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Tag: Galeries Tower Highrisers

  • Former UAAP standout Jules Samonte retires from volleyball at 27 to embrace motherhood

    Former UAAP standout Jules Samonte retires from volleyball at 27 to embrace motherhood

    Former Ateneo standout and Premier Volleyball League (PVL) veteran Jules Samonte has announced her retirement from professional volleyball at the age of 27, bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned more than a decade as she prepares for a new chapter in her life—motherhood.

     

    Samonte, who is expecting her first child with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters guard Felix Lemetti, shared the emotional news through a heartfelt post on Facebook, reflecting on the journey that transformed her from a young aspiring athlete into one of the country’s respected volleyball players.

     

    The versatile outside hitter described volleyball as more than just a sport, saying it became a defining part of her identity from the time she first picked up the game as a teenager.

     

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    “As I prepare to enter a new chapter of my life, I can’t help but look back with a heart full of gratitude. Volleyball has been my source of joy, motivation and escape since I was maybe 13 years old. For almost half my life, it has been so much more than a sport. It gave me purpose, discipline, lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and countless incredible opportunities. It has shaped me into the person I never knew I could become,” Samonte wrote.

     

    Looking back on her playing career, Samonte acknowledged both the triumphs and setbacks that helped shape her as an athlete and as a person.

     

    “There were wins that made all the sacrifices worth it, losses that taught me resilience, and countless moments that made me into the woman I am today. I will carry every early morning call time, every training session, every bus/plane ride, every tear, every celebration forever.”

     

    She also expressed gratitude to everyone who became part of her volleyball journey, from coaches and teammates to team staff, organizations, and the fans who supported her throughout the years.

     

    “I am forever grateful for all the relationships I have created through this sport—my coaches, teammates, staff, organizations and the fans who became part of this journey. Thank you for believing in me, cheering for me, challenging me, and allowing me to live a dream I once only imagined.”

    Although stepping away from the sport was an emotional decision, Samonte said she is ready to embrace what she described as the most meaningful role of her life.

     

    “Now, as I step into my greatest role yet—becoming a mother—I’m choosing to close this chapter with nothing but gratitude. It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the game that has been such a huge part of my life, but my heart is so full knowing that this ending is making way for a beautiful new beginning.”

     

    She ended her message by sharing her hopes for her growing family and the legacy she wants to leave behind.

     

    “Volleyball will always be a part of me and one day, I hope my daughter grows up knowing that her mom chased a dream with all her heart—and that because of it, she is learning to become the best mom she could possibly be. All for you, and all because of you. Here’s to the next chapter.”

     

    Samonte first rose to national prominence during her collegiate career with the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). Bursting onto the scene in Season 79, she immediately established herself as one of the country’s brightest young talents, earning Rookie of the Year honors after an impressive debut campaign.

     

    Her development continued over the next several seasons as she became an important piece of Ateneo’s championship core. The highlight of her collegiate career came in UAAP Season 81 in 2019 when she helped the Lady Eagles capture the league title, cementing her place in one of the most successful eras in the program’s history.

     

    Following her collegiate success, Samonte transitioned to the professional ranks, beginning her career with Perlas before joining the Premier Volleyball League. Throughout her time in the country’s top professional league, she suited up for several clubs, including the PLDT High Speed Hitters, Cherry Tiggo Crossovers, and most recently the Galeries Tower Highrisers.

     

    Known for her versatility, work ethic, and team-first mentality, Samonte became a dependable presence wherever she played, earning the respect of teammates, coaches, and opponents alike. While she may not have always been the biggest star on the court, her consistency and professionalism made her a valuable contributor throughout her professional career.

     

    Her retirement also marks the end of a volleyball journey that began in her early teens and blossomed into a career filled with memorable achievements, lifelong friendships, and experiences that extended well beyond the game itself.

     

    As she steps away from competitive volleyball, Samonte leaves behind a legacy defined not only by championships and individual accolades but also by perseverance, humility, and dedication.

