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Tag: Choco Mucho Flying Titans

  • Jewel Encarnacion determined to become a key piece for new team Choco Mucho

    Jewel Encarnacion determined to become a key piece for new team Choco Mucho

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans have strengthened their roster ahead of the new Premier Volleyball League season by acquiring versatile outside hitter Jewel Encarnacion, one of the biggest offseason additions following the Capital1 Solar Spikers’ decision to take a leave of absence from the league.

     

    The move gives Choco Mucho another dynamic weapon on the wings as the Flying Titans continue to bolster their lineup in pursuit of a championship. Known for her athleticism, scoring ability, and all-around play, Encarnacion is expected to provide added firepower while complementing an already talented roster.

     

    For the former Capital1 standout, however, the transfer is more than just a change of uniform. It represents a fresh opportunity to continue her development, embrace a new system, and establish herself as a dependable contributor for one of the PVL’s perennial contenders.

     

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    Encarnacion shared that her primary focus is on maximizing her growth while earning the trust that Choco Mucho has placed in her.

     

    “My goal is really to continue improving myself to the best that I can, to build great chemistry with the team, and to become one of the terminating outside hitters that Choco Mucho can rely on,” Encarnacion said in a media interaction.

     

    A product of the University of the Philippines-Diliman’s respected volleyball program in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Encarnacion made a name for herself through her versatility, composure, and offensive production at both the collegiate and professional levels. Her arrival gives Choco Mucho another capable scorer who can contribute on both ends of the floor while providing additional depth in the outside hitter position.

    The Flying Titans will have an early opportunity to integrate their newest acquisition when they compete in the upcoming PVL On Tour preseason conference. The tournament is expected to serve as an important proving ground for the team as it fine-tunes its rotations and develops chemistry ahead of the league’s major conferences.

     

    For Encarnacion, the preseason is more than just a series of exhibition matches. It is an opportunity to familiarize herself with the tactical approach of head coach Dante Alinsunurin and gradually establish on-court chemistry with her new teammates.

     

    “I will take this opportunity to try new things, while continuing to develop chemistry with my teammates, especially with our setters. I think this is the perfect opportunity for us to keep building that connection before the major conferences.

     

    The transition into a new program comes with its own challenges, particularly in learning a different offensive system and adapting to new teammates. Encarnacion acknowledged that becoming comfortable within Choco Mucho’s style of play will require patience, repetition, and consistent effort, especially as she works to understand the team’s offensive timing and communication.

     

    “Choco Mucho has a different system, so I told myself that I have to consistently put in the effort to learn the movements, patterns, code names, technical terms, and the tempo of the sets. That way, I can stay in sync with the team, execute more cleanly on the court, and contribute to the chemistry they have already built,” she added.

     

    The Flying Titans are expected to lean on the preseason tournament to accelerate the integration of both new and returning players as they prepare for another campaign against the league’s top contenders. With Encarnacion eager to embrace her role and continue developing within Alinsunurin’s system, Choco Mucho hopes its newest addition can quickly become a valuable piece of its championship aspirations.

     

    The PVL On Tour preseason conference opens on July 8, with Choco Mucho set to begin its campaign on Saturday, July 11, in Batangas City. The tournament will provide the Flying Titans with their first opportunity to showcase their revamped lineup and give fans an early glimpse of how Encarnacion fits into the team’s evolving identity.

     

     

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  • PVL teams’ offseason latest signings ahead of the 2026 On Tour 

    PVL teams’ offseason latest signings ahead of the 2026 On Tour 

    As the 2026 PVL On Tour approaches, teams are no longer waiting for the action to begin before making their statements. The offseason has become a battleground of its own as franchises reshape their rosters, bringing in proven veterans, and former rivals to create stronger title contenders.

     

    The biggest movement came after the Cignal Super Spikers stepped away from the league, opening the door for several of their key players to find new homes. Their former stars have become among the most sought-after names in the market, with teams hoping that experience from a silver medal campaign can immediately translate into success.

     

    Akari Chargers

     

    The Akari Chargers added former Cignal Super Spikers outside hitter Tin Tiamzon, who brings experience and offensive firepower from her previous PVL stint. They also secured libero Ann Monares from the Farm Fresh Foxies, giving Akari another defensive option, while middle blocker Sharya Ancheta joined from Galeries Tower to strengthen their frontline.

