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Category: Volleyball

  • “My favorite color is green”: MJ Phillips eager to start a new chapter after joining Nxled

    “My favorite color is green”: MJ Phillips eager to start a new chapter after joining Nxled

    The Nxled Chameleons have continued their roster overhaul during the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) offseason, and they made a major statement on Thursday, January 15, by signing two-time Finals MVP MJ Phillips from the Petro Gazz Angels.

     

    Following Petro Gazz’s decision to take a leave of absence from the PVL, several players became available, and Nxled acted quickly to bolster their lineup, snapping up Phillips and other key talents from the former powerhouse franchise.

     

    The versatile hitter admitted she is excited for the fresh start with Nxled, particularly under Italian coach Ettore Guidetti.

     

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    “Nxled, they were one of the bottom teams. So, it’s gonna be a challenge, but we are all up for it. And I’m excited for an Italian coach. I have never been under an Italian coach before. He has a strong background with coaching, so I feel like I have a lot to learn from him,” Phillips said.

    She added that joining Nxled gives her a renewed sense of purpose after spending years with Petro Gazz.

     

    “My favorite color is green. Yeah, it’s really exciting. I am really bummed about Petro Gazz and been there with them for like five years now or six years or something. I really appreciate them, but I also appreciate Nxled for giving us another home.

     

    “I’m excited with all the new players and the competition in the gym and just what we can bring to the table at this upcoming conference,” she added.

    Phillips wasn’t the only former Petro Gazz player to make the move. Nxled also secured three-time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle, former league MVP Myla Pablo, and championship-tested setter Jules Tolentino—last year’s 11th overall pick—effectively transplanting the backbone of Petro Gazz’s once-dominant core into Nxled colors.

     

    “I’m just glad that a lot of the Petro Gazz girls are with me. And to be able to be with new players, it’s just like a fresh start. And I’m like really excited for what we have to showcase next,” Phillips concluded.

     

    The influx of talent has had an immediate impact on Nxled’s roster. The Chameleons now feature several former Angels, including Jonah Sabete, Djanel Cheng, Bang Pineda, Nicole Tiamzon, Ranya Musa, AA Adolfo, and Jellie Tempiatura, giving the team instant chemistry and a competitive edge.

     

    In many ways, Nxled has found an alternate path to contention after a much-discussed—but unrealized—merger with Petro Gazz. With the Angels stepping away from the PVL, the Chameleons have become the unexpected beneficiaries, absorbing not just talent but also experience, winning culture, and championship pedigree.

     

    What once appeared to be a rebuilding franchise has now transformed into a squad stacked with MVPs, Finals heroes, and title-tested veterans.

     

    Rounding out the roster is a carefully curated mix of youth and leadership, anchored by seasoned campaigners Aby Maraño and Aduke Ogunsanya, alongside Joyme Cagande, who provides depth and upside at the setter position.

     

    With Phillips and Van Sickle leading the way, Nxled’s offseason facelift reads less like a gamble and more like a statement. The Chameleons aren’t just looking to improve—they are positioning themselves squarely in the championship conversation as the PVL heads into 2026.

     

     

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  • Eya Laure brings edge and identity as Choco Mucho reshapes title chase

    Eya Laure brings edge and identity as Choco Mucho reshapes title chase

    Choco Mucho may not just be adding firepower ahead of the 2025–26 PVL All-Filipino Conference — it may finally be discovering the emotional core it has long searched for.

     

    The Flying Titans’ decision to bring in Eya Laure ahead of the new season signals more than a roster upgrade. It reflects a clear intent to redefine who they are as a team, especially after years of being competitive yet falling short of a championship breakthrough.

     

    PVL analyst Noreen Go believes Laure’s presence could shape the very personality of the Flying Titans as they chase their elusive first league title.

     

    “We saw Eya Laure going down with a sprain, but she really wanted to play… and that’s what her fans and Choco Mucho fans are hoping she brings to the team because I feel they’re lacking the identity now of Choco Mucho,” Go said in an interview. 