     While fans will no longer see her competing on the court, the former Lady Eagle begins a new and equally meaningful journey—one centered on family and motherhood, a role she says she is ready to embrace with the same passion that defined her volleyball career.

     

     

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  • Erika Deloria lauded as proof players outside the UAAP and NCAA can make it to the PVL

    Erika Deloria lauded as proof players outside the UAAP and NCAA can make it to the PVL

    Galeries Tower Highrisers outside hitter Erika Deloria has proven that there is more than one path to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), and her journey is now serving as an inspiration for the next generation of players from Enderun Colleges.


    Unlike many of the league’s stars who emerged from traditional collegiate powerhouses in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Deloria carved her own path through Enderun’s volleyball program before earning a spot in the professional ranks.


    The versatile outside hitter was selected by the Chery Tiggo Crossovers with the 20th overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft. Although Chery Tiggo later ceased operations, Deloria remained in the league after being signed by the Galeries Tower Highrisers, where she has continued to showcase her potential at the professional level.

     

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    For Enderun head coach Dong Dela Cruz, Deloria’s rise is proof that talent and hard work can open doors regardless of the school a player comes from. He hopes her success will motivate his current players to believe that they, too, can reach the PVL despite competing outside the country’s most prominent collegiate leagues.


    “That’s what I keep telling our players—that even if you are not from the UAAP or NCAA, it’s still possible to get drafted into the PVL. You can still build a volleyball career after college. I already saw her potential because Erika is a very talented player. She’s naturally quiet, so during her final year I made her team captain to help her find her voice and develop as a leader. I was really preparing her to get drafted into the PVL,” Dela Cruz said.


    According to Dela Cruz, Deloria’s growth extended well beyond her abilities on the volleyball court. While she developed into one of Enderun’s most dependable players, she also excelled academically, balancing the demands of collegiate athletics with outstanding classroom performance.


    The veteran coach said her achievements as both a student and an athlete make her an ideal role model for aspiring volleyball players.

    “I’m very proud of what she’s achieved. Erika isn’t just an excellent volleyball player—she also graduated magna cum laude. I know she will do well wherever she goes. She still has room to improve, but the most important thing is that she is making the most of the playing time she’s getting and showing everyone her talent,” he added.


    As Deloria continues to establish herself in the PVL, Enderun’s current squad is seeking to make its own mark in collegiate volleyball.


    The Lady Titans are currently competing in the Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals, where they have been given the opportunity to test themselves against some of the country’s top collegiate programs as well as international clubs from Vietnam and Australia.


    Although Enderun dropped its opening three matches of the tournament, the Lady Titans responded with an impressive straight-set victory over Ho Chi Minh City, 25-16, 29-27, 25-16, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, July 22.


    The victory provided a welcome confidence boost for the squad as it continues to gain valuable experience against stronger competition.


    For Dela Cruz, competing in the National Invitationals is about more than wins and losses. He believes the tournament offers his players an opportunity to accelerate their development while demonstrating that Enderun can compete with established volleyball programs.


    “Our goal is to gain experience by playing against some of the best NCAA and UAAP teams. This is a different level of competition. We will also be facing international teams from Vietnam and Australia, so it’s a great opportunity for us. This is the first time we will be competing at this level, and we also want to show everyone that Enderun Colleges has a good volleyball program,” Dela Cruz concluded.


    With Deloria already making her presence felt in the professional ranks, Enderun hopes her story will inspire more Lady Titans to chase their PVL dreams and prove that success is possible regardless of where their collegiate journey begins.

     

     

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  • Galeries Tower sees more than talent in Lams Lamina 

    Galeries Tower sees more than talent in Lams Lamina 

    For Galeries Tower head coach Aying Esteban, Lams Lamina’s biggest impact didn’t begin when she stepped onto the court in a Premier Volleyball League uniform.

    It started in practice.