     

    The team also made bold roster decisions by parting ways with Dani Ravena, Max Juangco, Bea Bonafe, Joan Doguna, and Steph Bustrillo.

     

    Furthermore, Akari did not select any players in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft after skipping both rounds, meaning their offseason focus remained on veteran acquisitions and experienced players.

     

    Capital1 Solar Spikers

     

    Capital1 made one of the biggest moves of the offseason after adding two of the league’s most impactful players.

     

    The Solar Spikers landed former Cignal stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos. Gandler, an outside hitter known as one of the league’s top young talents and was recognized as the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference MVP.

     

    Santos, meanwhile, arrives with her own winning credentials after being named the 2025 PVL On Tour MVP. Her addition gives Capital1 another reliable scoring option.

    The team also welcomed veteran setter Jaja Maraguinot, who returns after a six-month break following her stint with Nxled.

     

    With three high-level additions, Capital1 is shaping up as one of the teams expected to make a major jump.

     

    Choco Mucho Flying Titans

     

    Choco Mucho strengthened its defensive identity by adding one of the most decorated liberos in Philippine volleyball.

     

    The Flying Titans acquired Dawn Macandili-Catindig from Cignal, a veteran defensive specialist and former national team player known for her elite floor defense.

     

    They also added Jewel Encarnacion, another former Cignal player who brings youth and power to the lineup, along with veteran spiker Ivy Perez, who is set to join her seventh PVL team.

    The additions are expected to give Choco Mucho a deeper defensive structure as they continue building around their core.

     

    The team also parted ways with Tia Andaya, who decided to step away from volleyball after one season with the Flying Titans.

     

    Creamline Cool Smashers


    The defending champions, Creamline added former Cignal opposite hitter Erin Pangilinan, who gives the team another attacking option, along with outside hitter Ishie Lalongisip, another former Cignal player known for her scoring ability. The Cool Smashers also secured setter Donna Paralejas to add depth in the playmaking.

     

    With its championship core intact, Creamline’s additions provide more flexibility as the team looks to remain among the league’s elite.

     

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    Farm Fresh Foxies

     

    Farm Fresh focused on adding experience to its roster by acquiring two former Cignal players.

    The Foxies signed veteran middle blocker Roselyn Doria-Aquino, who brings years of experience and net presence. They also added libero Buding Duremdes, giving Farm Fresh another defensive weapon as they aim to continue their rise in the league.

     

    Nxled Chameleons

     

    Nxled landed two major names that immediately upgraded its lineup.

     

    The Chameleons acquired veteran setter Gel Cayuna, a multiple-time PVL award winner who brings leadership and playmaking experience. They also added middle blocker Jacqueline Acuña, who provides size and blocking strength at the net.

     

    Both players came from Cignal’s successful run, where they helped the team secure a silver medal finish before the franchise made a leave of absence from the league. Their arrival gives Nxled more stability as the young franchise continues to build.

     

    PLDT High Speed Hitters

     

    PLDT also took advantage of the offseason movement by adding multiple pieces.

     

    The High Speed Hitters acquired free agent outside hitter Joan Monares, middle blocker Winnie Bedana from Galeries Tower, and former Cignal middle blocker Jessa Ordiales.

     

    The new additions add more depth to PLDT’s rotation and give the team additional options heading into the 2026 PVL on Tour.

     

    Galeries Tower Highrisers and Zus Coffee Thunderbelles

     

    Unlike other teams making major changes, Galeries Tower Highrisers and Zus Coffee Thunderbelles have yet to announce new signings.

     

    Both teams will enter the next phase of preparation with their current rosters while monitoring possible additions.

     

    With the PVL becoming more competitive every season, the 2026 On Tour will showcase more than just new faces — it will feature new identities. Teams are no longer relying only on established stars, they are building deeper lineups designed to survive the long grind of professional volleyball.

     

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  • Tia Andaya officially closes Philippine chapter after one season with Choco Mucho 

    Tia Andaya officially closes Philippine chapter after one season with Choco Mucho 

    What began as a leap of faith from the United States to the Philippines has now come full circle for Tia Andaya.

     

    The Filipino-American setter officially announced her departure from Choco Mucho on Wednesday, ending a journey that was fueled by a desire to reconnect with her roots and pursue a dream of eventually wearing the national team colors on the international stage.

     

    “Maraming salamat, Choco, at maraming salamat, Philippines,” said the Filipino-American setter.