     

    That edge — the willingness to play through pain and lead with visible intensity — is something Choco Mucho has often been accused of missing in crucial moments. Laure’s reputation as an emotional leader and relentless competitor offers a possible remedy to that long-standing critique. 

     

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    Her arrival also restores familiar chemistry within the roster. Laure reunites with former University of Santo Tomas teammates Cherry Rondina, Alina Bicar, and Caitlyn Viray, relationships forged through years of collegiate battles. At the same time, she joins forces with former rivals Maddie Madayag and Deanna Wong, creating a blend of familiarity and competitive respect that could accelerate cohesion.

     

    “And they’re hoping that the combination—Maddie Madayag, Eya Laure, Sisi Rondina, and the new acquisitions—they’re hoping that they play well together with the lot of passion that we know,” Go added.

     

    The move comes amid a broader roster reset for the Flying Titans. In the offseason, Choco Mucho parted ways with Aduke Ogunsanya, Bia General, Royse Tubino, and Cherry Nunag, signaling a willingness to make difficult decisions in pursuit of growth.

     

    Those departures opened the door for new faces and new roles. Alongside Laure, the team added Bicar and Viray, while also strengthening its backcourt by signing former Nxled standout Jaila Atienza — a move that underlines management’s commitment to balance experience, grit, and depth.

     

    As the Flying Titans enter the new conference with a retooled lineup and renewed direction, Laure stands at the center of that transformation. If her trademark passion translates into consistency and belief across the roster, Choco Mucho’s long-running search for identity — and perhaps a championship — may finally be nearing its end.

     

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  • Nxled lands 3-Time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle to complete Petro Gazz core rebuild 

    Nxled lands 3-Time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle to complete Petro Gazz core rebuild 

    What began as a careful rebuild has now evolved into a full-blown statement.

     

    Nxled capped off its aggressive offseason by securing the biggest prize on the market — three-time PVL Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle — instantly altering the trajectory of the two-year-old franchise and rewriting expectations for the 2026 season.

     

    The move was executed with urgency. League sources indicate Nxled acted swiftly to lock up Van Sickle, leaving rival teams without a window to even present competing offers. For a club once focused on long-term development, the decisiveness signaled a shift from patience to ambition.

     

    Van Sickle’s arrival does more than add star power. Since debuting in 2024, she has established herself as one of the most complete players the PVL has seen — a dominant scorer, elite defender, and emotional leader capable of changing games on both ends. With her in place, Nxled no longer looks like a project; it looks like a contender.

     

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    But Van Sickle isn’t coming alone.

     

    Flanking her are proven winners who bring championship pedigree and familiarity. Two-time Finals MVP MJ Phillips, former league MVP Myla Pablo, and championship-tested setter Jules Tolentino — last year’s 11th overall pick — also make the jump, effectively transplanting the backbone of Petro Gazz’s once-dominant core into Nxled colors.

     

    That influx of talent has created a ripple effect across the roster. The Chameleons now boast a lineup heavy with former Angels, including Jonah Sabete, Djanel Cheng, Bang Pineda, Nicole Tiamzon, Ranya Musa, AA Adolfo, and Jellie Tempiatura, giving the team instant chemistry to match its newfound firepower.

     

    In many ways, Nxled found an alternate path to contention after the much-discussed but unrealized merger with Petro Gazz. With the Angels stepping away from competition, the Chameleons emerged as the unexpected beneficiary — absorbing not just talent, but experience, identity, and a winning culture.

     

    What once looked like a rebuilding franchise has suddenly transformed into a lineup stacked with MVPs, Finals heroes, and title-tested veterans.

     

    Completing the overhaul is a carefully chosen blend of youth and leadership, bannered by seasoned campaigners Aby Maraño and Aduke Ogunsanya, alongside Joyme Cagande, who brings depth and upside at the setter position.

     

    With Brooke Van Sickle now front and center, Nxled’s offseason facelift reads less like a gamble and more like a declaration. The Chameleons aren’t just aiming to improve — they are positioning themselves squarely in the championship conversation as the PVL heads into 2026.

