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Tag: Creamline Cool Smashers

  • Creamline Cool Smashers turn to youth with Ishie Lalongisip addition 

    Creamline Cool Smashers turn to youth with Ishie Lalongisip addition 

    For years, Creamline has mastered the art of winning in the present.

     

    Now, the Cool Smashers appear to be making a move for the future.

     

    Fresh off another successful campaign, the league’s most decorated franchise has quietly begun addressing a challenge that often accompanies sustained dominance: time.

     

    The arrival of former Cignal standout Ishie Lalongisip may not carry the same immediate fanfare as a marquee signing, but it could prove to be one of Creamline’s most important additions in recent years.

     

    At 24 years old, Lalongisip joins a roster built around battle-tested veterans who have delivered 11 championships to the franchise. More importantly, she arrives at a time when Creamline has openly acknowledged the need to start preparing for the next generation.

     

    For months, head coach Sherwin Meneses repeatedly pointed to the same reality. While the Cool Smashers remained at the top of the PVL, their championship core was also growing older.

    The concern wasn’t about the present.

     

    It was about what comes after it.

     

    That makes Lalongisip’s arrival feel less like a routine acquisition and more like the first visible piece of a larger transition.

     

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    She becomes just the seventh player on Creamline’s roster born in 2000 or later, adding youth, athleticism, and offensive upside to a squad whose average age is nearing 29 years old.

    The timing is notable.

     

    Only days ago, Meneses discussed the importance of securing younger players through the PVL Draft, stressing the need to identify eventual successors to the veteran group that has carried the franchise through one of the most dominant dynasties in league history.

     

    Instead of waiting for draft night, Creamline may have already landed one of its answers.

     

    Lalongisip also represents part of a larger reshuffling across the league following Cignal’s leave of absence from the PVL. The former Adamson standout became the seventh former Cignal player to secure a new home, joining a growing list of talents dispersing throughout the league.

     

    For Creamline, however, her value extends beyond simply replacing depth.

     

    The Cool Smashers are chasing a difficult balance that every championship organization eventually faces — remaining strong enough to contend today while becoming young enough to compete tomorrow.

     

    Lalongisip fits squarely within that vision.

     

    She offers the possibility of immediate contributions while also providing something Creamline increasingly needs: time.

     

    The franchise’s veteran core remains intact, and its championship expectations remain unchanged. But as the Cool Smashers continue looking for ways to extend their dynasty, the addition of Lalongisip suggests the organization is no longer focused solely on defending titles.

    It is also beginning to build what comes next.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez embraces new role as mentor in Alas Pilipinas return 

    Alyssa Valdez embraces new role as mentor in Alas Pilipinas return 

    For Alyssa Valdez, returning to Alas Pilipinas is no longer just about scoring points or carrying the offense.

     

    At this stage of her career, the longtime face of Philippine volleyball sees her latest national team stint as something deeper — an opportunity to guide, inspire, and grow alongside a new generation wearing the country’s colors.

     

    That mindset became one of the biggest reasons why Valdez immediately accepted the call to rejoin the Alas Pilipinas Women pool for the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, despite limited preparation time and a roster still trying to find its chemistry.

     

    Instead of viewing another national team campaign as an obligation, the Creamline captain sees it as another chance to evolve.

     

    “Parang ang dami pa ring things na gusto kong matutunan sa mga coaches and sa mga batang makakasama namin dito sa national team. Kaya parang hindi rin ako nagsasawa and hindi ako nagdadalawang-isip kapag tinatawag ng national team,” said Valdez during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.

     

    Now 32 years old and already one of the most decorated names in Philippine volleyball, Valdez believes experience has changed the kind of value she can bring to the program.

     

    The three-time PVL MVP last represented the country during the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, but this latest return comes with a different perspective — one centered less on individual production and more on leadership behind the scenes.

     

    “Pero at the end of the day, at this point in my career also, sabi nga ni coach, nag-mature na rin kami. Hopefully, our experience will bring so much more to this team,” said Valdez.

     

    “Not only in terms of playing, but also hopefully helping the coaches guide the players and hopefully inspiring din kami sa loob ng national team. Siguro isa ‘yun sa mga hopefully madala namin dito sa national team.“

     

    The veteran winger joins a heavily reshaped Alas Pilipinas pool composed of established stars and emerging collegiate standouts alike, creating a mix that Valdez believes can still grow into a competitive unit despite the short buildup.