     

    Andaya arrived in the country carrying both pedigree and promise. A product of Gonzaga University and Central Washington University, she entered the 2025 PVL Draft as one of the more intriguing prospects and was selected seventh overall by Choco Mucho.

     

    But while the move opened the door to Philippine volleyball, carving out a larger role proved difficult.

     

    The 25-year-old spent much of her stay learning behind veteran playmakers Deanna Wong and Alina Bicar, with opportunities coming sparingly across two conferences. Though her minutes were limited, Andaya remained part of a Flying Titans squad that consistently contended near the top of the league standings.

     

    Her move to the Philippines was never solely about club volleyball.

     

    Andaya also joined the Alas Pilipinas pool under then-head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, hoping to contribute to the national team program. Yet international competition remained out of reach as eligibility issues tied to her continued connection with USA Volleyball prevented her from representing the country in official FIVB-sanctioned events.

     

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    Despite the obstacles, Andaya views her time in the Philippines as a meaningful chapter rather than an unfinished one.

     

    “It truly was an unforgettable journey. The road wasn’t always smooth, but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Andaya said.

     

    “Thank you all for your support and love these past few years. Whether it was with Choco or Alas, it was an honor to play both with and for all of you.”

     

    Her departure also comes as Choco Mucho enters a new phase at the setter position. The Flying Titans have already moved to reinforce their playmaking corps by selecting Tin Ubaldo with the No. 3 overall pick in the latest PVL Draft and bringing in veteran setter Ivy Perez through free agency ahead of the upcoming PVL On Tour.

     

    For Andaya, however, the story is less about statistics and playing time and more about the experience of embracing a new home, reconnecting with Filipino fans, and chasing a dream that brought her across the Pacific.

     

    Though her stay lasted only a season, the journey left an imprint on both player and supporters alike.

     

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  • Volleyball players Sisi Rondina, Ronniel Rosales exchange vows in private Quezon wedding 

    Volleyball players Sisi Rondina, Ronniel Rosales exchange vows in private Quezon wedding 

    Volleyball icon Sisi Rondina and fellow Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball player Ronniel Rosales exchanged vows in a private wedding ceremony in Tiaong, Quezon on Saturday, surrounded by family members, close friends, and fellow athletes.


    The wedding brought together several personalities from the local volleyball community, including Rondina’s longtime beach volleyball partner Bernadette Pons. 

     

    The duo recently captured a silver medal in the AVC Beach Tour Pingtung Open, adding another achievement to their decorated partnership on the sand.

     

    Also present were fellow Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Dij Rodriguez and Sunny Villapando, along with several members of Rondina’s Choco Mucho Flying Titans family. Eya Laure, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Cherry Nunag, Caitlin Viray, and Thang Ponce attended the ceremony, as did Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin and team owner Jonathan Ng.

     

    The marriage comes six months after Rondina and Rosales announced their engagement in January. The longtime couple shared the milestone on social media, with Rondina posting the caption, “It’s a forever thing,” while Rosales described the proposal as “God’s plan, my promise.”

     

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    While the wedding marked a personal milestone, both athletes remain active figures in Philippine volleyball.

     

    Rondina continues to balance careers in both indoor and beach volleyball. She remains one of the key players for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the Premier Volleyball League while also serving as a fixture of the national beach volleyball program.

     

    The former University of Santo Tomas standout is widely regarded as one of the country’s most accomplished volleyball players. 

     

    In 2025, she and Pons delivered a historic gold medal for the Philippines in women’s beach volleyball at the Southeast Asian Games, further cementing their status among the nation’s most successful tandems.

     

    Rosales, meanwhile, has also built a lengthy career in the sport. A former member of the Philippine men’s national beach volleyball team, he likewise saw action in the Spikers’ Turf and has remained involved in the local volleyball scene throughout the years.

     

    Meanwhile, the next day after her wedding, Rondina was already back in her hometown, Cebu. The Cebuana star attended the final games of the Cebu Hustle 3×3 tournament at SM Seaside City, where fans lined up for photos and autographs from one of the country’s most beloved volleyball personalities.

     

    For a couple whose relationship has grown alongside their careers in beach volleyball, the wedding represented not only a celebration of their partnership but also another memorable moment for a sport in which both have played significant roles for the Philippines.

