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Tag: Choco Mucho Flying Titans

  • “Nothing unusual, it’s normal”: Bernadeth Pons on facing Sisi Rondina after securing historic SEA Games gold

    “Nothing unusual, it’s normal”: Bernadeth Pons on facing Sisi Rondina after securing historic SEA Games gold

    Premier Volleyball League (PVL) powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers showed championship poise on Tuesday night, shaking off an opening-game setback in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference to outlast rivals Choco Mucho Flying Titans in four sets, 27–25, 17–25, 25–21, 25–15, at a packed Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    After stumbling in their conference opener, the Cool Smashers responded with a composed and methodical performance, weathering Choco Mucho’s resistance before asserting control in the latter stages of the match. Creamline’s ability to execute in crucial moments—particularly in the tightly contested first and third sets—proved decisive, allowing them to reestablish rhythm and confidence early in the tournament.

     

    Bernadeth Pons spearheaded Creamline’s bounce-back win with an all-around masterclass, registering a triple-double of 19 points, 18 excellent receptions, and 13 digs. Her presence was felt on both ends of the floor as she anchored the defense, stabilized the back row, and delivered timely attacks when the Cool Smashers needed momentum. Middle blocker Pangs Panaga added 12 points, while Jema Galanza chipped in 11, giving Creamline a balanced offensive effort that kept Choco Mucho’s defense guessing.

     

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    Beyond the result, the match carried added intrigue as it marked the first on-court meeting between Pons and Choco Mucho superstar Sisi Rondina since the two joined forces to win a historic gold medal in beach volleyball at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. Now wearing opposing colors in the indoor game, the former teammates found themselves on opposite sides of the net in one of the league’s most anticipated rivalries.

     

    The Creamline star downplayed any extra emotions tied to the matchup, emphasizing the professional reality of competing against familiar faces in the indoor scene.

     

    “Nothing unusual, it’s normal. After beach volleyball, we all know we are going back to indoor anyway, so we are bound to face each other. It’s a challenge for both of us. I know she is super competitive. She is great to play with and just as great to play against,” Pons said after the game.

    Rondina, for her part, delivered a solid performance for the Flying Titans, finishing with 15 points and 14 receptions. However, her efforts were not enough to prevent Choco Mucho from absorbing another setback at the hands of Creamline, as the Flying Titans fell for the 19th time in their last 20 meetings against the Cool Smashers—a statistic that continues to underscore Creamline’s dominance in the rivalry.

     

    For Pons, the win carried extra meaning as she continues to reacclimate to the indoor game after spending months focusing on beach volleyball. The 29-year-old admitted she relished the atmosphere at MOA Arena, marking her return to PVL action after last playing indoors during the previous All-Filipino Conference in May.

     

    “I’m really happy to be playing here at MOA again. I hadn’t played indoor volleyball for a few months, so the feeling was different when I walked in—especially with so many people. It also made it more special since we were playing Choco Mucho, one of the toughest teams this conference. I’m really happy we got the win,” she added.

     

    The 2024 Reinforced Conference Most Valuable Player (MVP) also acknowledged that there is still room for improvement as she and the Cool Smashers continue to fine-tune their systems early in the conference. Pons pointed to communication and on-court connection as key areas the team is emphasizing in training.

     

    “Even in training, Ate Ly kept reminding us that communication is really important. Everyone has to talk and call for the ball so it’s easier for the setter. When everyone is asking for the ball, it also puts pressure on the opponents.

     

    “We work on this every day because, like Jia said, our game against PLDT showed us what we still lack—both individually and as a team. So we keep working on it daily, especially our connection and communication,” Pons concluded.

     

    With their first victory of the 2026 All-Filipino Conference secured, Creamline will look to build momentum as they continue their campaign. The Cool Smashers return to action next on Tuesday, February 17, when they face the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles at the FilOil Centre, aiming to string together wins and reassert themselves as early contenders in the conference race.

     

     

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  • Choco Mucho hit by Eya Laure injury amid early conference slide

    Choco Mucho hit by Eya Laure injury amid early conference slide

    The promise was there at the start. A retooled Choco Mucho squad, energized by the return of Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure, opened the conference with authority and looked ready to finally turn potential into sustained momentum.

     

    Then reality arrived fast.

     

    What followed was an abrupt halt—two straight losses that exposed cracks still forming beneath the surface of the Flying Titans’ new look. Defeats to Cignal and Creamline didn’t just dent the standings; they interrupted rhythm, confidence, and continuity at a time when the team was still finding its collective footing.

