For years, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons spent most of their international journeys chasing stronger competition overseas.
This week, the challenge finally came to them.
Fresh off delivering a historic beach volleyball gold medal for the Philippines in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, Rondina and Pons now find themselves stepping into an entirely different battlefield — one filled with Olympians, world-ranked pairs, and some of the sport’s biggest names at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge.
And instead of backing down from the moment, the Alas Pilipinas tandem is embracing it.
“Actually, it’s really exciting. Personally, I’m excited about the challenge because there are so many Olympians here. You already know that Pons and I are the type of players who always grab opportunities whenever they come. That’s why we’re really preparing and mentally ready because we know this will be a very tough competition,” said Rondina.
The Filipina pair opens its main draw campaign Thursday at the Nuvali Sands Courts, carrying not just momentum from Bangkok but also the expectations of a home crowd eager to see local stars compete against the world’s elite.
But Rondina knows the jump in level will be massive.
“What we showed in the SEA Games won’t be enough here. We’ll need to give double or even triple the effort because the level of players here is completely different. Our goal is to keep up with them and deliver consistent performances.”
That challenge becomes even clearer when looking at the field assembled in Santa Rosa.
Among those seeing action are Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist Taliqua Clancy of Australia, Paris 2024 Olympians Monika Paulikiene and Aine Raupelyte of Lithuania, French Olympians Lezana Placette and Alexia Richard, and defending Nuvali Challenge champions Anniina Parkkinen and Valma Prihti of Finland.
Top-seeded Americans Corinne Quiggle and Chloe Loreen also headline the tournament, while former NBA player turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger banners the men’s side alongside Trevor Crabb.
For Rondina, however, the moment is bigger than simply facing international stars.
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BABAWI NEXT GAME!
Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons vow to bounce back in their do-or-die game tonight in the Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge. @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/G7Djj0bdsg
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 21, 2026
Hosting a world-class event on Philippine sand gives local players a rare chance to grow without leaving home — and perhaps expose more Filipino fans to beach volleyball’s rising scene.
“Honestly, it’s both exciting and pressuring. Even if it’s a home court advantage, it’s still different when you know the players you’re facing are more experienced or at a higher level. But aside from the pressure, I’m happy because this is happening here in the Philippines,” said Rondina.
“It’s also great that there are audiences watching because we’re able to invite indoor volleyball supporters to watch beach volleyball too and experience a different side of the sport. Imagine the Philippines is competing against Olympians. We’re just praying that we can show a good performance.”
Beyond Rondina and Pons, several other Philippine pairs are also fighting to make noise in the prestigious event.
Sofiah Pagara and Khylem Progella moved within one win of the main draw after surviving Germany’s Mareet Maidhof and Tabea Schwarz in a dramatic qualifier, 21-19, 28-26.
Pagara erupted for 25 points, including crucial plays after the Filipinas saved six match points in the second set.
Meanwhile, Sunny Villapando and Gen Eslapor, Dij Rodriguez and Kly Orillaneda, and Alex Polidario and Jenny Gaviola all bowed out in the qualifiers against more experienced international opposition.
For Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Tonyboy Liao, simply bringing this level of competition to the country already marks a major step for the program.
“This is really good for the Philippine team because instead of traveling abroad, we get to compete here at home against international players. This tournament is a huge challenge because the level of competition is much higher. There are also more ranking points at stake, so it’s really a great opportunity for us,” said Liao.
“Sisi and Pons are fighters no matter who they face. They’ll always compete hard. Hopefully, all the Philippine teams perform well, and hopefully, the Beach Pro Tour Challenge becomes a success. It’s also a big moment for us because this is our first term hosting an international event.”
For Rondina and Pons, though, the mission feels simple.
The medals and titles may have already come in Southeast Asia, but this week offers something entirely different — a chance to see exactly how far Philippine beach volleyball can go against the sport’s biggest names.
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