     

    Long before making her long-awaited preseason debut, the former National University setter had already caught Esteban’s attention—not because of flashy plays, but because of her relentless desire to improve.

     

    Whether it was asking questions during training, seeking advice from coaches, or picking the brains of her veteran teammates, Lamina made it clear she was determined to learn every detail of the Highrisers’ system.

     

    “Kahit sa training, tanong siya nang tanong sa mga teammates niya, sa amin, kung ano ang nangyayari,” said Esteban.

     

    “‘Yun ang maganda sa kanya, hindi siya nagsasarili. Kumbaga, lagi siyang ano na matuto doon sa team namin.”

     

    That eagerness translated into a composed first outing as Lamina finally suited up for Galeries Tower on Saturday night, helping the Highrisers grind out a 25-17, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24 victory over Farm Fresh at the Batangas City Sports Center.

     

    Backing up team captain Julia Coronel, Lamina recorded seven excellent sets while efficiently steering the second unit and ensuring the team’s offense never lost its rhythm whenever the starters took a breather.

     

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    The rookie also showed maturity beyond her experience during the closing moments of the fourth set.

     

    She first delivered the setup that allowed Lycha Ebon to score the go-ahead point for a 25-24 edge before calmly tossing a one-handed set to Roselle Baliton, who buried the match-winning quick attack.

     

    Despite the encouraging debut, Esteban stressed that Lamina remains a work in progress as she continues adjusting to Galeries Tower’s offensive system.

     

    “Meron pa ring mga sa system namin na kailangan niya i-adapt pa, pero siyempre sa process pa rin ‘yun,” said Esteban.

     

    The Highrisers have undergone significant changes since Esteban took over midway through the PVL All-Filipino Conference, and the coach believes players like Lamina are helping shape a new culture centered on growth and accountability.

     

    While wins are welcome during the preseason, Esteban remains more encouraged by the team’s mindset as they continue laying the foundation for the upcoming season.

     

    “Ang laki, ang laki na ng changes. Ang laking pagbabago sa mentality, pagdating sa training. Natutuwa ako kasi hindi sila nagsasawa sa kung anong ginagawa namin. Grateful ako sa kanila sa ganoong ginagawa nila sa team namin.”

     

     

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  • Lams Lamina trades PVL On Tour for Alas Pilipinas duty after Galeries Tower debut win 

    Lams Lamina trades PVL On Tour for Alas Pilipinas duty after Galeries Tower debut win 

    Lams Lamina’s PVL On Tour journey lasted just one match—but it ended exactly the way she hoped.

     

    The No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft walked away from the preseason tournament with her first professional victory before immediately answering a bigger responsibility, as she joins the Alas Pilipinas Women training pool beginning Monday.

     

    The timing means Lamina will miss the remainder of the PVL On Tour, with league regulations preventing players who are actively involved in official national team preparations from participating in the preseason competition.

     

    Instead of continuing her rookie campaign with Galeries Tower, the young setter now shifts her attention to helping the national team prepare for a packed international calendar.

    Fortunately for the Highrisers, Lamina left on a high note.

     

    Coming off the bench against Farm Fresh, the former National University standout provided stability to Galeries Tower’s offense, finishing with seven excellent sets as the Highrisers secured a breakthrough four-set victory.

     

    It turned out to be a memorable send-off before temporarily exchanging club colors for the Philippine jersey once again.

     

    The move was confirmed shortly after the match by Galeries Tower and National University strength and conditioning coach Kim Bejo through social media.

     

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    “First and last game for Lamina today before she joins the national team on loan starting Monday,” Bejo wrote.

     

    Her return to the national team was also welcomed by one of her closest former teammates.

    Alas Pilipinas standout Bella Belen, who won multiple championships alongside Lamina at National University, greeted the rookie setter as she prepared to report for duty.

     

    “Congrats and see [you] on Monday,” Belen posted.

