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Tag: Erika Santos

  • 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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  • “This is our new era”: Mandy Romero optimistic after Capital1 lands No. 2 pick in PVL Rookie Draft

    “This is our new era”: Mandy Romero optimistic after Capital1 lands No. 2 pick in PVL Rookie Draft

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers have positioned themselves for another significant roster upgrade ahead of the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season after securing the second overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft during the lottery held on Monday, May 25, at the TV5 Media Center.

     

    Despite entering the lottery with the highest probability of landing the top selection at 40 percent, the Solar Spikers ultimately fell just short as the Galeries Tower Highrisers claimed the first overall pick. Still, Capital1 remains firmly in an advantageous position heading into the draft, holding a high-value selection that could further accelerate the franchise’s rapid rise in the PVL.

     

    The result, however, did little to dampen the optimism within the Capital1 camp, as co-owner Mandy Romero expressed confidence that the organization is steadily entering what she described as a “new era” for the franchise.

     

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    Romero pointed to the team’s aggressive off-season moves as evidence of its evolving identity, highlighted by the addition of PVL star power in former Most Valuable Player winners Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, who are set to join emerging cornerstone Bella Belen in a rapidly reshaped roster.

     

    “We are very, very happy. I think it’s really meant to be that we are entering this new year of Capital1, and we really hope that everyone joins us in all of our ride. We have had a lot of changes in the off-season, and hopefully, this next draft will bring together all the passion, the grit, and the fire that we need to be a champion contender. That’s our dream,” Romero said.

     

    Even with the No. 2 pick, Capital1 is widely expected to target another impact player capable of immediately contributing to a roster that is increasingly being built for championship contention. While Romero did not disclose specific names, she emphasized that the franchise is prioritizing a player who can provide both leadership and offensive firepower.

    “We are looking for someone who will play in the court, they are ready to be part of this team, they are ready and very determined to achieve our new heights together. On behalf of my sister and I, we are praying that we enter this 2026 as a completely ‘new era,’” she added.

     

    Capital1’s trajectory has been one of the most closely watched developments in recent PVL seasons. The franchise previously held the first overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, selecting Belen, who was widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in Philippine volleyball history. The former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout quickly validated that reputation, delivering a standout rookie campaign capped by Rookie of the Year honors and a Best Outside Spiker award.

     

    With Belen continuing to anchor the team’s core and the arrivals of Gandler and Santos significantly strengthening the supporting cast, Capital1 is beginning to form a more balanced and competitive lineup. The added depth is expected to reduce pressure on Belen while giving the Solar Spikers multiple scoring options as they aim to transition from rebuilding side to legitimate title contender.

     

    Romero emphasized that beyond talent acquisition, the organization’s growth has also been driven by culture-building and continuity within the locker room. She noted that the team’s young core has embraced the franchise’s long-term vision and is committed to developing together as a cohesive unit.

     

    “It’s all a matter of, again, prayers, chance, but at the same time having the culture that we are building here at Capital1. I’m very proud, my sister is very proud to say that the players we have feel like they are part of the team here, feeling like we are building a franchise together, and they are excited to be part of the still the youngest team here in the PVL. We hope to sustain that and that we will continue to again reach this new chapter together,” Romero concluded.

     

    With the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, at the Novotel Manila Araneta City, Capital1 now enters the event with high expectations and a clear direction—armed with a strong young core, veteran reinforcements, and another opportunity to secure a player who could shape the next phase of the franchise’s rise in the PVL.

     

     

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  • PVL Press Corps unveils major awardees for PVL Awards Night  

    PVL Press Corps unveils major awardees for PVL Awards Night  

    From rising superstars and breakout scorers to seasoned veterans and inspiring comeback stories, the 2025-26 PVL season produced no shortage of memorable performances.

     

    Now, the league’s brightest names are set to take center stage once more as the best players and biggest stories of the year will be celebrated in the 2nd Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night on May 30 at Novotel Manila Araneta City in Cubao.

     

    Headlining the annual recognition rites is Capital1 rookie sensation Bella Belen, whose seamless transition to the professional ranks earned her the Rookie of the Year award after an impressive debut season.