     

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  • Choco Mucho raids Cignal core anew with Dawn Macandili-Catindig signing 

    Choco Mucho raids Cignal core anew with Dawn Macandili-Catindig signing 

    Choco Mucho’s offseason makeover is quickly turning into one of the biggest stories of the PVL calendar — and the Flying Titans aren’t done reshaping their identity just yet.

     

    After watching the league landscape shift dramatically following Cignal’s leave of absence, Choco Mucho moved aggressively once more by securing veteran libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig and scorer Jewel Encarnacion, adding two more proven names from the former Super Spikers core.

     

    The acquisitions not only strengthen the Flying Titans’ roster on paper, but also signal the franchise’s clear intent to build a deeper, more battle-tested squad capable of surviving the grind of a long PVL season.

     

    For Choco Mucho, the arrival of Macandili-Catindig could prove especially massive.

     

    Long regarded as one of Philippine volleyball’s premier defensive anchors, the former national team standout brings years of leadership, stability, and championship experience into a team already loaded with firepower. Her addition alongside four-time Best Libero Thang Ponce instantly gives the Flying Titans what could become one of the league’s deepest defensive rotations — a crucial boost for a team that has repeatedly fallen just short in title hunts.

     

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    Meanwhile, Encarnacion adds another offensive option to a Choco Mucho side looking to lessen the scoring burden on its established stars. Known for her length and attacking versatility, the former Cignal winger gives the Flying Titans another reliable weapon on the wings as the franchise continues searching for the elusive breakthrough championship.

     

    The latest moves also further highlight how rapidly the PVL balance of power is changing after Cignal’s temporary exit from the league.

     

    What was once one of the PVL’s most stable cores has now been scattered across multiple contenders, with nearly every major franchise capitalizing on the sudden availability of experienced talent.

     

    Gandler and Erika Santos previously joined Capital1, Gel Cayuna and Jackie Acuña moved to Nxled, Erin Pangilinan landed at Creamline, while Tin Tiamzon transferred to Akari.

     

    Now, Choco Mucho has added its own major haul — and in doing so, may have quietly addressed two of its biggest needs in a single swoop.

     

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  • Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons to put PVL careers on hold again for Asian Games run 

    Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons to put PVL careers on hold again for Asian Games run 

    For a few more months, the sand will once again take priority over the hardwood for two of Philippine volleyball’s biggest stars.

     

    Creamline’s Bernadeth Pons and Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina are preparing to step away from the Premier Volleyball League grind later this year as they redirect their focus toward another major mission with Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball — the 20th Asian Games in Japan this September.

     

    The move means two of the league’s most recognizable and impactful wing spikers will temporarily disappear from the indoor scene right in the middle of the PVL calendar, with both expected to miss the upcoming PVL On Tour and potentially even the Invitational Conference should their respective teams advance deep enough.

     

    For Rondina and Pons, however, this is no ordinary absence.

     

    This is about returning to the partnership that has repeatedly carried Philippine beach volleyball onto the international stage.

     

    Fresh off their historic gold medal run in the Southeast Asian Games, the longtime “SiPons” tandem is once again shifting into national team mode — this time with the Asian Games looming as their next major target.

     

    Currently competing in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour in Nuvali, the pair has already begun ramping up preparations as they trade indoor systems and six-player rotations for the demands of the sand game once more.

     

    Their decision creates a noticeable void for both mother clubs. Rondina has long been the emotional engine and offensive centerpiece of Choco Mucho, while Pons remains one of the most dependable veterans in Creamline’s championship-loaded core.

     

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    But for all the success both have built indoors, the beach partnership they formed through the years continues to demand sacrifices — and both players appear more than willing to make them again.

     

    The setup is far from unfamiliar. Over the last few seasons, Rondina and Pons have repeatedly balanced PVL duties with national team commitments, often bouncing between indoor and beach volleyball while carrying the Philippine flag in international competitions.

     

    This latest pause simply adds another chapter to that juggling act. And while their clubs will need to survive without them for part of the season, the absence is not expected to last indefinitely.

     

    Rondina confirmed that both players are eyeing a return by the season-ending Reinforced Conference later this year, allowing them to eventually rejoin their PVL squads after their Asian Games campaign concludes.

     

    Until then, though, the country’s most accomplished beach volleyball duo is heading back to familiar territory — chasing another podium finish, this time on one of Asia’s biggest stages.

