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Tag: Jia De Guzman

  • Jia De Guzman reflects on Alas Pilipinas’ historic silver-medal run in SEA Volleyball Cup 

    Jia De Guzman reflects on Alas Pilipinas’ historic silver-medal run in SEA Volleyball Cup 

    The Philippine women’s national volleyball team capped a challenging stretch with a historic silver-medal finish in the recently concluded 6th Southeast Asian Volleyball Cup, giving Alas Pilipinas another reason to believe that its rebuilding process is heading in the right direction.

     

    Alas Pilipinas captain Jia De Guzman reflected on the team’s journey in a heartfelt Instagram post, emphasizing that the silver medal was the product of patience, adversity and the lessons they learned along the way.

     

    The achievement came during a turbulent period for Philippine volleyball, with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) facing a suspension from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and significant leadership upheaval surrounding the national program.

     

     

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    Alas Pilipinas had also endured a difficult opening leg, where the team struggled to find its rhythm and failed to secure a podium finish. Rather than viewing that setback as a failure, however, De Guzman believes the difficult moments ultimately played an important role in the team’s development.

     

    “Our only ask was simple: leave everything on the floor, no matter the result. To give ourselves the patience and grace to grow into the players and the team we are capable of becoming,” De Guzman wrote.

     

    “So the struggle we went through in the first leg? All of it was necessary. The losses, the mistakes, the moments where things didn’t click—it was all part of becoming a better team. We needed those experiences to learn, build chemistry, and understand what we are capable of,” she added.

     

    The veteran setter stressed that development cannot happen overnight, particularly for a national team still trying to establish its identity and build chemistry amid a constantly changing volleyball landscape.

     

    For De Guzman, the silver medal serves as tangible proof that the Philippines can make significant strides when given the time and opportunity to learn from its mistakes.

    “Every strong team in the world was once given the space to make mistakes, experience losses, and learn from them. We are no different,” she said.

     

    “This silver is a beautiful reminder that growth takes time, patience, and a willingness to embrace every part of the journey. So proud of how far we have come, and even more excited for how much more we can become.”

     

    De Guzman also took the opportunity to recognize her teammates and the supporters who continued to stand behind Alas Pilipinas throughout its difficult campaign.

     

    “Thank you to every member of this team for all your hard work and dedication. Also to everyone out there who has given us unconditional love and support. Step by step, Philippines. On to the next,” she wrote.

     

    The 31-year-old setter has been one of the more vocal figures calling for changes and reforms within Philippine volleyball amid the controversies surrounding the sport’s national governing body.

     

    De Guzman was also absent from the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup in June, where Alas Pilipinas struggled to make an impact and settled for an eighth-place finish under the leadership of Alyssa Valdez.

     

    Despite the challenges surrounding the program, the SEA Volleyball Cup campaign offered a much-needed positive development for the Philippine women’s team.

     

    The historic silver medal not only marked a significant improvement from their previous showing but also provided the players with confidence heading into their next international assignments.

     

    For De Guzman, the result is less about the medal itself and more about what it represents: a team willing to embrace setbacks, learn from adversity and continue building toward its potential.

     

    With the Philippine women’s volleyball program still navigating a period of transition, Alas Pilipinas’ silver-medal run could prove to be an important step in its long-term development.

    And as De Guzman put it, the journey is only beginning.

     

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  • Why More Alas Pilipinas Stars Are Potentially Choosing to Step Away From the AVC Women’s Cup

    Why More Alas Pilipinas Stars Are Potentially Choosing to Step Away From the AVC Women’s Cup

    What initially looked like isolated player withdrawals from Alas Pilipinas is beginning to reveal a much deeper issue surrounding the national team program.

     

    Over the past week, several key names from the Philippines’ recent Southeast Asian Games campaign — including Jia De Guzman, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, and Amie Provido — have all opted to skip the upcoming AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City.


    The list has continued to grow.

     

    Erika Santos, Vanie Gandler, Alleiah Malaluan, Kianna Dy, and Shaina Nitura have likewise withdrawn from Alas duties for the 2026 AVC Women’s Nations Cup, according to Tony Boy Liao.