     

    The setback grew heavier against Creamline when Laure, in the middle of a strong showing, was forced out after reaggravating groin and abdominal issues. Her exit didn’t just change the match—it symbolized Choco Mucho’s uneven start, where flashes of cohesion were quickly undone by disruption.

     

    Still, panic hasn’t crept in.

     

    “Okay naman siya,” head coach Dante Alinsunurin said afterward, striking a measured tone despite the circumstances.

     

    Rondina offered context—and hope.

     

    “Dati naman na talaga niyang problema yung groin niya, and may strain na rin yun sa abs. I think napuwersa lang din yun kanina. But tomorrow, meron siyang check-up. Hopefully, makabalik siya next game,” she said.

     

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    Beyond the injury concern, both coach and captain pointed to something more fundamental: patience. The losses, Alinsunurin stressed, revealed areas that still need refinement, especially as the team continues to adjust to new roles and expectations.

     

    “Sa nangyari sa dalawang talo namin, malinaw na nakita namin yung pagkakamali namin. Kung ano man yung gusto naming mangyari sa loob ng court, doon talaga napatunayan na kailangan gawin talaga,” he said.

     

    Rondina echoed that self-assessment, admitting that urgency sometimes works against them instead of for them.

     

    “Same lang din sa sagot ni coach. Nawawalan… Naiinip lang siguro kami. May mga bagay na nakukuha na sana namin yung rhythm, pero nakakalimutan namin na yung lahat ng gustong mangyari ni coach is effective, pero hindi namin nagagawa,” she said.

     

    “Yun din yung pagtutuunan namin ng pansin — na kailangan namin matutunan yun.”

     

    For now, Choco Mucho finds itself in unfamiliar early turbulence—armed with talent, tested by adversity, and reminded that cohesion doesn’t arrive on opening night. Whether this rough patch becomes a detour or a turning point will depend on how quickly the Flying Titans turn lessons into habits, and patience into progress.

     

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  • Creamline and Choco Mucho headline exciting PVL Tuesday double-header 

    Creamline and Choco Mucho headline exciting PVL Tuesday double-header 

    What looks predictable on paper rarely stays that way once the ball is in the air.

     

    For years, the Creamline–Choco Mucho rivalry in the Premier Volleyball League has leaned heavily toward one direction. Championships, head-to-heads, and defining moments have mostly belonged to the Cool Smashers, leaving the Flying Titans chasing breakthroughs rather than banners.

     

    And yet, when these sister teams meet, logic tends to loosen its grip.

     

    Inside the Mall of Asia Arena, numbers blur and narratives shift. Creamline yellow and Choco Mucho green split the stands, chants clash mid-rally, and momentum feels as loud as it is fragile. Few PVL matchups generate the same emotional density — the sense that something can tilt at any moment, regardless of history.

     

    That feeling is even sharper heading into Tuesday’s 6:30 p.m. showdown.

     

    Both teams enter the All-Filipino Conference still searching for footing. In a tournament defined by parity, early losses don’t just hurt the standings — they plant doubt. And for two teams used to carrying expectations, doubt can be just as dangerous as any opponent.

     

    Creamline, in particular, is navigating unfamiliar pressure. A year removed from a historic Grand Slam, the Cool Smashers ended 2025 without a title and now face the rare possibility of back-to-back losses. It’s a scenario that speaks less about decline and more about how unforgiving the league has become.

     

    Help, however, has arrived. The return of Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza restores rhythm and leadership. Tots Carlos and Bea De Leon are finally healthy, while libero Jen Nierva anchors a defense determined to steady a team eager to reassert who it is.

     

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    Across the net, Choco Mucho senses an opening.

     

    The Flying Titans are no longer built around a single offensive pillar. The arrival of Eya Laure has reshaped their attack, easing the burden on Sisi Rondina and giving the team new dimensions. With Dindin Manabat and Lorraine Pecaña finding consistency early, and Rondina back to full strength, belief — not just preparation — fuels Choco Mucho this time.

     

    History still leans Creamline’s way. But belief, urgency, and timing belong to no one.

    That unresolved tension is what gives this rivalry its pulse — and what makes this encounter feel like more than another chapter.

     

    While that match draws the spotlight, the earlier 4 p.m. duel between Cignal and Farm Fresh carries consequences that may ripple just as far.

     

    Cignal’s resurgence has been one of the early stories of the conference. Under coach Shaq delos Santos, the Super Spikers are embracing a system inspired by Japanese volleyball — faster tempo, sharper spacing, and an emphasis on movement over muscle. Fresh from a training camp in Japan, Cignal isn’t just winning games; it’s redefining how it wants to win them.