     

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  • Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin shuts down exit rumors, says Tia Andaya remains part of the Flying Titans

    Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin shuts down exit rumors, says Tia Andaya remains part of the Flying Titans

    Even amid Choco Mucho’s busy offseason rebuild and roster reshuffling, one thing remains unchanged for the Flying Titans — Fil-American setter Tia Joy Andaya is still part of the team’s long-term plans.


    Rumors recently circulated online claiming that Andaya had already left Choco Mucho after seeing limited action during the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. 

     

    But head coach Dante Alinsunurin quickly put the speculation to rest during the Allianz thanksgiving event for the Rebisco squads on Wednesday.

     

    “Nagbakasyon lang siya kasi matagal na siyang ‘di nakakauw. Still, nasa team pa rin siya,” Alinsunurin said.

     

    The clarification comes at a time when Choco Mucho is entering a new chapter following a massive offseason overhaul that included the arrival of star players like Eya Laure, Alina Bicar, Jaila Atienza, and Caitlin Viray.

     

    While the spotlight largely shifted toward the Flying Titans’ new additions, Andaya quietly remained part of the organization’s evolving core.

     

    For Choco Mucho, Andaya represents more than just another setter on the roster. She is one of the few players in the squad carrying extensive overseas professional experience before entering the PVL.

     

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    Before becoming the seventh overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, Andaya played professionally in Albania for KV Tirana before moving to Romanian club CSM Lugoj.

     

    Her volleyball journey also stretched across the U.S. collegiate system, suiting up for both Gonzaga University and Central Washington University before eventually exploring opportunities to represent the Philippines internationally.

     

    Meanwhile, the Flying Titans struggled to find stability in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, absorbing key defeats. Despite those setbacks, Choco Mucho continued building toward the future rather than making immediate changes, something reflected in Alinsunurin’s reassurance regarding Andaya’s place in the team.

     

    The decorated coach also confirmed there would be no changes in leadership heading into the 2026 PVL on Tour.

     

    “Si Des (Cheng) pa rin. Same pa rin, kung sino ‘yung leader namin, siya pa rin ‘yung team captain namin,” Alinsunurin clarified.

     

    For now, Andaya’s temporary absence appears to be nothing more than an offseason break — not an exit.

     

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  • Tia Andaya exits Choco Mucho Flying Titans as overseas journey in PH ends early 

    Tia Andaya exits Choco Mucho Flying Titans as overseas journey in PH ends early 

    What was once viewed as a promising homecoming has now quietly come to an early end.

     

    Filipino-American setter Tia Joy Andaya has reportedly parted ways with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans after an abbreviated stay in the Premier Volleyball League, cutting short what many expected to be a longer chapter in Philippine volleyball.

     

    According to reports, Andaya has already returned to the United States after growing frustrated over her limited opportunities on the court during her lone conference with the Flying Titans.

    The 25-year-old playmaker reportedly requested her release from the team after spending most of the season watching from the sidelines rather than orchestrating the offense she had long been known for overseas.

     

    For Andaya, the move to the Philippines initially carried plenty of intrigue.

     

    Unlike many first-time imports entering the PVL, she arrived with a diverse volleyball background already built across multiple countries and competitive systems.

     

    The Filipino-American setter previously suited up for both Gonzaga University and Central Washington University during her collegiate career in the United States before eventually taking her game overseas professionally.

     

    Her arrival also generated interest because of her previous ties to the Alas Pilipinas Women program.

     

    At one point, Andaya was among the Filipino-American prospects being considered for the national team pool as Philippine volleyball explored expanding its talent base internationally.

     

    She had even looked into the possibility of changing her sporting allegiance to represent the Philippines before the process ultimately never materialized into a full commitment.

     

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    That background made her PVL entry feel less like a typical import signing and more like a player attempting to reconnect with her Filipino roots through volleyball.

     

    Instead, the stint quickly became a difficult adjustment.

     

    Reports indicated that Andaya had already been back in the United States for nearly a month, with fellow Filipino-American players even organizing a farewell gathering before her departure.

     

    The situation also reflects the increasingly competitive environment inside the PVL, where roster depth and established rotations can make it difficult even for experienced overseas players to carve out major roles immediately.

     

    For Choco Mucho, the exit marks another roster shift as the Flying Titans continue to reshape their lineup heading into the next conference.

     

    As for Andaya, her early departure leaves behind a brief what-could-have-been chapter — one that started with curiosity and potential, but ultimately never found rhythm on the court. 

     

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  • 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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