     

    The former National University star immediately became one of the Solar Spikers’ focal points, showcasing her all-around brilliance on both offense and defense while proving she could thrive under the pressure that came with being the top overall pick of the 2025 PVL Draft.

     

    Belen tallied 69 media votes, 26 team votes, and 91.284 statistical points to finish with 186.284 total points and beat fellow rookies AC Miner, Jean Asis, and Riza Nogales for the recognition.

     

    Her stellar campaign also earned her a place in the season’s Mythical Team and the Best Outside Spiker award after emerging as one of the league’s top scorers and receivers during the All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Joining her in the Best Outside Spiker category is PLDT star Savi Davison, who once again established herself as one of the league’s most consistent offensive weapons.

     

    But the awards night won’t simply celebrate new stars — it will also honor the veterans and comeback stories that shaped the season.

     

    Creamline icon Alyssa Valdez will receive the Miss Quality Minutes award after repeatedly delivering in crucial moments for the Cool Smashers during one of the franchise’s toughest title runs.

     

    With several key Creamline stars dealing with injuries late in the conference, Valdez stepped up with timely performances that helped steady the team en route to its 11th PVL championship.

     

    Another emotional highlight of the night belongs to Kianna Dy, who captured the Comeback Player of the Year award following her inspiring return from a lengthy knee injury recovery.

     

    After missing 559 days, the PLDT standout gradually rediscovered her rhythm and eventually became a major piece in the High Speed Hitters’ successful campaign that included titles in the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference before a bronze medal finish in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

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    Meanwhile, Erika Santos’ rise into stardom earned her the Most Improved Player award.

     

    Following her move from PLDT to Cignal, Santos blossomed into one of the league’s premier scorers and helped power the Super Spikers to a breakthrough finals appearance in the All-Filipino Conference. Her breakout year also included winning MVP honors during the 2025 PVL On Tour.

     

    Farm Fresh standout Trisha Tubu will also be recognized after winning Best Opposite Spiker honors behind a season that elevated both her reputation and the Foxies franchise.

     

    Tubu spearheaded Farm Fresh’s historic fourth-place finish in the All-Filipino Conference while cementing herself as one of the league’s most dangerous scorers.

     

    Several of the PVL’s most reliable veterans and specialists are likewise set to receive recognition.

     

    Cignal playmaker Gel Cayuna earned Best Setter honors after orchestrating one of the league’s top offenses, while PLDT defensive anchor Kath Arado took home the Best Libero award once again behind another elite season on the floor.

     

    Creamline veteran Pangs Panaga and PLDT ace Majoy Baron, meanwhile, secured the Best Middle Blocker citations after anchoring their respective teams at the net throughout the year.

     

    Taken together, the awardees perfectly captured the story of the PVL season itself — a campaign defined by new stars emerging, veterans continuing to deliver, and players overcoming adversity to leave their mark on the league.

     

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  • Erika Santos embraces fresh start with Capital1 after emotional Cignal exit 

    Erika Santos embraces fresh start with Capital1 after emotional Cignal exit 

    For a while, Erika Santos thought she had finally found where she belonged.

     

    After years of searching for stability and growth in the Premier Volleyball League, Santos’ move to Cignal last year felt like the perfect fit. It was with the HD Spikers where she evolved from a promising scorer into one of the league’s fastest-rising stars — a player trusted in the biggest moments and eventually recognized as one of the faces of the franchise.

     

    Then suddenly, it ended. Just days removed from helping Cignal reach the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals, Santos found herself needing to process a reality she never really expected: the team that helped shape her breakout was stepping away from the league.

     

    Now, she begins all over again. This time with Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    “Honestly, it wasn’t an easy decision because I really had to process everything that happened,” Santos said.

     

    “It wasn’t a small decision because I had already become attached to my teammates and to the system we had, so starting a new journey again is definitely challenging. But we’re here with Capital1.”

     

    The timing of Cignal’s leave of absence made the transition even more emotional.

     

    Santos had just completed the best stretch of her professional career, emerging as the league’s first-ever PVL On Tour MVP while establishing herself as one of the top opposite hitters in the country. Alongside Vanie Gandler, she helped power Cignal to its breakthrough All-Filipino Finals appearance and became one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons.

