka-adjust, medyo baka mag-uba ‘yung results,” Dy said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    After struggling to contain Rondina early, the High Speed Hitters tightened their defensive schemes, showing improved timing on their blocks and better floor coverage. Their adjustments paid off as they limited Rondina’s efficiency in the latter sets while maintaining consistent scoring on their end.

     

    Head coach Rald Ricafort emphasized that facing a player of Rondina’s caliber inevitably comes with challenges. He noted that the key lies not in completely stopping such a high-level scorer, but in staying patient, disciplined, and committed to the team’s system.

     

    “Yun na yun, bibigay mo talaga yung mga hindi maabot, yung mga sobrang lakas. Pero more on talaga sa patience ng naba-block. Yun, at yun naman ang ibibigay namin sa kanya, kaya tinake na lang namin yung mga pwedeng kunin at siguraduhing hindi mawawala sa syatem na gusto namin para sa kanya,” Ricafort added.

     

    PLDT’s ability to weather early pressure and execute adjustments underscores the maturity and cohesion within the squad. Their balanced attack and defensive discipline have been central to their success so far, allowing them to respond effectively against top-tier competition.

     

    As the All-Filipino Conference progresses, the High Speed Hitters will aim to sustain their momentum and hold on to the top spot, with tougher matchups expected ahead. If their current form is any indication, PLDT appears well-equipped to remain a strong contender deep into the tournament.

     

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  • Bella Belen nears 200-point mark in PVL All-Filipino run

    Bella Belen nears 200-point mark in PVL All-Filipino run

    Capital1 Solar Spikers standout Bella Belen is on the verge of reaching another major milestone as she closes in on the 200-point mark in the ongoing 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Belen currently leads the conference scoring race with 195 total points, built on 177 attacks, 10 blocks, and eight service aces, putting her within striking distance of becoming the first player this conference to breach the 200-point barrier.

     

    The former UAAP star has separated herself from the rest of the field with a sustained scoring surge that has powered Capital1 through key stretches of the tournament.

     

    Trailing Belen in the scoring leaderboard is Savannah Davison of PLDT with 167 points (148 attacks, 14 blocks, five aces), followed by Cherry Rondina of Choco Mucho with 160 points (147 attacks, three blocks, 10 aces).

     

    Brooke Van Sickle of Nxled sits fourth with 154 points, while Trisha Tubu of Farm Fresh rounds out the top five with 148 markers.

     

    Belen’s climb toward the milestone has been fueled by an impressive scoring run over the past several weeks.

     

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    During a six-game stretch from mid-February to late February, the Capital1 star piled up 155 points while consistently delivering at least 20 points per outing, including a standout 29-point performance.

     

    Her recent scoring outputs further highlight her consistency. Belen finished with 16 points against Cignal on March 14, after earlier producing 23 points against Farm Fresh (Feb. 26), 26 points against Creamline (Feb. 21), 29 points against Choco Mucho (Feb. 17), and 28 points against PLDT (Feb. 12).

     

    Those performances were part of a seven-game streak of 20-point outings, underscoring her role as the focal point of Capital1’s offense.

     

    With the conference entering its crucial stretch, Belen now stands just a handful of points away from the 200-point mark — a milestone that would further cement her status as one of the league’s most dominant scorers this season.

     

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  • PVL stars set for Volleyball All-Star showcase in Candon

    PVL stars set for Volleyball All-Star showcase in Candon

    The country’s biggest volleyball stars are preparing for a night that will celebrate the sport’s growing popularity and the players who continue to elevate it.

     

     

    On May 1, the Volleyball All-Star Showcase will bring together the top talents from the Premier Volleyball League and Spikers’ Turf at the Candon City Arena, creating a rare stage where the sport’s elite gather not for standings, but for spectacle.

     

    The event highlights both the women’s and men’s professional leagues, with the PVL All-Star Game pitting Team Heart against Team Hustle, while the Spikers’ Turf All-Star Game features Team Power battling Team Passion.

     

    Each team will be composed of 14 players drawn from across the leagues, blending the sport’s most recognizable names with the season’s statistical standouts.

     

    Fans will play a direct role in shaping the All-Star starting lineups through a public voting process. Supporters can select seven starters per team — two outside hitters, one opposite hitter, two middle blockers, one setter, and one libero — from a pool of candidates identified through statistical rankings and position.

     

    Voting officially opened Sunday, March 15 and will run until April 11 through the league’s website at https://pvl.ph/allstar.

     

    The final starting units will reflect a combination of fan support and coaching input, though coaches will not be permitted to vote for players from their own teams, a safeguard designed to balance popularity with competitive fairness.

     

    Beyond the fan-voted starters, the remaining seven roster spots per team will be determined through a broader selection process involving head coaches, players, team managers, and several league bodies, including the PVL Control Committee, referee and technical committee, broadcast panel and production staff, as well as members of the PVL and Press Corps.