     

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  • Nxled expands rebuild, reunites more former Petro Gazz core players

    Nxled expands rebuild, reunites more former Petro Gazz core players

    Nxled’s rebuild is no longer a quiet reset—it’s becoming a clear declaration of intent.

     

    Just days after unveiling its initial veteran haul, the Chameleons followed it up with another round of signings on Wednesday, adding Bang Pineda, Jellie Tempiatura, AA Adolfo, Nicole Tiamzon, and Joyme Cagande. The influx pushes Nxled’s offseason additions into double digits and further sharpens the outline of a team determined to shed its expansion-era growing pains.

     

    What’s taking shape isn’t just a deeper roster, but a familiar one.

     

    With Petro Gazz stepping away from league competition, Nxled has effectively become a landing spot—and a second chance—for several former Angels. Pineda, Tempiatura, Adolfo, and Tiamzon now reunite with Djanel Cheng, Jonah Sabete, and Ranya Musa, restoring on-court chemistry built through championship runs rather than starting from scratch.

     

    Pineda’s arrival stands out not only for experience but for timing. At 34, the veteran libero was a steady presence in Petro Gazz’s recent Reinforced Conference title run, offering the kind of backcourt stability Nxled has long lacked. 

     

    Tempiatura, Tiamzon, and Adolfo, meanwhile, bring versatility and familiarity with high-pressure roles after serving as key rotation pieces with the Angels.

     

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    Cagande’s move offers a different narrative. Once regarded as a promising setter out of National University, she arrives in Nxled seeking renewed opportunity after seeing limited action during her two-year stay with Chery Tiggo. 

     

    In a system still defining its long-term direction, her addition feels as much about upside as it does depth.

     

    These new faces join an earlier group headlined by Aby Maraño and Aduke Ogunsanya, whose championship pedigree instantly raised the team’s competitive ceiling. Together, the mix of battle-tested veterans and players still carving their place in the league is rapidly transforming Nxled’s identity—from patient builder to potential disruptor.

     

    The ambition is clear. Since entering the PVL in 2023, Nxled has yet to break through to the semifinals. With a roster now built around shared history, proven winners, and fresh motivation, the Chameleons are positioning themselves not just to compete, but to contend for relevance in the crowded middle tier of the league.

     

    As the 2026 PVL season approaches, Nxled’s rebuild no longer feels like a long-term experiment. It looks increasingly like a calculated bet—one that could finally push the franchise into unfamiliar, but long-awaited, territory.

     

     

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  • Bernadeth Pons returns to Creamline as Cool Smashers eye PVL redemption

    Bernadeth Pons returns to Creamline as Cool Smashers eye PVL redemption

    After months spent chasing history on sand, Bernadeth Pons is ready to step back onto familiar hardwood—this time with unfinished business.

     

    Following nearly a year dedicated to national team duty and beach volleyball competition, the former PVL Most Valuable Player is set to return to Creamline Cool Smashers, reuniting with her longtime club just as it seeks to rebound from one of the rare setbacks in its storied run.

     

    Creamline’s previous conference ended earlier than expected, snapping a remarkable 19-conference medal streak and leaving an unmistakable sense that something was left unresolved. Pons’ return arrives at the perfect moment, injecting both firepower and emotional lift into a squad eager to reassert itself in the upcoming PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Her absence wasn’t due to decline—but ambition.

     

    Coming off a spectacular 2024 with Creamline, Pons had little left to prove at the club level. She captured Conference MVP honors in the Reinforced Conference and followed it up with Finals MVP recognition after powering the Cool Smashers to a rare three-title sweep. With her club legacy momentarily secured, Pons turned her attention to a different stage.

     

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    Alongside Cherry Ann “Sisi” Rondina, Pons helped the Philippines break new ground, delivering the country’s first-ever beach volleyball gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Chonburi, Thailand. The triumph cemented her status not just as a club icon, but as a national standard-bearer.

     

    Now, she returns carrying both confidence and perspective.

     

    Creamline’s push to reclaim its place atop the league will also be aided by the expected comeback of setter Julia Morado-De Leon, a development that restores the rhythm and identity that defined the franchise’s most dominant years. 