     

    However, Liao clarified that the five players have only begged off from the AVC tournament itself and have not formally declined participation for the rest of the national team calendar, which still includes the training camp in Chinese Taipei and the SEA V.League.

     

    That distinction matters.

     

    Because while the growing number of absences has understandably alarmed fans, the situation may not necessarily point toward a complete disconnect between the players and the national team program. For many athletes, this appears to be more about timing, workload, recovery, and uncertainty surrounding the current setup rather than a full withdrawal from national team service altogether.

     

    Still, it is impossible to ignore how the atmosphere surrounding Alas Pilipinas has become increasingly turbulent over the past several months.

     

    On the surface, the reasons vary. Some players cited physical recovery after a grueling UAAP and PVL calendar. Others are dealing with injuries, professional commitments, or uncertainty surrounding the direction of the program itself.

     

    But when current and former Alas mainstays finally began speaking publicly, a clearer picture started to emerge: many players are not simply exhausted physically — they are also searching for stability, communication, and clarity within the national team setup.

     

    For years, Philippine volleyball players have often been expected to juggle year-round commitments between school, club teams, commercial obligations, and national duty with very little offseason in between. Unlike other countries with centralized programs and longer preparation windows, many local players transition almost immediately from one high-intensity tournament to another.

     

    That reality became even more evident after the historic UAAP Season 88 campaign, where De La Salle University completed a rare 16-0 sweep before several Lady Spikers immediately found themselves invited to the national pool.

     

    In explaining their withdrawal, Canino acknowledged that representing the country remains a privilege, but emphasized the importance of recovery after such a physically demanding season.

    At the same time, recent statements from Fifi Sharma and De Guzman suggested that the concerns go beyond simple fatigue.

     

    “I hope we continue to spread awareness on everything that’s been happening surrounding the national team,” Sharma wrote on her Instagram broadcast channel.

     

    “This is the closest we’ve ever gotten to having a core and it’s sad to see it fall into the wrong hands.”

     

    The middle blocker also pointed to frustrations that appear to have quietly built up behind the scenes over time.

     

    “It’s difficult to keep giving your all and fighting for something that consistently fails to take care of you,” she said.

     

    “Passion can carry you far but it shouldn’t be used to justify neglect.”

     

    De Guzman echoed similar sentiments while stressing that players were hoping for clearer communication after the transition in leadership within the federation.

     

    “Actually, the current roster, we were actually hoping that the PNVF would share plans with us. Even right after SEA Games kasi, we knew that they took over and we were actually very hopeful na moving forward, the future would be bright,” De Guzman shared.

     

    She also raised concerns regarding the lack of formal communication surrounding future plans for the program.

     

    “It’s just a little saddening that we haven’t heard anything from our managers and that the burden of reaching out actually falls on the players,” she said.

     

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    “That part I don’t really understand. But again, despite this, we also remain open to dialogue. We just hope that it is formal, meaningful, and talaga with a genuine desire to address the needs of the athlete.”

     

    Perhaps the most important point raised by De Guzman involved uncertainty regarding long-term structure — an issue that many national athletes often quietly navigate behind closed doors.

     

    “Right now, there are still so many questions around things like the Alas draft, the recruitment process, and how contracts are to be structured. And as athletes, those are very important details that directly affect our careers,” she added.

     

    Adding another layer to the situation is the unresolved controversy involving former Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito.

     

    De Brito has reportedly elevated his dispute with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation to the National Labor Relations Commission over alleged unpaid salaries, bonuses, and illegal deductions.

     

    The Brazilian coach, who helped steer the Philippines to one of its strongest stretches in recent years, publicly expressed frustration over the lack of communication surrounding the matter.

     

    “I worked for the federation, for the flag, for the country,” de Brito said in reports surrounding the case. “Once you terminate someone, you don’t pay and you want to just finish without settling unpaid dues? I don’t think so.”

     

    Current federation leadership has distanced itself from the dispute, with Liao previously saying the issue stemmed from the prior administration.