     

    Lamina’s arrival gives Alas Pilipinas another talented option at setter as preparations intensify for a busy stretch of international competitions, including the Southeast Asian V. Cup and the 2026 Asian Games.

     

    She joins an experienced playmaking group headlined by national team captain Jia de Guzman and Akari setter Mars Alba, adding another young talent expected to contribute to the team’s long-term future.

     

    For Lamina, the transition reflects how quickly her volleyball career continues to evolve.

     

    Only days after beginning her professional journey with Galeries Tower, she is once again wearing national colors, balancing the early stages of her PVL career with the opportunity to represent the Philippines on the international stage.

     

    While her PVL On Tour stint has been put on hold after just one appearance, the rookie setter now faces an even bigger challenge as she helps Alas Pilipinas prepare for another crucial year of international competition.

     

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  • Erika Deloria welcomes challenge of becoming Galeries Tower’s offensive leader after shining in debut

    Erika Deloria welcomes challenge of becoming Galeries Tower’s offensive leader after shining in debut

    The Galeries Tower Highrisers opened their 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason conference campaign on a high note after overcoming the Farm Fresh Foxies in a thrilling five-set battle, 25-17, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24, on Saturday, July 11, at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum in Batangas City.

     

    The victory gave Galeries an ideal start to their preseason preparations as the team looks to build momentum following a historic breakthrough in the previous All-Filipino Conference. The Highrisers displayed composure in crucial moments, holding off Farm Fresh’s fightback and securing a hard-earned win against one of the league’s rising contenders.

     

    New acquisition Erika Deloria immediately made her presence felt in her first appearance for Galeries, delivering a standout performance that highlighted why the Highrisers were eager to add her to their roster. The versatile outside hitter led all scorers with 24 points while also contributing 13 excellent receptions and 10 digs, providing a significant impact on both offense and defense.

     

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    Deloria’s all-around effort proved vital as Galeries relied on her consistency throughout the match, particularly in the deciding moments when Farm Fresh threatened to force another set. Her ability to produce points while remaining effective in the back row gave the Highrisers the balance they needed to secure the victory.

     

    After her impressive debut, Deloria embraced the responsibility of becoming one of Galeries Tower’s primary offensive options, viewing the increased expectations as both a challenge and an opportunity to grow as a player.

     

    “I treated it as both a challenge and an opportunity – for myself and for the team. More than anything, I was thinking about the team because I want us to win together. Whatever I can do to help, no matter how hard the training is, I will do it for the team,” Deloria said.

     

    The 25-year-old joined Galeries following the disbandment of the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, where she was selected as the 20th overall pick in the 2025 PVL Draft. After becoming available in free agency, Deloria found a new home with the Highrisers and immediately showed that she could be a valuable piece for a team aiming to continue its upward trajectory.

    For Deloria, earning a victory against Farm Fresh made her first game with Galeries even more meaningful, especially considering the Foxies’ status as one of the league’s competitive teams and the Highrisers’ desire to prove that their previous success was not a one-time achievement.

     

    “It’s really heartwarming because, as we all know, Farm Fresh is one of the contenders. We felt that all the hard work we put in during the offseason finally paid off. We just played with all our hearts. We had nothing to lose, and we simply showed how much we love volleyball,” she added.

     

    Galeries Tower head coach Aying Esteban also praised the team’s improved mindset and work ethic during training, highlighting the commitment shown by his players as they prepare for another challenging PVL campaign.

     

    Following the team’s semifinal appearance in the last All-Filipino Conference, Esteban believes the Highrisers have developed greater confidence and discipline, which were evident in their opening preseason match.

     

    “The biggest change has been their mentality, especially in training. I’m happy because they never get tired of the work we are asking them to do. I’m really grateful for their commitment and the effort they are putting in for the team,” Esteban stated.

     

    The preseason tournament serves as an important opportunity for teams to evaluate their progress, build chemistry, and integrate new additions ahead of the upcoming PVL season. For Galeries Tower, the emergence of Deloria as a key offensive weapon adds another dimension to a squad that has already shown it can compete with the league’s top teams.