     

    With Alyssa Valdez and Pangs Panaga anchoring the leadership core and newly signed libero Jen Nierva adding defensive stability, the Cool Smashers look retooled rather than rebuilt.

     

    The stakes are clear. With 10 PVL titles already in the cabinet, Creamline isn’t chasing relevance—it’s chasing restoration. The absence of longtime rivals Chery Tiggo and Petro Gazz may reshape the competitive landscape, but the league still promises a fierce race when the All-Filipino Conference opens on January 31.

     

    For Pons, the journey has come full circle. After conquering the sand and carrying the flag abroad, she returns to the court where expectations are highest—and where the hunger to win burns just as strong.

     

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  • Galeries Tower completes massive roster overhaul ahead of All-Filipino Conference 

    Galeries Tower completes massive roster overhaul ahead of All-Filipino Conference 

    Galeries Tower didn’t just tweak its lineup this offseason—it tore the blueprint apart and started over.

     

    With the 2026 PVL season approaching, the Highrisers emerged as one of the league’s most aggressive retoolers, committing to a full-scale reset that reshaped both their roster and their bench. 

     

    By the time the dust settled, 14 new faces were in, a veteran coach was installed, and only a handful of familiar names remained to bridge the past with what now feels like a completely new identity.

     

    The overhaul began with difficult decisions. Thirteen players were released as Galeries Tower opted to keep just four holdovers: Julia Coronel, Jean Asis, Roselle Baliton, and Winnie Bedaña. Among those who exited were inaugural captain Fhen Emnas, a string of rotational mainstays, and the Capital1-bound duo of France Ronquillo and Ysa Jimenez—moves that signaled this was not a partial rebuild, but a clean slate.

     

    Change reached the sidelines as well. PVL champion coach Godfrey Okumu and his staff made way for veteran tactician Aying Esteban, who arrived with a trusted group rooted heavily from the University of Santo Tomas coaching staff. With John Abella, JM Millado, Emman Dedoroy, Lorence Cruz, and physical therapist Migs Dizon joining him, the Highrisers aligned themselves with a system built on familiarity, structure, and long-term development.

     

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    The final touches came Tuesday, when Galeries Tower rolled out what it described as its last batch of signings: Jules Samonte, Gayle Pascual, Venice Puzon, and Maji Mangulabnan. Each arrival carried a different storyline—Samonte searching for continuity after injury setbacks, Pascual and Puzon chasing bigger opportunities after limited stints elsewhere, and Mangulabnan adding immediate comfort to the system after recent runs with Akari’s squads.

     

    Yet the centerpiece of the rebuild remains Aiza Maizo-Pontillas.

     

    Landing the veteran spiker marked Galeries Tower’s most high-profile acquisition in two years and arguably the defining signal of its ambition. She anchors a group that also includes Shola Alvarez, Sharya Ancheta, Cams Victoria, Dolly Verzosa, Erika Deloria, Lycha Ebon, Erika Raagas, Blove Barbon, and Julia Angeles—an eclectic mix of experience, upside, and positional depth.

     

    With the January 31 opening of the 2026 All-Filipino Conference fast approaching, Galeries Tower’s transformation is no longer theoretical. 

     

    The Highrisers have bet on volume, leadership, and a unified coaching vision to accelerate their climb—and in doing so, have made it clear that standing still was never an option.

     

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  • NXLED capitalizes on league shake-up, banks on veteran signings for 2026 All-Filipino Conference 

    NXLED capitalizes on league shake-up, banks on veteran signings for 2026 All-Filipino Conference 

    NXLED’s long rebuild just took a sharp and deliberate turn.

     

    Rather than easing into another developmental year, the Chameleons made a loud statement ahead of the 2026 PVL season by stacking their roster with proven veterans—players shaped by championships, franchise resets, and the pressure of winning now.

     

    The first wave features a familiar Petro Gazz core in Jonah Sabete, Djanel Cheng, and Ranya Musa, all finding new footing after the Angels elected to take a leave of absence from the league. But this wasn’t merely a landing spot for displaced talent. It was a calculated acquisition of players who know how to finish seasons on top.