     

    A third straight victory would give them solo possession of first place — but it won’t come easy.

    Farm Fresh enters as a dangerous disruptor. The Foxies are still stinging from a collapse against Nxled, yet their roster brims with offensive potential. Trisha Tubu and Ces Molina remain the foundation, now joined by reinforcements Royse Tubino, Mylene Paat, and Ara Galang — players hungry to prove they can shape outcomes, not just fill rotations.

     

    Tubino’s strong debut and Paat’s steady presence hint at upside, while Galang’s quiet start feels more transitional than concerning. If Farm Fresh sharpens its late-game execution, it has the tools to derail Cignal’s momentum and scramble the early conference hierarchy.

     

    In a league where every win weighs heavier than the last, Tuesday isn’t just about rivalries or rebounds.

     

    It’s about identity — and who finds theirs first.

     

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  • “Take in the things you can handle”: Eya Laure reflects on winning PVL return after 630-day absence

    “Take in the things you can handle”: Eya Laure reflects on winning PVL return after 630-day absence

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans kicked off their 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference campaign in style, securing a straight-sets victory over the Akari Chargers, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20, on Saturday, January 31, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

     

    The Flying Titans showcased a balanced and disciplined performance on both ends of the floor, setting the tone for what they hope will be a deep run in the conference. Central to their success was the return of star Eya Laure, who tallied 11 points in her first PVL match in 630 days.

     

    Laure’s comeback carries added significance given the controversy surrounding her exit from the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in October 2024. Reports at the time indicated that she formally requested a contract release from the franchise. While her request was granted, a non-compete clause temporarily barred her from signing with any of Chery Tiggo’s rivals, forcing her to sit out of the league for an extended period.

     

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    Speaking about her return, Laure admitted that adapting to the circumstances was challenging, but credited her support system for helping her navigate the situation.

     

    “I’m really blessed and grateful for the people who pushed me to keep fighting, especially mentally, through those tough situations I was able to overcome. And that’s why I’m here today in front of you,” Laure said in a media interaction.

    She also spoke about the importance of protecting her mental health, particularly amid the pressures of social media and public scrutiny.

     

    “The most important thing for me are the people around me. Second, I really don’t spend much time on social media. I only use it when I’m posting something, but I don’t read the comments because they don’t really help my mental health.

     

    “You just take in the things you can handle—things that will help you grow and improve. You have to know what works for you, especially during moments when you feel low or unsure who you can trust,” she added.

     

    During her absence from the PVL, Laure maintained her fitness by training with her alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas, as well as with guest PVL team Kurashiki Ablaze in Japan. She also credited the management of Alas Pilipinas for nurturing her confidence and ensuring she stayed mentally prepared for her return.

     

    “With the national team, they trained me for a long time until I was able to keep up. They were extremely patient with me and helped me rebuild my confidence. If they hadn’t been patient with me back then, I think it would have been much harder for me to build my confidence now,” Laure said.

     

    With the opening victory in the books, Laure and the Flying Titans will have a few days to rest before facing their next challenge. Choco Mucho is set to take on the Cignal Super Spikers in their second preliminary-round match on Thursday, February 5, once again at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, as they look to build early momentum in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • “Honestly, it was really hard”: Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina opens up on return to indoor volleyball

    “Honestly, it was really hard”: Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina opens up on return to indoor volleyball

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans opened their campaign in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on a high note, delivering a confident straight-sets victory over the Akari Chargers, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20, on Saturday, January 31, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

     

    Anchored by a strong collective effort, the Flying Titans showed early poise and balance on both ends of the floor, setting the tone for what they hope will be a deep conference run. Leading the charge was former PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Sisi Rondina, who made a much-anticipated return to indoor volleyball and immediately reminded fans of her all-around brilliance.

     

    Rondina finished with 16 points in her first indoor match in over eight months, providing timely scoring, energy, and leadership for Choco Mucho. Beyond the numbers, her presence on the court gave the Flying Titans a much-needed emotional and tactical boost, especially in crucial moments of the second and third sets when Akari threatened to gain momentum.

     

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    What made the season opener even more meaningful for the 29-year-old Rondina was the opportunity to share the court once again with former University of Santo Tomas teammate Eya Laure, rekindling a partnership that once electrified the collegiate ranks.

     

    “I’m happy because I really missed playing indoors again with Choco Mucho, and it’s even better now that I get to play with Eya Laure. Like the coach said, hopefully this continues, even though there’s still a lot of work to be done. We will take it one game at a time,” Rondina said during the post-match press conference.