     

    With their confidence boosted by a strong opening performance, the Highrisers will look to continue their positive start when Deloria, Esteban, and the rest of the squad return to action against the Nxled Chameleons on Saturday, August 1, in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

     

    Galeries Tower hopes their opening-day victory can serve as the foundation for another successful campaign as they continue their push to establish themselves among the PVL’s elite teams.

     

     

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  • Galeries Tower loads up roster for PVL On Tour with Alyssa Bertolano, Jade Gentapa 

    Galeries Tower loads up roster for PVL On Tour with Alyssa Bertolano, Jade Gentapa 

    The Galeries Tower Highrisers are entering the 2026 PVL On Tour with a reshaped and deeper roster, blending proven collegiate talent, versatile veterans, and fresh rookie additions as they aim to elevate their standing in the preseason circuit.

     

    Their latest roster moves is the addition of Alyssa Bertolano, who joins the Highrisers after parting ways with the Farm Fresh Foxies following a multi-role stint that saw her transition from spiker to libero and back to an open hitter depending on team needs.

     

    Before her time with Farm Fresh, Bertolano first entered the Premier Volleyball League with the Gerflor Defenders after leaving the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. 

     

    She initially played as an outside hitter, later undergoing a significant conversion to libero during the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference under coach Alessandro Lodi, where analytics-driven adjustments reshaped her role into a backcourt specialist.

     

    However, her versatility was once again put to use in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference under coach Koji Tsuzurabara, where she returned to the wing position as an open hitter. 

     

    Farm Fresh reached the Final Four, finishing fourth after falling to the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the battle for bronze.

     

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    The Highrisers also secured another outside hitter, Jade Gentapa from ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles who will further reinforce their wing rotation and adding more scoring depth to a group already built around veterans Jean Asis, Julia Coronel, and Roselle Baliton.

     

    Galeries’ roster overhaul extends beyond trades and signings, as the franchise continues to lean on the draft to shape its future core. 

     

    Holding the top pick, the team selected setter Lams Lamina in the first round of the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, banking on her championship pedigree from National University to stabilize their playmaking.

     

    In the second round, Galeries added Far Eastern University standout Ann Asis, further strengthening their depth with another young prospect capable of developing into a key rotation piece.

     

    With the Highrisers clearly prioritizing both immediate competitiveness and long-term development, their PVL On Tour campaign doubles as a testing ground for a retooled system built around versatility, ball control, and increased offensive options.

     

    The team opens its PVL On Tour campaign against the Farm Fresh Foxies on July 11 in Batangas City, setting up an early reunion with Bertolano’s former squad and an immediate test for their newly assembled roster.

     

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  • Lams Lamina and Julia Coronel give Galeries Tower a good problem at setter 

    Lams Lamina and Julia Coronel give Galeries Tower a good problem at setter 

    For years, Galeries Tower searched for the pieces that could elevate the franchise from hopeful contender to legitimate threat. Now, after selecting Lams Lamina with the first overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, the Highrisers may have stumbled upon a different kind of challenge — having too many capable hands running the offense.

     

    Most teams enter a season worrying about who will fill the setter position. Galeries Tower enters this one wondering how to divide it.

     

    The arrival of Lamina instantly strengthens what was already one of the team’s most stable positions. The former National University star brings championship experience, elite decision-making, and a winning culture forged during the Lady Bulldogs’ dynastic run in the UAAP.

     

    Yet the rookie is stepping into a team that already has a proven floor general in Julia Coronel.

     

    Since being selected third overall in the 2024 PVL Draft, Coronel has steadily grown into one of the franchise’s most important building blocks. Her ability to orchestrate the offense helped Galeries Tower take meaningful strides in recent seasons, making her emergence one of the club’s biggest success stories.