     

    Included in the pool are fellow veterans Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ara Galang, Tots Carlos, and Trisha Tubu, alongside younger names such as Niña Ytang, Cla Loresco, Tin Ubaldo, Jaz Ellarina, Vanessa Sarie, and Nat Estreller.

     

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    For Valdez, simply being part of another national team remains something she never wants to take for granted.

     

    “I think it’s ano naman, once you’re part of the national team, you’re always going to be part of the national team. And once you’re called, part of me talaga laging buo ‘yung puso to serve dahil alam ko kung gaano naghihirap and gaano kasaya rin mag-represent din ng country. Siguro ‘yun din,” Valdez said.

     

    Alas Pilipinas heads into the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup carrying both uncertainty and urgency after several players from the previous national team core became unavailable for the tournament.

     

    Still, Valdez said expectations inside the camp remain grounded, with the team choosing to focus more on maximizing every training day rather than making lofty promises.

     

    “Siguro realistically, we really cannot predict anything this AVC. We’re formed just recently din. All we could do now is prepare talaga para mabigyan naman natin ng magandang laban kung sino po ‘yung mga makakalaban natin this AVC,” Valdez said.

     

    “That’s something that we keep in mind din talaga na kahit hindi kami ganun pa siguro hundred percent ready, pero pagpasok namin ng court 101 pa yung effort na ibibigay namin para makapagbigay ng magandang laban.”

     

    One familiar presence helping ease the transition is interim head coach Shaq delos Santos, whom Valdez previously played for during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games campaign.

     

    That reunion, alongside reconnecting with fellow veterans Gonzaga and Molina, has added another layer of motivation for the longtime national team mainstay.

     

    “Honestly, I’ve played for coach Shaq in the national team way back in 2019. We were actually almost at the end. But unfortunately, I think ‘yun nga rin isa sa mga things na napag-usapan namin nila Ate Jov, nila Ces din, na it’s nice to be back and having that motivation na hopefully makakuha rin talaga kami ng panalo or ma-represent din namin ‘yung bansa with pride and honor,” she said.

     

    “Very, very excited kasi nakalaban din namin si coach Shaq sa Finals recently so iba rin kapag nasa same side ng court—this time, it’s for the national team so lahat tayo, all one for the national team.” 

     

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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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  • “We don’t want the teams to be less”: Alyssa Valdez disappointed by PVL team withdrawals 

    “We don’t want the teams to be less”: Alyssa Valdez disappointed by PVL team withdrawals 

    The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) has cemented its status as the Philippines’ premier women’s volleyball competition since its rebranding in 2017, evolving into a highly competitive professional league that continues to attract top local talent and strong fan support across the country.

     

    However, despite its growth and rising profile, the PVL has recently been rocked by a series of franchise withdrawals, raising concerns about league stability even as the level of on-court competition continues to rise. The latest development came with the Cignal Super Spikers announcing their departure from the league, a move that surprised many given the timing of their exit.

     

    Cignal’s withdrawal was particularly striking as it came just days after the franchise completed its most successful campaign to date, finishing runners-up in the PVL 2026 All-Filipino Conference and reaching the Finals for the first time in team history. Their deep playoff run had been viewed as a breakthrough moment for the organization, making their sudden exit all the more unexpected within the volleyball community.

     

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    The Super Spikers now join a growing list of teams that have stepped away from the PVL in recent seasons, following previous exits by franchises such as the Chery Tiggo Crossovers and the Petro Gazz Angels. The pattern of withdrawals has sparked broader conversations about team sustainability, resource allocation, and the evolving structure of professional volleyball in the country.

     

    One of the sport’s biggest stars, Alyssa Valdez, recently addressed the issue, acknowledging both the disappointment and the potential implications of having fewer teams in the league. Valdez, widely regarded as the face of Philippine volleyball, emphasized her desire for continued growth and expansion rather than contraction in the PVL landscape.

    “Honestly, I think if there is one thing that’s sad, we don’t want the teams to be less in the PVL. We want to welcome other teams and clubs that want to join,” Valdez said in a media interaction.

     

    At the same time, the veteran outside hitter also noted that a smaller league could inadvertently lead to a higher level of competition, as remaining teams become more concentrated with elite talent and deeper rosters. She suggested that while the reduction in franchises is concerning from a structural standpoint, it may also raise the overall quality and intensity of matches moving forward.