     

    Instead of building on that momentum with the same team, Santos suddenly had to start from scratch once more.

     

    But if there is one thing making the adjustment easier, it is familiarity.

     

    Not only does she remain teammates with Gandler, she now joins forces with reigning rookie sensation Bella Belen and veteran setter Jaja Maraguinot in what could become one of the most intriguing rebuilds in the PVL.

     

    For Santos, however, the focus is not on headlines or expectations.

     

    It is about helping transform Capital1 from an emerging club into a legitimate contender.

     

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    “There are a lot of expectations and adjustments along the way. It won’t be easy, so we’ll really work hard. Vanie, Jaja (Maraguinot), and I will help Capital1 in any way we can so we can reach our goals and become a strong contender,” said Santos.

     

    “The experience and momentum we’re bringing into this new team are also a big factor. The awards are just bonuses. What’s more important is sharing the experience and lessons that Vanie and I gained with this team.”

     

    That shared experience may become Capital1’s biggest advantage.

     

    Gandler and Santos already understand each other’s tendencies on the floor after carrying much of Cignal’s offense throughout the previous conference. Their chemistry was built through pressure-packed matches, deep playoff runs, and the responsibility of leading a contender.

     

    Now, they hope to bring that same connection into a completely different environment.

     

    “I’m also thankful because Vanie is still here. During the past conferences, we really had each other’s backs and shared the responsibilities together,” she said.

     

    “That’s a huge thing because of the chemistry we already built inside and outside the court. We have open communication, and no matter what happens, I know we can always talk to each other properly.”

     

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  • Erika Santos weighs first-ever Alas Pilipinas Women stint amid rising PVL stock  

    Erika Santos weighs first-ever Alas Pilipinas Women stint amid rising PVL stock  

    Everything seems to be moving fast now for Erika Santos. Not too long ago, she was still trying to establish herself as a reliable scorer in the Premier Volleyball League.

     

    Now, she suddenly finds herself standing at the center of two major transitions at once — a new club team and a possible national team breakthrough.

     

    After emerging as one of the biggest revelations of the past PVL season, Santos has officially earned a place in the new Alas Pilipinas Women pool, signaling how quickly her stock has risen within Philippine volleyball circles.

     

    The invitation comes shortly after Santos delivered the best stretch of her young career.

     

    The former Cignal HD Spikers standout helped power the franchise to a runner-up finish in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference, while also building on the momentum she created after winning the 2025 PVL On Tour Most Valuable Player award.

     

    For many players, a national team invitation would immediately become an automatic yes.

    For Santos, however, the decision appears more complicated.

     

    “I’m honored to be part of the pool. It feels different when you’re representing the Philippines,” Santos said in an interview. 

     

    Still, despite appreciating the opportunity, the rising opposite spiker admitted she has not fully decided whether she is ready to commit to the program.

     

    “Right now, I’m 50/50,” she said.

     

    That hesitation reflects the current reality surrounding the national team setup.The Alas women’s program is entering another transition period following the departure — temporary or otherwise — of several key veterans from the recent Southeast Asian Games squad.

     

    Longtime team captain Jia De Guzman is among the major names who have stepped away, while several other established players also remain unavailable.

     

    With the program searching for fresh faces to help stabilize the next cycle, Santos suddenly becomes one of the emerging names capable of filling part of that vacuum. 

     

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    And in many ways, her timing could not be more symbolic, Santos is no longer simply viewed as a promising scorer.

     

    She is now being asked whether she is ready to become part of the next generation expected to carry the national team forward.

     

    At the same time, her professional career is also entering a brand-new chapter.

     

    Following Cignal HD Spikers’ leave of absence from the league, Santos recently transferred to the Capital1 Solar Spikers, where she will join fellow stars Vanie Gandler and Bella Belen in what is quickly becoming one of the league’s most intriguing new cores.

     

    “Leaving Cignal is emotional, but this is an exciting new beginning. I’m ready to help Capital1 reach its goals,” she shared.

     

    For Santos, the coming months may ultimately define the direction of her career.

    One path centers on adjusting to a new PVL environment and continuing her rise as one of the league’s breakout stars.