     

    Rather than viewing Lamina’s arrival as a threat, however, Coronel sees it as another opportunity for the team to evolve.

     

    “We have a very talented set of spikers din naman and obviously right now, we really need more help in terms of, I would say, also playmaking,” Coronel said.

     

    “I’m very excited to see our dynamic moving forward; kung paano kami magtutulungan, knowing the set of skills and talents that we already have in the team. That is something that we will have to see pa moving forward in practice on how the coaches will be able to instill new systems with our new additions to the team.”

     

    The situation becomes even more intriguing considering that Coronel and Lamina already share a history through Alas Pilipinas, where both earned opportunities to quarterback the national team’s offense. Instead of competing across the net, they now find themselves working toward the same objective.

     

    For head coach Aying Esteban, though, the decision to draft Lamina was never about creating a controversy.

     

    It was about creating security.

     

    In a position where injuries, fatigue, or unexpected circumstances can drastically alter a season, Esteban viewed depth as a necessity rather than a luxury. 

     

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    “Sa posisyon namin, hindi kami pwedeng sumugal na dalawa lang ‘yung setters namin. Hindi namin alam kung ano ‘yung pwedeng mangyari minsan. At least, may pang-fill in pa rin kami at makukumpleto ‘yung lineup namin, at sa roster namin ay magiging ok pa rin kami,” he said.

     

    That mindset has suddenly transformed Galeries Tower into one of the deepest teams at the setter position, especially with veteran Maji Mangulabnan also remaining in the mix.

     

    For Lamina, meanwhile, the focus is not on claiming a starting spot immediately but on proving she belongs.

     

    The former Lady Bulldog arrives carrying the expectations that come with being a No. 1 overall pick, yet she remains intent on bringing the same habits that helped make NU a perennial champion.

     

    “Healthy competition po ‘yun sa amin ng mga ates ko. Ako, as a rookie, ipapakita ko lang po talaga ‘yung best ko, kung ano po mga natutunan ko sa NU ay bibit ko talaga sa team at maishe-share ko rin po sa mga ates ko,” she said.

     

    “Rookie pa lang po ako dito sa PVL, pero same naman po na I will work professionally, with my 100-percent effort, discipline, and work ethic ko po.”

     

    Whether Lamina ultimately wins the starting role is a question that may take weeks or even months to answer.

     

    What is already clear, however, is that Galeries Tower’s biggest gain from draft night may not have been landing the top overall pick itself.

     

    It may have been creating a setter room strong enough to shape the franchise’s future for years to come. 

     

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  • No. 1 pick Camilla Lamina embraces new challenge in PVL with Galeries Towers  

    No. 1 pick Camilla Lamina embraces new challenge in PVL with Galeries Towers  

    For years, Camilla Lamina’s role was clear.

     

    She was the steady hand behind one of the most dominant programs in collegiate volleyball, orchestrating plays, directing traffic, and helping National University maintain its place among the country’s elite teams.

     

    Now, the challenge is entirely different.

     

    Instead of fitting into an established championship culture, Lamina is being asked to help build one.

     

    The former NU star officially enters the professional ranks as the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 PVL Draft after the Galeries Tower Highrisers made her the centerpiece of their future, entrusting the accomplished setter with a responsibility that extends far beyond distributing the ball.

     

    For Lamina, hearing her name called first overall was less about individual recognition and more about the confidence a franchise placed in her.

     

    “For me, siyempre fulfilling kasi wow, ako ‘yung isa sa mga napili nila ng Galeries. It shows ‘yung trust na ako pa talaga ‘yung napili. Very happy and very grateful,” she said.

     

    The selection marks a significant transition for one of the most decorated setters to emerge from the UAAP in recent years.

     

    At NU, Lamina was surrounded by a culture built around winning. Championships were expected, and excellence was the standard. At Galeries Tower, she enters a team still searching for its breakthrough and looking for foundational pieces capable of elevating the franchise.

     

    That reality is not lost on the 23-year-old playmaker.