     

    “But I think if there’s pros and cons, the competition is getting smaller and the teams are more beefed up,” she added.

     

    Valdez’s comments come at a time when the PVL is experiencing both heightened competitiveness and increased scrutiny over its long-term expansion model. With fewer teams in the fold, player distribution, roster depth, and competitive parity are expected to become even more critical factors in upcoming conferences.

     

    Despite the league’s off-court challenges, Creamline once again asserted its dominance in the most recent conference, adding another championship to its already decorated history. The Cool Smashers continue to set the benchmark for consistency and excellence, further strengthening their status as the league’s most successful franchise in the modern PVL era.

     

    However, Valdez acknowledged that sustaining that level of success will only become more difficult moving forward, especially as rival teams continue to strengthen their lineups in response to Creamline’s sustained dominance.

     

    “So, we really need to prepare the team so that we can defend the title,” Valdez concluded.

    As the PVL looks ahead to its next conference, the league finds itself at a crossroads—balancing the challenge of franchise stability with the growing competitiveness on the court, while star players like Valdez prepare for an increasingly demanding title defense.

     

     

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  • Creamline-Cignal Finals thriller earns PVL Game of the Year honors 

    Creamline-Cignal Finals thriller earns PVL Game of the Year honors 

    For nearly an entire season, Creamline and Cignal pushed each other to the limit. By the time the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals arrived, it felt fitting that their rivalry would produce the match everyone would remember most.

     

    The Cool Smashers and Super Spikers turned their title showdown into a full-blown spectacle last April 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, battling through five emotionally charged sets before Creamline escaped with a 25-23, 22-25, 25-16, 16-25, 15-11 victory to reclaim the championship.

     

    Now, that unforgettable duel is officially being recognized as the Game of the Year in the 2nd Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards set on May 30 at Novotel Manila Araneta City in Cubao.

     

    The championship clincher wasn’t just about winning a title. It became a snapshot of everything that defined the PVL season — momentum swings, superstar performances, crowd energy, and the refusal of both teams to back down.

     

    More than 17,000 fans inside the Big Dome witnessed Cignal repeatedly claw its way back into the match, including a stunning recovery in the second set where the Super Spikers erased a 2-10 deficit before stealing the frame, 25-22, to even the contest.

     

    The deciding fifth set only added more drama.

     

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    PVL On Tour MVP Erika Santos and All-Filipino Conference MVP Vanie Gandler looked ready to extend the series after combining to give Cignal a 9-7 advantage in the race to 15.

     

    But championship experience ultimately carried Creamline through.

     

    With the pressure at its highest, Jia De Guzman orchestrated the offense with calm precision while Jema Galanza, Pangs Panaga, and Tots Carlos delivered the finishing blows in a decisive 8-2 closing run that sealed the title and ended Creamline’s year-long championship drought.

     

    Carlos delivered the defining sequence of the night, first hammering an off-the-block attack for championship point before shutting the door on Gandler with a massive block that sent the Araneta crowd into celebration.

     

    In a season filled with memorable matches, the finals classic between Creamline and Cignal stood above the rest — not simply because of the trophy at stake, but because it captured exactly why the league continues to grow: two teams, one stage, and a match that felt too dramatic to end.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez keeps door open for Alas return: ‘I will never get tired of representing the country’ 

    Alyssa Valdez keeps door open for Alas return: ‘I will never get tired of representing the country’ 

    As Alas Pilipinas Women continues to navigate a major transition ahead of the AVC Women’s Cup, one familiar figure once again emerged willing to answer the call for the country.

     

    Alyssa Valdez may no longer be the young face of Philippine volleyball she once was, but the passion to represent the flag clearly remains unchanged. 

     

    Amid reports linking her to a possible return to the national team setup following several withdrawals from the previous Alas core, the longtime team captain admitted she remains open to helping the program in whatever way she can.

     

    “I will never get tired of representing the country,” Valdez said during a thanksgiving event on Wednesday in Makati.

     

    The 32-year-old, however, stopped short of fully confirming whether she would officially suit up for Alas Pilipinas once more in the upcoming continental tournament set for June 6 to 14 in Candon, Ilocos Sur. Valdez explained that she herself is still waiting for clarity regarding the plans surrounding the team moving forward.

     

    “Hopefully, hopefully, makatulong po tayo in our own little ways,” she shared. “‘Yung mga details and every other things, pasensiya na po, wala rin po ako masyadong alam. But definitely, once we all have the answers, we will all let you know and sana maintindihan niyo po.”