     

    The other could lead to her first opportunity wearing the Philippine colors on the international stage. 

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez, Kianna Dy, and Erika Santos headline honorees at the PVL Press Corps Awards Night 

    Alyssa Valdez, Kianna Dy, and Erika Santos headline honorees at the PVL Press Corps Awards Night 

    The spotlight of the Philippine volleyball season will shift to one stage on May 30 at Novotel Manila Araneta City, where the PVL Press Corps Awards Night returns to recognize the league’s defining performers and players whose impact went beyond numbers. 


    Three of the biggest names in the past PVL season will be formally honored on the awards night. Alyssa Valdez, Kianna Dy, and Erika Santos will all be recognized for their respective achievements that shaped their teams’ campaigns throughout the season.

     

    The Phenom Alyssa Valdez will once again take center stage, earning the Miss Quality Minutes honor after anchoring the Creamline Cool Smashers during one of their most testing campaigns in recent years. 

     

    With key teammates sidelined by injuries in the All-Filipino Conference, Valdez stepped into crucial moments and delivered steady, timely performances that helped stabilize Creamline on its way to an 11th PVL championship.

     

    Her consistency in pressure situations earned her 10.2 media votes and 2.8 team votes, topping fellow nominees Chennie Tagaod of Akari and Royse Tubino of Farm Fresh in the category backed by Rebisco and Immuni+.

     

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    For Kianna Dy, the recognition tells a different kind of comeback story. After missing 559 days due to a knee injury, the PLDT opposite hitter returned in January 2025.

     

    She quickly re-established herself as one of the league’s most dependable closers, powering the PLDT High Speed Hitters to titles in both the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference.

     

    Her impact extended into the All-Filipino Conference, where she helped PLDT secure a bronze medal finish — the franchise’s best result in the tournament was highlighted by clutch championship-sealing blocks in key matches. 

     

    Dy topped the Comeback Player of the Year voting with 10.2 media votes and 4.8 team votes, beating Ces Molina, Jema Galanza, and Kat Tolentino.

     

    Meanwhile, Erika Santos represents the season’s breakthrough narrative after transforming into a primary scoring force. After her move from PLDT to Cignal, Santos embraced a bigger offensive role and quickly emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous hitters.

     

    Her rise was highlighted by a Most Valuable Player award in the 2025 PVL On Tour and a Finals appearance in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference marking the Cignal HD Spikers’ first Finals berth in two years. 

     

    She dominated the Most Improved Player voting with 12.0 media votes and 4.4 team votes before later joining the Capital1 Solar Spikers following Cignal’s leave of absence.

     

    She topped the field over fellow finalists Justine Jazareno of Akari, as well as Cloanne Mondonedo and Chinnie Arroyo of ZUS Coffee, to claim the honor.

     

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  • “I really manifested and prayed for it talaga na may makuha kami from Cignal”: Bella Belen on Capital1 signing two key Cignal players 

    “I really manifested and prayed for it talaga na may makuha kami from Cignal”: Bella Belen on Capital1 signing two key Cignal players 

    What started as playful talk during All-Star festivities has now turned into one of the biggest offseason storylines in the PVL, as Capital1 Solar Spikers officially secured the services of former Cignal players, Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos.


    At the center of the moment is rookie star Bella Belen, who once jokingly expressed her desire to bring in Cignal players—and now finds herself not only playing alongside them again but also reuniting with familiar faces.

     

    Belen, along with Santos and Gandler, previously shared the court as teammates during the 2026 PVL All-Star, while the PVL star rookie and Gandler were also once teammates under Alas Pilipinas, making the Capital1 move feel more like a reunion than a fresh start.

     

    For Belen, what began as lighthearted “recruitment” during the All-Star break in Candon, Ilocos Sur has now evolved into a defining roster upgrade for Capital1 after Cignal’s leave of absence.

     

    “Ako talaga, I really manifested and prayed for it talaga na may makuha kami from Cignal with the likes of Ate Vanie and Ate Erika,” Belen said after the team’s press conference.

     

    She admitted she had already been pitching Capital1’s direction and long-term vision to the Cignal stars even during the All-Star festivities.