     

    Joining them are two of the most battle-tested names in Philippine volleyball: former Chery Tiggo captain Aby Maraño and longtime Choco Mucho scorer Aduke Ogunsanya. With their arrival, Nxled suddenly looks less like a rebuilding franchise and more like a team fast-tracking itself into relevance.

     

    the Petro Gazz trio had long been expected to surface in Nxled colors after entering free agency. Their arrival now serves as the foundation of a larger, still-unfolding plan. 

     

    More former Angels are expected to follow, as the remnants of the aborted merger quietly reshape themselves into a single, competitive identity in training.

     

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    For Cheng, the move carries historical weight. She was there when Petro Gazz entered the PVL in 2018 and remained a constant through every championship run the Angels ever claimed. Sabete and Musa, though later additions, were integral pieces of the club’s final two title conquests in 2025—experience Nxled has sorely lacked in crunch moments.

     

    Maraño’s path to the Chameleons, meanwhile, feels almost symbolic of this roster’s theme: resilience through upheaval. After enduring consecutive team disbandments with F2 Logistics and Chery Tiggo, one of the country’s most decorated middle blockers finds herself resetting yet again. This time, she hopes the restart leads not just to survival—but stability.

     

    Ogunsanya adds another layer of intrigue. Injuries slowed her during her three-year run with Choco Mucho, but a healthy return could unlock flashes of the dominant scorer who once thrived at La Salle and helped anchor championship-caliber teams.

     

    Individually, these signings tell stories of transition. Collectively, they hint at something more ambitious.

     

    Nxled is no longer content with gradual growth. By surrounding itself with winners who have already endured league turbulence, title pressure, and abrupt endings, the Chameleons are signaling that 2026 isn’t just about rebuilding—it’s about redefining who they are, and how quickly they intend to matter. 

     

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  • PVL 2026 All-Filipino Conference: Teams to watch out for this season 

    PVL 2026 All-Filipino Conference: Teams to watch out for this season 

    As the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference approaches, anticipation has never been higher. The league’s premier domestic tournament — where only Filipino players compete — returns amid a swirl of roster shakeups, free-agency moves, and franchise transitions that have reshaped the competitive landscape. This season also carries added significance as the All-Filipino Conference champion earns the right to represent the Philippines in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Champions League, with travel and logistics covered by the league.

     

    With the tournament slated to open January 31, here’s a look at the top five teams expected to make deep runs and why each deserves attention:

     

    5. Capital1 Solar Spikers — A Young Core Evolving Fast

     

    The Solar Spikers have energetically reshaped their roster following a winless Reinforced Conference campaign last season. Capital1 has loaded up with talent from disbanded squads like Chery Tiggo and others, bringing in Pauline Gaston, Cherry Nunag, Ysa Jimenez, and France Ronquillo, among others.

     

    What makes Capital1 intriguing is the blend of youthful promise and emerging leadership. Players like Bella Belen have shown the type of playmaking and consistency that can fuel upsets, and the team’s aggressive offseason strategy suggests a squad eager to prove itself in the big games. If their chemistry gels early — especially with internal leadership — Capital1 could surprise more established contenders.

     

    4. Strong Group Athletics (Farm Fresh & ZUS Coffee) — Two Banners, One Contender Identity

     

    Strong Group Athletics continues to be one of the most intriguing forces in the PVL with dual representation in the league through the Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles. The organization has signed marquee veterans like Ara Galang, Royse Tubino, Mylene Paat, and Chie Saet, bolstering both teams’ experience and firepower.

     

    Farm Fresh’s dynamic young attackers like Trisha Tubu and ZUS Coffee’s rising star Thea Gagate give each squad explosive scoring options. Meanwhile, the veteran additions bring discipline and leadership — a valuable combination in a tightly contested All-Filipino field. The key for both teams will be sustaining momentum and translating talent into consistent results against top-flight opposition.