     

    Her comments come during a crucial period for the national volleyball program after several key members of the 2025 Alas Pilipinas squad reportedly begged off from rejoining the training pool. 

     

    Among the most notable names was team captain Jia de Guzman, whose absence leaves a significant leadership void within the squad as the federation works to rebuild the roster ahead of international competitions.

     

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    That situation has naturally shifted attention toward veteran players capable of helping stabilize the team, both on and off the floor. 

     

    Few names carry as much experience and influence within Philippine volleyball as Valdez, who has represented the country in multiple international tournaments over the years and became one of the defining figures of the sport’s rise in popularity locally.

     

    Still, what stood out most from Valdez’s remarks was not necessarily her openness to return, but the excitement she expressed about being around the younger generation expected to carry the future of Alas Pilipinas.

     

    “Napakasaya to be surrounded by young, talented girls. Hopefully, dumami pa rin. Sana talaga magtulung-tulungan din tayo in supporting these girls kasi… they deserve to be here,” she said.

     

    At this point in her career, Valdez no longer needs to cement her legacy. She has already become one of the most accomplished and respected athletes in Philippine volleyball history. Yet despite everything she has already achieved, the opportunity to once again wear the national colors still clearly means something deeply personal to her.

     

    Whether she ultimately joins the final lineup or contributes in another capacity, Valdez’s message remained clear: her commitment to Philippine volleyball and the national team has never faded.

     

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  • Jema Galanza calls latest Creamline title “most memorable” and “happiest” after grueling run 

    Jema Galanza calls latest Creamline title “most memorable” and “happiest” after grueling run 

    For Jema Galanza, the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference championship was more than just another title—it was a testament to resilience, growth, and the ever-increasing competitiveness of Philippine volleyball.

     

    A long-time cornerstone of the Creamline Cool Smashers dynasty, Galanza has witnessed the franchise’s journey from rising contender to dominant powerhouse. But this latest triumph, she admits, stands apart from the rest—not because winning has become unfamiliar, but because the path to the championship has never been more difficult.

     

    In a league that continues to evolve with deeper rosters and stronger competition across the board, Galanza has found herself navigating new challenges. No longer can Creamline rely solely on experience and chemistry; every match now demands peak performance, adaptability, and mental toughness.

     

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    The veteran outside hitter’s journey in this conference has also been shaped by personal adversity. After dealing with a minor knee injury that limited her minutes during the 2025 season, Galanza returned determined to contribute meaningfully to Creamline’s title push. Her presence proved vital as the Cool Smashers battled through a demanding schedule and a series of high-pressure encounters.

     

    Reflecting on the campaign, Galanza emphasized just how grueling the road to the championship had been.

     

    “This is the toughest conference so far. For me, this is the happiest and most memorable championship we have won because we were able to get redemption against the teams that beat us this conference. Before we even reached the finals, we really had to go through every single team that had defeated us earlier,” Galanza said in a media interaction.

    Her words capture the essence of Creamline’s journey this season. Unlike previous conferences where the team often dominated from start to finish, this campaign tested their resolve at every stage. The Cool Smashers absorbed setbacks in the preliminary round, falling to the Cignal HD Spikers, PLDT High Speed Hitters, and the NXLED Chameleons, finishing with a 6–3 record.

     

    Those early losses forced Creamline into a tougher playoff path, where they had to dig deep and survive multiple elimination scenarios. The team endured two do-or-die matches just to secure a spot in the finals, a journey that ultimately hardened their mentality and strengthened their unity.

    “And you know, it’s something to be proud of. We also proved to ourselves that we really can become champions as long as we stay together,” she added.

     

    For Galanza, the championship was not just about reclaiming the title, but about reaffirming the team’s identity in a more competitive era. It underscored the importance of cohesion and trust—qualities that have long defined Creamline but were tested like never before this season.

     

    As one of the team’s leaders, Galanza’s ability to overcome injury setbacks and contribute in crucial moments highlighted her enduring value to the squad. Her experience and composure provided stability, particularly during the most pressure-filled stretches of the conference.

     

    With the championship secured, Galanza and several of her teammates will have little time to rest as they quickly shift focus to the upcoming 2026 PVL All-Star festivities. The Creamline star is set to suit up for Team Heart, joining a star-studded lineup that includes Bella Belen, Jia De Guzman, Erika Santos, Pangs Panaga, Majoy Baron, and Justine Jazareno.