     

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    Coaching assignments for the All-Star squads will also reward teams performing well in the current season. The head coaches will come from the top two teams at the end of the preliminary rounds of the ongoing Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference and the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, with those coaches selecting their own assistants for the event.

     

    To keep the games competitive while giving every player time on the court, the showcase will follow special lineup rules.

     

    The fan-selected starters will begin the match and remain on the floor until the 16th point of the opening set. The reserve players will then take over to start the second set, ensuring the full roster gets involved early.

     

    In the third set, the starters will return and play until the eighth point before coaches are allowed to make open substitutions, giving all 14 players an opportunity to contribute.

     

    Beyond the All-Star matches themselves, the showcase will also feature several skill competitions designed to highlight individual talents across the rosters. Among the featured events are the Setter Challenge, Digging Challenge, and Serving Challenge, with participants drawn from the selected All-Stars.

     

    Together, the festivities promise a full day dedicated to volleyball’s finest — a gathering of the players who continue to drive the sport’s momentum across the Philippines.

     

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  • Akari’s Ivy Lacsina named PVL Player of the Week for March 10 to 14

    Akari’s Ivy Lacsina named PVL Player of the Week for March 10 to 14

    The Akari Chargers have staged an impressive turnaround in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, bouncing back from a three-game losing streak to register four consecutive victories and climb to fifth place in the standings.

     

    At the heart of Akari’s resurgence has been the stellar play of star outside hitter Ivy Lacsina, whose consistency and leadership on the court have been pivotal for the Chargers. Lacsina was once again a force for her team in their hard-fought 25-21, 26-24, 17-25, 25-21 triumph over the Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, March 14, at the FilOil Centre.

     

    The 26-year-old finished with a team-high 20 points, coming from 18 attacks, one block, and one service ace, effectively ending Creamline’s five-game winning streak and keeping Akari’s hopes alive for a Top 4 finish in the preliminary round. Her standout performance did not go unnoticed, as she was named Ivy Lacsina PVL Press Corps Player of the Week for March 10 to 14—a recognition awarded by journalists covering the country’s premier professional volleyball league.

     

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    Despite her rising profile, Lacsina credited the Chargers’ coaching staff for helping her maintain composure and focus during tight moments on the court.

    “Siguro sa akin po, with the guidance na rin po ng mga coaches. Kasi sila talaga ‘yung nagsasabi na, ‘Oh, kalma.’ Parang kapag medyo mataas na ‘yung emotion namin, sila talaga ‘yung nagma-manage no’n,” Lacsina said in a media interaction.

     

    The outside hitter also emphasized her commitment to continuous improvement, no matter how well she performs in a given game.

     

    “Siyempre, every day naman, kahit na nananalo ako, lagi ko pong sinasabi, kahit sa ibang interviews ko na, every day, lagi dapat may space sa akin para sa bagong learning. So, hindi ‘yun nawawala sa akin, kasi may gusto pa akong ma-achieve,” she added.

     

    Lacsina’s determination and consistent output have been a major factor in the Chargers’ climb up the standings, giving them momentum as the conference reaches a critical stage. With the preliminary round still in full swing, Akari will need her leader at her best as they prepare to face the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Tuesday, March 17, at the Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex.

     

    As the PVL All-Filipino Conference heats up, all eyes will be on Lacsina and the Chargers to see if they can continue their winning streak and secure a strong position heading into the playoffs. With her leadership, skill, and mindset focused on growth, Lacsina could once again play a defining role in her team’s campaign.

     

     

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  • Bella Belen, Kim Kianna Dy excited for PVL All-Star Showcase return

    Bella Belen, Kim Kianna Dy excited for PVL All-Star Showcase return

    The Philippines’ top volleyball stars are set to take center stage when the Volleyball All-Star Showcase brings together standout players from the Premier Volleyball League and Spikers’ Turf on May 1 at the Candon City Arena.

     

    The event marks the long-awaited return of the league’s All-Star festivities, which were last staged in 2019. Its comeback has generated considerable excitement across the Philippine volleyball community, not only among fans eager to see their favorite stars share the same court but also among the players themselves, many of whom are looking forward to the rare opportunity to compete alongside athletes from rival clubs.

     

    Among those enthusiastic about the upcoming showcase is Bella Belen, the rising superstar of the Capital1 Solar Spikers. One of the league’s brightest young talents, Belen shared her excitement during a recent media interaction, expressing hope that she could be selected to participate in the special exhibition match.

     

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    “I saw the All-Star announcement. It’s the first time in the pros right? I’m very happy that we will have one. And if ever I make it to the team, do you also want me to be a referee? I might give you a yellow card even before we get there,” Belen said in a media interaction.

     

    Beyond the fun and lighthearted atmosphere expected during the event, Belen emphasized that the All-Star showcase ultimately serves as a celebration for the fans who support the sport year-round.

     

    “This is for the fans. For sure, they have players they would like to see playing together on one team, so this is their chance to see that dream happen,” she added.