     

    “Like ano ‘yung platform, direction namin as a team, at sabihin sa kanila ano ‘yung gusto naming marating,” she said. 

     

    At the time, she even playfully pointed out how the All-Star jerseys suited the Cignal duo—an early hint of what would eventually become reality in the offseason.

     

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    Now, that moment has turned into one of the most impactful roster moves of the PVL break, immediately boosting Capital1’s competitiveness after a tough 2026 All-Filipino Conference campaign.

     

    Beyond the reunion narrative, Belen believes the arrivals of Gandler and Santos bring valuable playoff experience and leadership that the young franchise can build on.

     

    “Marami silang experience, nakapag-Finals na sila. So, I believe, marami silang pwedeng madala sa Capital1—and ganun din naman kami, marami kaming pwedeng matutunan sa kanila,” the 23-year-old Outside Hitter said.

     

    With a refreshed lineup and familiar chemistry already in place, Capital1 now heads into the new PVL season with renewed confidence, hoping that this blend of reunited teammates and rising stars can finally push the franchise into serious contention. 

     

     

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  • Capital1 fast-tracks title ambitions with blockbuster Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos signing

    Capital1 fast-tracks title ambitions with blockbuster Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos signing

    Capital1 is no longer building quietly.

     

    After spending its early PVL years trying to establish an identity, the young franchise has suddenly accelerated its timeline — and the rest of the league may now have to take the Solar Spikers far more seriously.

     

    In what instantly became one of the biggest offseason moves in recent PVL memory, Capital1 secured the services of former Cignal stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, dramatically reshaping both its roster and championship outlook heading into the new season.

     

    The franchise also strengthened its playmaking department by adding veteran setter Jaja Maraguinot, further signaling that Capital1 is shifting from a developmental team into a squad aiming to contend immediately.

     

    The centerpiece of the transformation, of course, is Gandler.

     

    Fresh off the best conference of her professional career, the 25-year-old arrives in Capital1 carrying the momentum of a breakthrough season that saw her evolve from rising talent into full-fledged league star.

     

    Gandler powered Cignal to its first-ever All-Filipino Finals appearance earlier this year and nearly helped push Creamline to the brink during a fiercely contested championship series.

     

    Her stellar run ultimately earned her the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference MVP award — the first individual accolade of her PVL career.

     

    But perhaps more importantly, Gandler now enters a situation where expectations immediately become much bigger.

     

    At Capital1, she joins forces with fellow Alas Pilipinas standout Bella Belen, creating what could become one of the league’s most dangerous wing tandems.

     

    The partnership also gives the PVL a rare combination: the reigning MVP alongside the reigning Rookie of the Conference.

     

    Just as significant is Gandler’s reunion with former Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza De Brito, who once again gets the opportunity to maximize one of the country’s premier outside hitters.

     

    While Gandler headlines the move, Santos may end up becoming equally important to Capital1’s rise.

     

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    After years of searching for consistency early in her career, Santos finally found her rhythm with Cignal and blossomed into one of the PVL’s fastest-rising scorers.

     

    Her lone season with the Super Spikers became a breakout campaign, highlighted by a PVL on Tour MVP award and recognition as one of the league’s top opposite spikers.

     

    Now joining her third PVL team, Santos gives Capital1 another reliable offensive weapon while reuniting with fellow La Salle product Leila Cruz.

     

    The additions arrive at a crucial point for the Solar Spikers.

     

    Despite flashes of promise last season — particularly behind Belen’s emergence as Rookie of the Conference and Best Outside Spiker — Capital1 still struggled to consistently compete with the league’s elite.

     

    The team reached the Reinforced Conference quarterfinals but eventually finished eighth in the All-Filipino Conference after falling short in the Play-In stage.

     

    That reality appears to have fueled the franchise’s aggressive offseason approach.

     

    Instead of waiting years for gradual growth, Capital1 has chosen to accelerate the process by surrounding Belen with proven stars already capable of competing deep into the playoffs.

     

    And after landing two of the biggest names available following Cignal’s leave of absence, the Solar Spikers may have officially announced themselves as a legitimate threat to the PVL hierarchy.