     

    They will face off against Team Hustle in what promises to be a showcase of the league’s top talent—a fitting celebration of a conference that, as Galanza described, may well be the most competitive in PVL history.

     

    For now, however, the moment belongs to Galanza and the Cool Smashers—a championship hard-earned, deeply felt, and perhaps more meaningful than any that came before.

     

     

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  • “Creamline will always be Creamline”: Jia De Guzman highlights team’s identity after another PVL title 

    “Creamline will always be Creamline”: Jia De Guzman highlights team’s identity after another PVL title 

    The Creamline Cool Smashers reclaimed their place at the pinnacle of Philippine volleyball, securing a record-extending 11th championship in the Premier Volleyball League after surviving a dramatic five-set thriller against the Cignal HD Spikers in Game 2 of the All-Filipino Conference Finals on Thursday, April 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    In front of a packed and energized crowd, the Cool Smashers showcased their trademark composure and championship pedigree, weathering relentless resistance from Cignal in a match that stretched nearly two hours and embodied the high-level intensity of a title-deciding clash. The final scoreline—25-23, 22-25, 25-16, 16-25, 15-11—reflected just how evenly matched the two sides were throughout the contest.

     

    Creamline drew first blood in a tightly contested opening set, relying on late-set execution and defensive stability to edge ahead. However, Cignal quickly answered back in the second frame, tightening its floor coverage and capitalizing on Creamline’s miscues to level the match. The Cool Smashers then reasserted control in the third set, producing their most dominant stretch of volleyball in the match, highlighted by efficient attacking combinations and disciplined net defense.

     

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    Just when it appeared Creamline might close out the series in four sets, the HD Spikers mounted a spirited response in the fourth, overwhelming the defending champions with aggressive serving and sustained pressure to force a deciding fifth set. The momentum swing set the stage for a tense finale, with both squads fighting for every point in a high-stakes finish.

     

    In the end, Creamline’s experience proved decisive. The Cool Smashers steadied themselves in the fifth set, minimizing errors and executing in clutch situations to pull away late and secure the championship, denying Cignal a chance to extend the series to a deciding Game 3.

     

    Leading the charge was Bernadeth Pons, who delivered one of the most complete performances of the finals. Pons tallied 22 points while anchoring Creamline’s back row with 25 excellent digs and 15 receptions, producing a rare triple-double display that earned her Finals Most Valuable Player honors. Her two-way brilliance proved crucial in stabilizing the team during Cignal’s surges.

     

    She was ably supported by Tots Carlos, who added 18 points through consistent attacking, while Jema Galanza and Pangs Panaga contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively. Their balanced offensive production allowed Creamline to spread the floor and avoid becoming overly reliant on any single scorer, a key factor in surviving the pressure-packed encounter.

    The victory further cemented Creamline’s dominance in the PVL landscape and added another milestone to one of the league’s most successful dynasties. It also extended the remarkable legacy of veteran setter Jia De Guzman, who has now been instrumental in all but three of Creamline’s 11 championships. De Guzman missed the team’s 2024 Grand Slam run due to her two-season stint with Denso AiryBees in Japan’s V.League but has since returned to orchestrate the squad’s championship resurgence.

     

    Prior to this title, De Guzman’s most recent finals appearance came in the 2023 Invitational Conference, where Creamline fell short against Japanese guest team Kurashiki Ablaze. Despite the contrasting results in recent seasons, the veteran playmaker emphasized continuity over comparison when reflecting on Creamline’s evolution.

     

    “I can’t categorize talaga Creamline then and Creamline now, pero para sa’kin, with Creamline, we have this culture kasi na kahit anong ilagay sa harapan namin, we will do our best to come together talaga and work towards a bigger goal,” De Guzman said in a media interaction.

     

    She further highlighted the stability of the team’s identity despite roster changes and player movement over the years.

     

    “Kahit sinuman ang pumasok sa team namin, kahit sinuman ang umalis, the culture stays strong. Like for me na matagal din nawala, it’s not that hard to jell back into the team because of that culture that we have formed ever since Creamline started,” she added.

     

    For De Guzman, the defining strength of Creamline has never been physical attributes, but rather collective discipline and mental toughness—qualities that once again proved decisive in the championship round.