    Another player who expressed excitement about the event is Kim Kianna Dy of the PLDT High Speed Hitters. A consistent crowd favorite in the PVL, Dy highlighted how meaningful it is to bring a major volleyball event outside the capital, giving provincial fans a rare opportunity to witness top-tier professional players up close.

     

    “I guess it’s also good for the fans who can’t travel to Manila. They will get to experience the games that usually happen here in Manila. It’s nice to bring the event to Candon, and I think it’s going to be a fun event since it will be the first time it’s happening there,” Dy said.

     

    Meanwhile, the Cignal HD Spikers will also be well represented, with star players Vanie Gandler and Dawn Catindig welcoming the return of the All-Star spectacle. For them, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity for players across different clubs to interact, compete together, and showcase a lighter side of the sport.

     

    Gandler believes the event mirrors the excitement typically associated with the All-Star festivities in the Philippine Basketball Association, where fans relish the chance to see players from rival teams share the same stage.

     

    “It’s going to be fun, of course, especially if we get to be part of it. We will have the chance to play with other players from different teams. For sure, it will be a fun experience, just like the PBA,” Gandler said.

     

    For Catindig, the All-Star event goes beyond competition and entertainment. She noted that it is also an opportunity for players to show appreciation to the fans who continue to support Philippine volleyball.

     

    “It’s a way of giving back to the fans – for them to see their volleyball idols. And maybe to show them a different side of us,” Catindig added.

     

    With the return of the All-Star festivities after several years, the showcase is expected to be one of the highlights of the PVL calendar this season. Bringing together some of the biggest names from the women’s and men’s professional leagues, the event promises an entertaining mix of high-level volleyball, fan engagement, and a celebratory atmosphere that honors the continued growth of the sport in the Philippines.

     

     

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  • Round one wraps up: momentum shifts and new storylines emerge in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball

    Round one wraps up: momentum shifts and new storylines emerge in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball

    The first round of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament has officially wrapped up, leaving behind a clearer picture of where each team stands heading into the crucial second round. While some squads are still searching for their rhythm, others have begun building momentum that could shape the remainder of the season.


    Last weekend’s games served as a fitting conclusion to the opening round, with several teams making statements at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    The day began on Saturday with a much-needed breakthrough for the Ateneo Blue Eagles women’s volleyball, who finally entered the win column after sweeping the UE Lady Warriors volleyball in straight sets, 25-19, 25-23, 25-16.

     

    Jihan Chuatico powered Ateneo with 13 points built on seven attacks, five blocks, and an ace, while Ana Hermosa added 10 points and seven receptions. The Blue Eagles finished the match in roughly an hour and a half, showing improved chemistry and defensive effort.

     

    Despite the loss, UE had bright spots of its own. Khy Cepada led the Lady Warriors with 13 points along with 11 receptions and seven digs, while Van Bangayan contributed 10 points as UE remained winless in the tournament.

     

    Later that afternoon, the UST Golden Tigresses volleyball closed their opening-round campaign with authority, sweeping the FEU Lady Tamaraws volleyball 25-17, 25-18, 25-20.

     

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    Angge Poyos spearheaded the Golden Tigresses’ attack with 16 points built on 15 attacks and a block while also adding nine receptions. Avril Bron and Reg Jurado provided support with 10 points each as UST snapped FEU’s three-game winning streak.

     

    For FEU, Jaz Ellarina led with 10 points, while Gerz Petallo added nine points and 11 receptions before leaving the third set after an apparent arm injury caused by a collision with a teammate.

     

    Sunday’s action continued with the Adamson Lady Falcons volleyball asserting themselves as one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams. They defeated the UP Fighting Maroons women’s volleyball in straight sets, 25-18, 25-16, 25-19, finishing the first round with a winning record.

     

    The Lady Falcons relied heavily on the offensive duo of Shaina Nitura and Frances Mordi, who combined for 32 points in Adamson’s fourth victory of the season.

     

    Their win placed them in the middle of a tightly contested standings battle, sharing a 4-3 record with FEU and UST while trailing league leaders.

     

    The biggest highlight of the weekend came in the final match, where the De La Salle Lady Spikers volleyball extended their perfect run by defeating defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs volleyball in four sets, 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-17.

     

    The victory pushed La Salle to a flawless 7-0 record, making them the only undefeated team at the end of the first round.

     

    A crowd of 18,351 spectators packed the arena to witness the clash, as Shevana Laput led the Lady Spikers with 19 points and eight digs. Amie Provido added 12 points on 10 spikes and two blocks, along with nine digs.

     

    NU still finished the first round in solo second place with a 5-2 record despite the defeat. Rookie standout Sam Cantada produced 13 points despite missing the opening set, while also recording 14 excellent receptions and four digs. Chams Maaya chipped in 10 points and Celine Marsh added nine points and seven receptions.

     

    With the first round now complete, the tournament enters a more unpredictable stage. Teams have already revealed their strengths and weaknesses, and adjustments will become crucial as the race for the Final Four intensifies.

     

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