     

    3. Choco Mucho Flying Titans — Balanced Scoring with Elite Firepower

     

    Choco Mucho’s offseason was anchored by the signing of Eya Laure, a dominant attacker whose return to the league promises to elevate the Titans’ offensive capacity. Alongside stalwarts Sisi Rondina, Kat Tolentino, and Maddie Madayag, Choco Mucho presents one of the most balanced scoring threats in the league.

     

    In previous All-Filipino runs, Choco Mucho has proven capable of rising to the occasion, even going toe-to-toe with perennial powerhouses — a reminder that they are always in the hunt when chemistry and fitness align. With a deep roster capable of pressure scoring and backline stability, the Titans step into 2026 ready for a late-season surge.

     

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    2. PLDT High Speed Hitters — Momentum and Championship Know-How

     

    PLDT enters the All-Filipino Conference with strong recent form. The High Speed Hitters captured back-to-back titles in the 2025 PVL On Tour and Invitational Conferences, showing both resilience and clutch execution in high-stakes matches.

     

    Adding middle blocker Seth Rodriguez — a strategic move following roster changes — gives PLDT added size and depth up the middle. Combined with cornerstone performers like Savi Davison and a cast familiar with title runs, PLDT offers a blend of stability and experience that few teams can match. Their championship pedigree and consistency make them serious favorites to reach the final rounds.

     

    1. Creamline Cool Smashers — The Standard Bearers of Philippine Volleyball

     

    Atop the list stands the Creamline Cool Smashers, the most decorated team in All-Filipino Conference history with six titles — more than any other franchise. They were dominant again last season, capturing both the Open Conference and the Invitational legs while narrowly missing a rare grand slam after strong showings throughout the year.

     

    Creamline’s roster remains anchored by stalwarts Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, and other seasoned players such as Bernadette Pons who will be returning after a SEA Games gold medal. The signing of elite libero Jennifer Nierva provides a targeted boost on defense — an area Creamline sought to shore up after finishing middle-of-the-pack in digs and receptions last season.

     

    Their coaching structure and continuity give them a notable edge as well; while other squads have undergone sweeping changes, Creamline’s core remains intact and battle-tested. It’s a team built for long playoff runs and poised for a bounce-back championship campaign.

     

    Season Overview 

     

    The 2026 All-Filipino Conference represents more than another trophy chase — it symbolizes a transition point in the PVL’s evolution. From significant roster realignments to more structured player acquisition mechanisms (including ongoing discussions around trades and drafts), the league is moving toward a future where talent distribution and competitive balance will continue to improve.

     

    With international competition on the line along with national pride and club supremacy, this season promises all-out battles from opening serve to final point. Whether it’s Creamline defending its legacy, PLDT building on recent success, or emerging contenders challenging the hierarchy, one thing is clear: the race for PVL supremacy in 2026 will be one of the most compelling in recent memory.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez reflects on her experience covering the 2025 SEA Games as a sports correspondent

    Alyssa Valdez reflects on her experience covering the 2025 SEA Games as a sports correspondent

    Alyssa Valdez, the iconic Alas Pilipinas and Creamline Cool Smashers star, is widely regarded as the most popular volleyball player in the Philippines and a key figure in bringing the sport into the national mainstream.

     

    However, Valdez was notably absent from Alas Pilipinas’ squad for the recently concluded 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, instead taking on a new challenge as a media correspondent for Cignal, the official broadcaster of the SEA Games in the Philippines.

     

    In the latest episode of her podcast, “The Transition Playbook,” the 32-year-old admitted she was initially nervous about her new role, given that it was an entirely different environment from competing on the court.

     

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    “Honestly, when I took the job, I was asking Boom Gonzales kung paano ba gagawin? Sobrang kabado talaga ako,” Valdez shared, recalling the anxiety she felt stepping into broadcasting.

    Valdez added that working alongside familiar faces added a unique layer of pressure.

    “I was once teammates with all these players, most especially sa women’s indoor volleyball, di ba? So medyo iba din talaga yung kaba,” she explained.