     

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  • PVL moves quickly to prevent player stacking after Cignal exit

    PVL moves quickly to prevent player stacking after Cignal exit

    The Premier Volleyball League is wasting little time protecting competitive balance following Cignal HD Spikers’ leave of absence.

     

    Amid growing movement surrounding the futures of several former Cignal players, the league has circulated an internal memorandum placing immediate limits on how teams can rebuild using talent from the disbanded squad.

     

    Under the directive sent to the league’s remaining nine member teams, clubs are only allowed to acquire a maximum of two players from the former Cignal roster.

     

    The memorandum also requires teams to formally notify the league in writing before finalizing agreements or publicly announcing any signing involving former Super Spikers players.

     

    One provision in the memo further emphasized that the league reserves the right to determine which players may transfer to specific teams in an effort to avoid disrupting the PVL’s competitive landscape.

     

    League officials explained that the restrictions were implemented to “ensure fairness and prevent disproportionate roster consolidation.”

     

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    The move comes as interest around Cignal’s players rapidly intensified following the franchise’s leave of absence, with multiple teams reportedly exploring ways to strengthen their lineups ahead of the next conference.

     

    Sources indicated that at least one team had already secured verbal commitments from three former Cignal players before the memorandum was issued, prompting concerns over a possible concentration of talent within a single roster.

     

    The league’s intervention now effectively slows down what had become an aggressive recruitment race across the PVL.

     

    The memo also carried a warning for teams that fail to comply with the directive, stating that sanctions may include penalties such as the forfeiture of rookie draft picks.

     

    With one of the league’s longtime contenders suddenly out of the picture, the PVL now finds itself managing not only player movement, but also the delicate balance of keeping the competition from tilting too heavily toward a select few teams.

     

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  • Reminiscing Cignal’s steady rise in the PVL following the team’s departure from the league 

    Reminiscing Cignal’s steady rise in the PVL following the team’s departure from the league 

    The journey of the Cignal Super Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League was never about instant success. Instead, it was built on steady improvement, patience, and a group that kept finding ways to stay competitive year after year.

     

    Cignal entered the league in 2021 as the HD Spikers, bringing in a mix of veterans and emerging players under head coach Shaq Delos Santos. Led by experienced names like Rachel Anne Daquis and Jheck Dionela, the team quickly showed it could keep up with more established squads. While they did not contend for a title right away, they laid down a solid foundation.

     

    That foundation paid off in 2022 when Cignal reached its first Finals appearance in the Reinforced Conference. Behind import Tai Bierria, the team made a strong run before finishing as runner-up to Petro Gazz. Even in defeat, it was a sign that the team was moving in the right direction.

     

    In 2023, the spotlight shifted to individual excellence as Ces Molina stepped up with an MVP performance in the Invitational Conference. Her scoring surge showed that Cignal had players capable of leading the way in big moments.

     

    From 2023 to 2024, the HD Spikers became a regular presence near the top of the standings. They consistently finished on the podium and remained a tough team to beat, regardless of roster changes. Different combinations came and went, but the team’s identity stayed the same, guided by its “Happiness, Cignal!” culture.

     

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    New faces also emerged during this stretch. Erika Santos made an immediate impact after joining the team, showing her scoring ability in the PVL on Tour. At the same time, the team transitioned into a new era, rebranding as the Super Spikers ahead of the 2025 season.

     

    Despite the changes, Cignal remained steady. Gel Cayuna continued to lead the offense as one of the league’s top setters, while Dawn Macandili-Catindig anchored the defense. Jackie Acuña also added strength at the net, helping the team stay competitive in every conference.

     

    The biggest breakthrough came in 2026 when Cignal reached its first PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals. The team earned its spot by beating strong opponents like Farm Fresh and Creamline in the semifinals. Although they fell short in the championship series, the Finals appearance marked an important step forward.

     

    Leading that run was Vanie Gandler, who delivered an MVP season and became one of the league’s top players. Her all-around performance reflected how far both she and the team had come.

     

    In just five years, Cignal grew from a new team into a consistent contender. While their leave of absence puts that progress on hold, their run showed what steady development and a strong core can achieve in the PVL.

     

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