     

    “Creamline will always be Creamline, kahit anong mangyari. With Creamline kasi, we are not the tallest team. We are not the fastest team. We are not the most amazing team. Every team in this tournament may kanya-kanyang strength talaga, and we give respect to every team that we have to prepare for regardless of round kasi that’s how you play volleyball. You give respect to whoever you’re facing.

     

    “We just really had to take it game by game kasi nakita naman natin na hindi ganun ka-smooth ‘yung eliminations namin, hindi ganun ka-smooth ‘yung semis namin. Yung finals, thank God naman na at the right time rin kami lahat kumapit. With us, with Creamline, kahit sinumang malagay sa harapan namin, pagtatrabahuan namin at hindi namin hahayaan lang na basta-bastang makuha lang kami ng panalo,” De Guzman concluded.

     

    With another championship secured, Creamline once again underlined its status as the league’s benchmark franchise, proving that experience, cohesion, and culture remain just as vital as talent in sustaining a winning dynasty.

     

     

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  • “Ito ‘yung happiest”: Jema Galanza cherishes Creamline’s hardest-earned title

    “Ito ‘yung happiest”: Jema Galanza cherishes Creamline’s hardest-earned title

    For a team that has grown accustomed to winning, the Creamline Cool Smashers found themselves navigating unfamiliar territory in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference. 

     

    Their journey to the championship was anything but smooth, shaped by losses, injuries, and repeated encounters with teams that had previously gotten the better of them. In the end, however, those very struggles became the foundation of what Jema Galanza considers their most meaningful title yet.

     

    “Para sa’kin, ito ‘yung happiest and [most] memorable na championship na napanalunan namin kasi ‘yung mga teams na natalo kami, naka-bawi kami ngayong conference,” said Galanza, who delivered 12 points, 19 excellent digs, and 16 excellent receptions in the title-clinching Game 2 win.

     

    The Cool Smashers’ campaign opened on a difficult note after absorbing a loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters, immediately putting their form into question. They responded with a five-game winning streak that restored some stability, but the consistency they were searching for remained elusive. A loss to the Akari Chargers exposed cracks in their system, and a crucial defeat to the Farm Fresh Foxies tightened the standings and put their campaign under pressure.

     

    Despite the challenges, Creamline managed to stay afloat. They secured a key victory over the Cignal HD Spikers to advance, even while missing Galanza and Bernadeth Pons. The win highlighted the team’s depth and ability to adjust, but their momentum was short-lived as they fell again to Cignal in the qualifying round, dropping them to the play-in stage.

     

    That setback ultimately became the turning point of their campaign. Instead of breaking their rhythm, it reshaped their mindset. From that point forward, every match carried added meaning, as the Cool Smashers faced teams that had previously dealt them setbacks earlier in the conference. 

     

    They eliminated Akari in the play-in stage to keep their hopes alive, then defeated PLDT to regain momentum. Another loss to Cignal followed in the semifinals, but Creamline responded with a crucial victory over Farm Fresh in a virtual knockout match to secure a place in the Finals.

     

    “I mean, bago kami nakapasok talaga sa Finals, talagang dinaan namin lahat nung tumalo sa amin. And alam mo, ‘yun pa lang, parang nakaka-proud na. And na-prove din namin sa self namin na kaya talaga namin na mag-champion basta sama-sama kami.”

     

    Awaiting them in the Finals was Cignal, the team that had consistently challenged them throughout the conference. This time, however, the Cool Smashers left no room for doubt. They completed a sweep to capture the championship, finally overcoming the very team that had repeatedly disrupted their run and sealing a redemption story that defined their season.

     

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    Beyond the team’s journey, the championship also marked a personal triumph for Galanza. She entered the conference coming off a lengthy recovery from a serious injury and was gradually working her way back into form during the preliminaries. Just as she began to regain her rhythm, a knee injury sidelined her again, forcing her to miss key games late in the elimination round and in the qualifiers.

     

    “Yung injury kasi, well, di naman natin inaasahan yun eh. Parang buong off-season naman nag-prepare ka nang maayos. ‘’Yung nagpa-condition ka, tapos magugulat ka, or hindi mo ini-expect talaga na magkakaroon ng gano’n,” she said.

     

    Despite her absence, Creamline continued to find ways to win, something Galanza credited to the collective effort of the team.

     

    “Pero, ‘yun nga, sabi ko nga, kahit nawala ako, di naman na-feel ng team na may kulang eh, kasi lahat talaga nag-contribute sa team. So, thankful lang ako na meron akong coaches and teammates na umiintindi din.”