     

    Despite the initial awkwardness, Valdez embraced her new responsibilities, finding that covering the games gave her a fresh perspective on sports and the athletes she had once competed alongside.

     

    “I’d say, nagging iba yung relationship ko with sports. Kasi, one, as an athlete, alam mo yung pinaghirapan nung mga athlete na lumalaban to represent the country. Iba yung pag-approach ko din sa kanila. I just feel like iba yung pag-approach ko sa kanila bilang atleta pa rin. So, yun yung actually dinala ko when I went there. And yun naman yung advice din sa akin nila Boom. Iba din yung pagiging conversation when you talk parang as athletes to athletes. So, yun yung dinala ko. But siguro now, mas lumawak yung learnings about sports,” Valdez said.

     

    With a major international assignment under her belt, Valdez is now contemplating whether sports broadcasting could be a future career path after she retires from volleyball.

     

    “I think if I’m gonna do it, I really want to explore more. But if I’m gonna do it, I really have to learn and really study all the things na kasama nun. Kasi, siyempre, ibang world na yun. So, I really want to be ready if magkaroon ulit ng chance na mapunta ako sa ganong sitwasyon,” she concluded.

     

    Valdez’s experience at the SEA Games highlights her adaptability and dedication to Philippine sports, showing that her influence extends beyond the court. By embracing a role in sports media, she not only gains a new perspective but also continues to inspire athletes and fans alike.

     

    Whether she chooses to pursue broadcasting full-time or focuses on her volleyball career, Alyssa Valdez remains a trailblazer, bridging the worlds of elite competition and sports storytelling.

     

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  • Galeries Towers bets on experience and youth in bold All-Filipino Conference makeover

    Galeries Towers bets on experience and youth in bold All-Filipino Conference makeover

    Galeries Towers is making it clear that the lessons from a difficult Reinforced Conference have not gone unnoticed.

     

    With the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference fast approaching, the HighRisers continued their aggressive roster build on Monday by announcing the signing of veteran opposite spiker Aiza Maizo-Pontillas—one of the most accomplished players of her generation.

     

    At 37, Maizo-Pontillas arrives not simply as an offensive option, but as a stabilizing presence for a team leaning into a new direction. 

     

    Her championship pedigree, forged during her storied run with University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP and reinforced by years of top-level competition, is expected to anchor a largely youthful Galeries lineup both on and off the court.

     

    She won’t be carrying the rebuild alone.

     

    Galeries has also brought in former Capital1 hitter Shola Alvarez and ex-ZUS Coffee standout Shar Ancheta, creating a mix of proven reliability and emerging talent. Ancheta, in particular, represents the future—the league’s first-ever Rookie of the Conference last year, she flashed immediate impact in her debut PVL season and remains one of the most intriguing young players in the league.

     

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    Alvarez, meanwhile, adds familiarity and continuity, returning to Galeries after previously suiting up for the HighRisers in 2024. Her re-entry provides the team with a player who already understands the system and culture the franchise is trying to rebuild.

     

    The moves come after a sweeping reset triggered by a winless Reinforced Conference campaign. Galeries parted ways with head coach Godfrey Okumu and his entire staff, while also releasing a long list of players as management opted for a clean slate rather than incremental change. 

     

    From the overhaul, only Alas Pilipinas standout Julia Coronel, FEU standout and PVL 2025 second overall pick Jean Asis, Roselle Baliton, and Winnie Bedaña.

     

    The roster shake-up didn’t stop there. Outside spikers Erika Raagas, Cams Victoria, Lycha Ebon, and Erika Deloria have also joined the fold, with Raagas widely viewed as a potential primary scoring option once the All-Filipino Conference begins.

     

    Guiding this revamped group is new head coach Aying Esteban, who previously led Chery Tiggo in 2022 and brings experience navigating teams through transition periods.

     

    With the All-Filipino Conference set to open on January 31, Galeries Towers is no longer just patching holes—it is redefining its identity. 

     

    By blending championship-tested veterans like Maizo-Pontillas with hungry young talents, the HighRisers are signaling that their rebuild is not about patience alone, but about competing with purpose.

     

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