     

    Rondina’s return to indoor play comes after a historic stint in beach volleyball, where she etched her name in Philippine sports history by winning the gold medal in women’s beach volleyball at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. While the triumph elevated her status as one of the country’s most versatile volleyball stars, it also meant a lengthy adjustment period back to the faster pace and physical demands of indoor competition.

    The Cebuana admitted that the transition was far from easy, especially with a compressed timetable leading into the All-Filipino Conference.

     

    “Honestly, it was really hard for me, especially adjusting back to indoor play, since I was supposed to have two months to adapt. I only found out later that the All-Filipino Conference would be in January. I could have taken a break, but I chose not to because once I knew the AFC was coming up, I went straight into adaptation.

     

    “After the SEA Games, it was just one day off and then straight back to adapting for indoor volleyball. So that hunger to come back was still there. I’m just happy that, somehow, I was able to show something and perform again indoors,” she added.

     

    Despite the physical and mental challenges, Rondina’s performance against Akari suggested that her trademark explosiveness and competitiveness remain intact. Her ability to score in transition, stabilize the defense, and provide veteran composure proved vital as Choco Mucho controlled the tempo throughout the match.

     

    A native of Compostela, Cebu, Rondina also expressed gratitude for being reunited with head coach Dante Alinsunurin, whom she credits as a key figure in her development. Having missed the last two PVL conferences, the Flying Titans’ star emphasized how much she valued returning to a familiar system and leadership style.

     

    “What I really missed was coach Dante. For eight months, I was listening to English all the time, and now it’s Tagalog again. I also missed his guidance. He has so much patience with us, and we will make sure to work properly and improve on what we still need to improve,” Rondina concluded.

     

    With the opening win in the books, Rondina and the Flying Titans will enjoy a brief rest before turning their attention to their next challenge. Choco Mucho is set to face the Cignal Super Spikers in their second preliminary-round match on Thursday, February 5, once again at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, as they look to build momentum early in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • Choco Mucho leans on depth as Maddie Madayag set to miss early All-Filipino games

    Choco Mucho leans on depth as Maddie Madayag set to miss early All-Filipino games

    Choco Mucho’s 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference will begin with a familiar test—not of talent, but of resilience.

     

    The Flying Titans are expected to open the conference without veteran middle blocker Maddie Madayag, with head coach Dante Alinsunurin confirming that the two-time PVL Best Middle Blocker will sit out “a few games” as she continues her recovery. Madayag’s absence was noticeable during the team’s recent training camp in Thailand, prompting questions about her availability heading into the season.

     

    “Wala pa muna [si Maddie] ng ilang games. Nagre-recover pa siya,” Alinsunurin said on Wednesday, while assuring that Madayag is still expected to return later in the conference.

     

    While Choco Mucho has yet to disclose a specific injury, the Flying Titans were cautious with Madayag late in the Reinforced Conference, when she dealt with minor knee swelling. Her minutes were closely managed during the preliminaries to avoid aggravating the issue—an approach that now appears to have extended into the early part of the All-Filipino tilt.

     

    For Choco Mucho, navigating missing pieces has almost become part of its identity.

     

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    In recent seasons, the Flying Titans have had to juggle absences and limitations, from Kat Tolentino, Deanna Wong, and Dindin Santiago-Manabat dealing with fitness concerns to Sisi Rondina being pulled into Alas Pilipinas duties. Each conference demanded on-the-fly adjustments, often forcing the coaching staff to reshuffle rotations.

     

    This time, however, Alinsunurin believes the team enters the challenge better prepared.

    “Sobrang thankful ako sa binigay ng management na tao sa’kin na sinupportahan kami kung ano ‘yung nagiging problema namin every conference,” he said.

     

    “At least may tatlong tao ako sa bawat position na ready talaga anytime na gamitin ko. Kung anuman ‘yung mangyari, may maipapalit ako.”

     

    That sense of security stems from Choco Mucho’s offseason additions, highlighted by the arrival of Eya Laure, Caitlin Viray, Alina Bicar, and middle blocker Jaila Atienza—moves aimed at building insulation against early setbacks like Madayag’s absence.

     

    Still, the Flying Titans will lean on a retooled frontline after parting ways with Aduke Ogunsanya and Cherry Nunag. Younger middle blockers Lorraine Pecaña and Jen Villegas, alongside newcomer Atienza, are now tasked with holding the fort at the net until Madayag is cleared to return.

     

    That trio is expected to see immediate action when Choco Mucho opens its All-Filipino Conference campaign against Akari on January 31—likely without one of its most established pillars, but with renewed confidence in its depth.