     

    Even so, the optics of a public labor dispute involving a former national team coach have inevitably added to concerns among players and fans regarding organizational stability and long-term planning inside the program.

     

    The federation has also recently faced scrutiny over broader administrative issues tied to Philippine volleyball, including ongoing questions regarding funding liquidation related to the country’s hosting of the FIVB Men’s World Championship.

     

    To be fair, the PNVF is also navigating an undeniably difficult situation.

     

    The federation has been forced to rebuild the roster on short notice while dealing with player availability concerns, scheduling conflicts, and the absence of newly appointed head coach Tai Bundit following his car accident in Thailand.

     

    National team programs are rarely built overnight, especially in a country where volleyball stakeholders remain spread across collegiate, club, and commercial systems with competing priorities.

     

    The AVC Women’s Cup itself also arrives during a particularly awkward part of the calendar — immediately after the UAAP season, while many PVL teams are simultaneously rebuilding their rosters ahead of the next conference.

     

    In many ways, the current situation reflects growing pains more than outright conflict.

     

    For the first time in years, Philippine women’s volleyball appeared to be building continuity around a legitimate core of young stars. Expectations also grew alongside the program’s recent rise in international competitiveness.

     

    That is precisely why the current wave of withdrawals feels significant.

     

    Not because players no longer care about representing the country — many of them have repeatedly expressed the opposite — but because today’s athletes are beginning to openly ask for a healthier, more organized, and more sustainable national team environment moving forward.

     

    And perhaps that conversation, uncomfortable as it may be right now, could ultimately become necessary for Alas Pilipinas to truly take the next step.

     

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  • Jia De Guzman, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon among key Alas Pilipinas stars to skip AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup 

    Jia De Guzman, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon among key Alas Pilipinas stars to skip AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup 

    Just weeks before the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup in Candon City, Alas Pilipinas is suddenly facing a different kind of battle — not against another country, but against time and player availability.

     

    What was initially expected to be a continuation of the national team program following the Southeast Asian Games has instead turned into a major rebuilding process after several key members of the previous Alas core declined invitations to return.

     

    Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Anthony Liao confirmed that many of the players from the SEA Games squad, including longtime team captain Jia De Guzman, have already informed the federation that they will not be joining the upcoming AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup set for June 6 to 14 in Candon City.

     

    “The old Alas. We invited them, maybe they’re not available, or they’re not willing to play. They said no, eh. They said they are not interested in playing anymore, so wala na,” said Liao.

     

    “Yung naglaro ng SEA Games, we invited all of them, they said they will not play anymore,” he added.

     

    The withdrawals have left the national team program scrambling for answers less than a month before hosting one of the biggest women’s volleyball tournaments in the region.

     

    Aside from De Guzman, Liao revealed that Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Maddie Madayag have also opted to skip national team duties this time around.

     

    “Jia already replied to Ricky Palou. She’s not playing. Same with Maddie, kasi ang kumo-contact si Taj eh, ‘yung team manager. Ini-inform lang niya ako kung sinong umoo, sinong humindi. Even Belen, nag-no. Solomon daw next year na lang,” he said.

     

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    The uncertainty does not end there.

     

    Other members of the SEA Games squad — including Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, Mars Alba, and Alleiah Malaluan — have yet to fully commit as the federation continues to piece together a workable pool.

     

    At the same time, some players willing to join are now dealing with physical setbacks.

     

    Rising star Shaina Nitura reportedly wanted to suit up for Alas Pilipinas but was forced to beg off because of an undisclosed injury, while Justine Jazareno has expressed interest in joining though no formal commitment has been finalized.

     

    “Nitura naman, injured pero gustong maglaro. ‘Yung Akari, Alba, Sharma, Jazareno, walang reply. Pero I was able to talk to Jazareno sa Candon nung All-Star, she’s willing to play,” Liao shared.

    With the original core slowly thinning out, the federation is now shifting its attention toward younger and available reinforcements.

     

    Liao disclosed that discussions are ongoing with De La Salle University regarding the possible participation of reigning UAAP champions Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, and Amie Provido.