     

    Galanza emphasized that the title was not just about overcoming opponents, but also about enduring internal challenges, including injuries and lineup disruptions that tested the team’s chemistry throughout the conference.

     

    “Sabi ko, sobrang pasasalamat talaga sa mga teammates ko, coaches kasi, alam mo, may mga times, may mga games na si coach eh nawala, ako nawala. I mean, alam mo yun, hindi kami nakukompleto sa ibang games. Pero, nagpe-perform sila, binibigay nila yung best nila.”

     

    In the end, Creamline’s latest championship stood out not because it added to their growing collection, but because of how it was won. It was a title forged through adversity, defined by resilience, and completed through redemption—qualities that made it, in Galanza’s words, their happiest and most memorable one yet.

     

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  • “I still have it”: Alyssa Valdez sends a strong message after winning 11th PVL title 

    “I still have it”: Alyssa Valdez sends a strong message after winning 11th PVL title 

    The Creamline Cool Smashers returned to the summit of Philippine volleyball, capturing their 11th championship in the Premier Volleyball League after surviving a grueling five-set battle against the Cignal HD Spikers in Game 2 of the All-Filipino Conference Finals, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16, 16-25, 15-11, on Thursday, April 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Backed by a packed and roaring crowd, the Cool Smashers leaned on their championship experience to weather a determined challenge from Cignal, which pushed the defending powerhouse to the limit in a match that showcased the intensity, grit, and high-level execution expected from a title decider.

     

    Both teams traded blows from the opening set, with momentum swinging wildly throughout the contest. Creamline drew first blood in a tightly contested opening frame before Cignal responded with composure to even the match. The Cool Smashers then surged ahead with a dominant third-set performance, only for the HD Spikers to answer back in the fourth, forcing a winner-take-all fifth set that had the crowd on edge.

     

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    When it mattered most, Creamline’s poise and championship pedigree came to the fore. The Cool Smashers executed with precision in the deciding frame, capitalizing on crucial points and minimizing errors to close out the match and seal the title, denying Cignal any chance of extending the series.

     

    Leading the charge was Bernadeth Pons, who delivered a sensational all-around performance. Pons tallied 22 points while anchoring the defense with 25 excellent digs and 15 receptions, completing a rare triple-double effort that earned her Finals Most Valuable Player honors.

     

    She was ably supported by Tots Carlos, who contributed 18 points, while Jema Galanza and Pangs Panaga added 12 and 10 points, respectively, in a balanced offensive display that proved crucial in outlasting their opponents.

     

    The victory also added another chapter to the storied career of Alyssa Valdez, widely regarded as the face of Philippine volleyball. The Cool Smashers captain secured her 11th PVL championship, further cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s most influential figures.

     

    Despite an already decorated career, Valdez emphasized that her motivation continues to come from within.

    “At this point in my career, I want to prove not to other people, but to myself that I’m here because I still want it and I still have it,” Valdez said after the match.

     

    Creamline’s title run was particularly meaningful given the adversity the team faced in the previous season, where they failed to secure a championship—an unusual drought for the league’s most dominant franchise. Entering the All-Filipino Conference, the team found itself in unfamiliar territory, forced to rediscover its identity and hunger.

     

    Valdez acknowledged the challenges that shaped their journey back to the top.

     

    “Yung Creamline ngayon, I would say seasoned talaga kasi throughout the conference, ang daming struggles. Honestly, parang bumalik kami sa first-ever time kasi ang hirap din. Tagal naming hindi nakakuha ng championship. Ang gusto lang namin is one, makilala namin yung sarili namin. And two, ibalik lang namin yung joy sa paglalaro ng volleyball,” she shared.

     

    That renewed sense of purpose translated into a resilient campaign, with the Cool Smashers navigating tough matches and growing stronger as the tournament progressed—hallmarks of a championship team.

     

    For Cignal, the loss was a heartbreaking end to an impressive finals run. The HD Spikers displayed remarkable grit and refused to be intimidated, pushing Creamline to the brink and proving they are a legitimate contender moving forward.

     

    As for Valdez, even with her legacy firmly secured, the passion for the game remains as strong as ever.

     

    “I just really wanna enjoy playing volleyball,” she said.

     

    With the title reclaimed and their dynasty reaffirmed, Creamline once again stands atop the PVL, a testament to its enduring excellence and the winning culture that continues to define the franchise.

     

     

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