     

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  • Eya Laure’s long-awaited PVL return headlines Choco Mucho opener

    Eya Laure’s long-awaited PVL return headlines Choco Mucho opener

    Nearly two years after she last stepped onto a PVL court, Eya Laure is finally back — and her return immediately takes center stage in the opening act of the 2026 All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Laure’s long-awaited comeback will headline opening day on January 31 at the Playtime Filoil Centre, when Choco Mucho faces reigning bronze medalist Akari in the 6:30 p.m. main game. It will be Laure’s first PVL appearance in 656 days, almost 20 months since her final match with now-defunct Chery Tiggo during the 2024 All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Her absence left a noticeable void in the league. Once regarded as one of the most electric scorers of her generation, Laure steps back into the PVL at a time when the balance of power has shifted and the title picture appears more open than ever.

     

    For Choco Mucho, her arrival represents both a statement and a reset — a chance to reintroduce a proven game-changer into a roster eager to break through.

     

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    Laure will not be alone in her return. Former Choco Mucho captain Sisi Rondina is also set to reappear in league play after stepping away to focus on beach volleyball, a gamble that paid off with a SEA Games gold medal. Their reunion adds an emotional and competitive layer from being teammates in UST to a Flying Titans squad that is clearly intent on making noise early.

     

    While the spotlight firmly rests on Laure, the opener also provides an immediate test against an Akari side that finished on the podium last conference and enters the season with momentum. The matchup offers an early gauge of how quickly Laure can settle back into PVL intensity and how Choco Mucho plans to structure its offense around her presence.

     

    The league’s opening day begins earlier with a clash between Cignal and Galeries Tower, but it is Laure’s return that anchors the narrative of the conference’s opening night. Beyond January 31, the PVL has already mapped out the first three weeks of action, including a highly anticipated Rebisco Clasico between Choco Mucho and Creamline on February 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    For now, however, all eyes remain on Laure. After months of anticipation and a long road back, her return signals not just the comeback of a star, but the reintroduction of a player capable of reshaping the rhythm — and expectations — of the PVL season.

     

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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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  • 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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  • PVL analyst says Eya Laure is the missing piece Choco Mucho needs for a title run

    PVL analyst says Eya Laure is the missing piece Choco Mucho needs for a title run

     

    While fireworks lit up the sky to welcome the New Year across the country, the biggest spark came from the volleyball world—Eya Laure is officially back. After spending a year away from the Premier Volleyball League spotlight, one of Philippine volleyball’s brightest and most marketable stars opened 2026 by signing with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, ending months of speculation and finally confirming the move fans had long been anticipating.

     

    Laure’s return instantly reshapes the PVL landscape, giving Choco Mucho a powerful offensive weapon and a fierce competitor known for her energy, leadership, and emotional intensity. For a team still searching for its breakthrough championship, Laure’s signing represents not just a roster upgrade, but a potential identity shift.

     

    PVL analyst Noreen Go, speaking on The Scorecard, emphasized the magnitude of Laure’s arrival and how it could redefine the Flying Titans’ direction this season.

     

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    “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 are lacking the identity now of Choco Mucho,” Go said.

    Laure’s move to Choco Mucho also reunites her with familiar faces. She re-joins former University of Santo Tomas teammates Cherry Rondina, Alina Bicar, and Caitlyn Viray, bringing back the chemistry that once made UST a collegiate powerhouse. She also teams up with former rivals such as Maddie Madayag and Deanna Wong, creating a star-studded lineup that blends collegiate history with professional experience.

     

    Go believes this reunion could be explosive for the Flying Titans if the pieces come together.

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

     

    Choco Mucho has been aggressive this offseason in restructuring its roster. The team parted ways with Aduke Agunsanya, Bia General, Royse Tubino, and Cherry Nunag, signaling a major overhaul aimed at addressing consistency and depth issues. In addition to Laure, the Flying Titans secured former Nxled Chameleons standout Jalia Atienza, further strengthening their rotation and adding more versatility on both ends of the court.

     

    The combination of fresh talent, reunited teammates, and strategic acquisitions shows that Choco Mucho is pushing hard to finally break through and capture its maiden PVL championship. With Laure’s arrival, expectations—and the pressure—are higher than ever.

     

    Eya Laure’s signing marks more than just a high-profile transfer; it is a turning point for Choco Mucho and a major storyline for the entire PVL heading into 2026. Whether her return leads to a long-awaited championship remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Flying Titans now have the star power, chemistry, and momentum to make a serious run. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Choco Mucho—and on Laure, who is poised to make an explosive comeback in the purple and white.

     

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