     

    Rather than focusing solely on her skills as a setter, Lamina believes the biggest contribution she can bring comes from the values she developed during her years with the Lady Bulldogs.

     

    “Since I am from a champion team, which is NU, ang mabibigay ko lang at mao-offer ko sa Galeries ay kung gaano ako ka-competitive inside and outside the court at ‘yung hard work, discipline, at ‘yung work ethic ko,” Lamina said.

     

    Those traits could prove just as valuable as her precise sets and court vision.

     

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    Galeries Tower’s decision to make Lamina the top pick reflects its belief that building a competitive team requires more than talent. It requires players capable of setting standards and establishing habits that can influence an entire roster.

     

    The professional game, however, presents a different landscape from the one she dominated in college.

     

    Gone are the familiar opponents and systems. Waiting for her in the PVL are battle-tested veterans, former MVPs, national team standouts, and players who have spent years refining their craft at the highest level of Philippine volleyball.

     

    Instead of viewing that reality with apprehension, Lamina sees it as the next stage of her growth.

     

    “Of course, always ready naman ako syempre. But syempre, it will start sa how will I prepare first and how will I manage myself,” she said.

     

    “Siyempre, pagtuntong sa PVL, kasi iba na sila maglaro, mga beterano na sila maglaro. Feel ko marami ako matututunan and i-e-embrace ko talaga ‘yung challenge pag kalaban sila.”

     

    For Lamina, the draft did more than launch a professional career.

     

    It transformed her from the setter of a champion into a potential cornerstone of a franchise looking to write its own success story. The expectations that come with being the first overall pick are undeniable, but so is the opportunity.

     

    And for a player who spent her collegiate career helping others shine, the next chapter will be about proving she can help lead an entire organization forward.

     

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  • “I will just give everything”: Alyssa Solomon embraces next chapter amid PVL Draft buzz and overseas offers 

    “I will just give everything”: Alyssa Solomon embraces next chapter amid PVL Draft buzz and overseas offers 

    The Galeries Tower Highrisers have positioned themselves for a potential franchise-altering selection after securing the first overall pick in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft during the lottery held on Monday, May 25, at the TV5 Media Center.

     

    With the top selection now in their possession, the Highrisers hold the rights to one of the most highly anticipated prospects in recent Philippine volleyball history, as former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout and current Alas Pilipinas mainstay Alyssa Solomon emerges as the overwhelming frontrunner to be taken first overall.

     

    Solomon’s rise to prominence has been fueled by her consistent performances at multiple levels of competition. From her dominant UAAP stint to her continued growth with the national team, she has evolved into one of the most promising young attackers in the region. Her development has been further sharpened through her stint with Japan’s Osaka Marvelous in the SV.League, where she has gained valuable experience competing against some of the world’s top professional talents.

     

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    Her blend of power, athleticism, and composure in high-pressure moments has made her a centerpiece of early draft conversations, with many analysts projecting her as a potential franchise cornerstone for Galeries Tower as they continue to build a competitive core for the future.

     

    Despite formally declaring for the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, Solomon remains non-committal about her immediate professional path, with overseas opportunities reportedly still on the table. While she has chosen not to publicly address international offers, she made it clear that her commitment—if she does enter the draft—will be fully given to whichever club selects her.

    “Honestly, winning feels even more fulfilling when you’re in that kind of situation (rebuilding) because you know the whole team really worked hard for it. I will just give everything including the things I learned in Japan, and hopefully help the team however I can while also enjoying the experience,” Solomon said in a media interaction.

     

    Her presence alone has already generated significant buzz around Galeries Tower, as she was recently seen training with the Highrisers squad and attending the PVL Draft Combine alongside several of the country’s top collegiate talents, including Lams Lamina, Detdet Pepito, Nina Ytang, Tin Ubaldo, Jade Fuentes, Khy Cepada, Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Jonna Perdido, and Xyza Gula.

     

    The possibility of Solomon joining an already developing Galeries core has only intensified speculation around the franchise’s long-term direction. Coaches and team insiders are reportedly exploring how her skill set could immediately integrate into the system, especially given her versatility and international experience.

     

    “Honestly, I still don’t have any expectations. I talked with coach Kim earlier, and we mostly discussed the plans they’re seeing for the team. We also talked a bit about NU since he’s connected there, too. That was basically our conversation.

     

    Adding further intrigue to the Highrisers’ situation, 2025 PVL Rookie Draft second overall pick Jean Asis expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of potentially sharing the court with Solomon. Asis, who has quickly become one of Galeries Tower’s most promising young building blocks, described Solomon as a “generational talent” and reflected on their brief experience training together in the national team environment.

     

    “I was really happy to train with Aiza. We don’t usually get to interact that much because we often rotate and don’t stay on the same court together, but I was still very happy to share the team environment with her,” she concluded.

     

    As the PVL Draft draws nearer, all eyes remain on Galeries Tower’s decision at No. 1 overall—one that could reshape not only the franchise’s future, but also the balance of power in the league for years to come.

     

     

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  • Galeries’ Jean Asis calls Alyssa Solomon a “generational talent” ahead of 2026 PVL Rookie Draft 

    Galeries’ Jean Asis calls Alyssa Solomon a “generational talent” ahead of 2026 PVL Rookie Draft 

    The Galeries Tower Highrisers have positioned themselves for a major roster boost ahead of the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season after securing the first overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft during the lottery held on Monday, May 25, at the TV5 Media Center.

     

    With the top selection in hand, the Highrisers now hold the rights to one of the most highly anticipated prospects in recent Philippine volleyball history, with former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) star and current Alas Pilipinas standout Alyssa Solomon widely projected as the frontrunner to be taken first overall. Solomon’s stock has risen significantly following her standout performances both for the national team and for Japan’s Osaka Marvelous in the SV.League, where she has continued to develop her game against elite international competition.

     

    Her combination of power, athleticism, and composure has made her a focal point of early draft discussions, with many viewing her as a potential franchise cornerstone for Galeries as they continue to rebuild and strengthen their PVL program.

     

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    Adding to the intrigue, second overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, Jean Asis, expressed excitement about the possibility of teaming up with Solomon should the Highrisers ultimately use their top selection on the star outside hitter. Asis, who has quickly become one of the key young pieces of the franchise, described Solomon as a “generational talent” and recalled her brief experience training alongside her.

    “When Solomon trained with us before, she was really easy to play with on the court. You can feel that she is someone you can rely on during games and competitions. Honestly, I’m excited no matter who becomes my teammate as long as that player can really help the team. That’s what I’m looking forward to the most,” Asis said in a media interaction.

     

    Despite the excitement surrounding a potential high-profile addition, Asis emphasized that the Highrisers remain focused on continuity and identity as the foundation of their growth. With Galeries undergoing a significant roster overhaul ahead of the 2026 campaign—retaining only four players in Asis, Julia Coronel, Roselle Baliton, and Winnie Bedana—the team is still in the process of solidifying its long-term core.

     

    The Highrisers showed signs of progress in the previous PVL All-Filipino Conference, where they reached the second stage of the Play-In, and the young core believes that experience will serve as a stepping stone moving forward.

     

    “Whoever the coaches choose, as long as that person is willing to help the team improve and grow stronger, I will be happy with it. I think we just want to maintain the culture that we already have within the team. There may just be additions to the roster, but overall we want to keep the same environment and identity we have been building in Galeries. I think whoever the new player is, they will eventually adapt to the culture we are trying to build,” Asis added.

     

    As the franchise prepares for a pivotal offseason, expectations are now centered on how the top pick will shape the next phase of the Highrisers’ development, with fans eagerly awaiting whether Solomon—or another emerging talent—will be the centerpiece of their long-term project.

     

     

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