     

    “Definitely, we will be adding. Kasi, right now we only have 11 to 12 players, eh. So the plan really is to have a pool of 20 to 25 players. We’ll talk with the coaches and Coach Tai,” Liao said.

    The timing could hardly be more challenging for the national team.

     

    Recently appointed Alas Pilipinas head coach Tai Bundit is also expected to miss the next two to three months after figuring in a car accident in Thailand, further complicating preparations for the host nation.

     

    Instead of building continuity from the SEA Games campaign, Alas Pilipinas now finds itself rushing to rebuild nearly from scratch — hoping to gather enough healthy and committed players before the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup finally arrives.

     

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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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  • PVL’s most well-spoken stars: Players who lead with words and performance 

    PVL’s most well-spoken stars: Players who lead with words and performance 

    In the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), postgame interviews have become just as compelling as the matches themselves, especially when certain players stand out not only for their performance on the court but also for how they express themselves off it. Some athletes come across as well-spoken in interviews because of a combination of preparation, experience, and natural communication skills. Many teams also provide media training, helping players learn how to answer questions clearly, stay composed under pressure, and represent their squad professionally in front of the media.

     

    Over time, repeated exposure to high-pressure situations plays a major role in shaping how athletes communicate. Veteran players become more comfortable processing emotions quickly and responding with clarity even after intense matches. A deeper understanding of the game also adds substance to their answers, allowing them to break down strategies, momentum shifts, and key moments in a more insightful way.

     

    Jia De Guzman 

     

    Jia De Guzman of the Creamline Cool Smashers continues to set the standard for articulate leadership in the PVL. As Creamline’s veteran setter and Alas Pilipinas captain, she is consistently present in postgame interviews where she explains matches with calm precision. In Creamline’s ongoing Finals run, where they already secured Game 1 against Cignal, De Guzman delivered 22 excellent sets and added four points, showing her control on both ends of the game. 


    Her ability to break down tactical details reflects years of experience dating back to her Ateneo Lady Eagles days. Beyond the court, she has also been vocal on national team concerns, speaking firmly yet calmly about athlete welfare and structured competition.

     

    Vanie Gandler 

     

    Vanie Gandler of the Cignal HD Spikers is another player known for her composed and thoughtful postgame presence. In Cignal’s Finals campaign in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, she remains one of the team’s key scorers, finishing Game 1 against Creamline with 17 attack points and 10 receptions. 

     

    Despite the tough loss, Gandler maintains a positive and reflective tone in interviews, often focusing on resilience, mindset, and improvement. A former Ateneo Lady Eagle like De Guzman, she carries collegiate discipline into her professional career, balancing competitiveness with maturity in her responses.

     

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    Fifi Sharma

     

    Fifi Sharma of the Akari Chargers is known for her structured and straightforward way of speaking after matches. She avoids unnecessary filler and often explains not just what happened, but why it happened. Although Akari fell short of a semifinal spot in the PVL All-Filipino Conference after being eliminated by Creamline in the playoffs, Sharma remained composed in postgame discussions, focusing on clarity and accountability. 

     

    A former De La Salle University standout, she brings UAAP-level discipline into her professional career. She has also occasionally worked as a commentator in PVL games, where her technical understanding of volleyball adds depth to her analysis.

     

    Kim Kianna Dy

     

    Kim Kianna Dy of the PLDT High Speed Hitters is often noted for her relaxed, conversational interview style. In PLDT’s recent PVL All-Filipino Conference bronze medal series, she contributed 16 points in a dramatic five-set Game 1 win over Farm Fresh. Dy’s speaking style often blends English and Filipino naturally or what they usually say “conyo”. 

     

    Reflecting a casual but confident media presence developed through her years with De La Salle University, where she experienced championship runs and MVP-level attention. Despite the informal tone, she remains clear in explaining game flow and consistently highlights teamwork and support from her squad.

     

    Ponggay Gaston

     

    Ponggay Gaston of the Capital1 Solar Spikers stands out for her energetic and engaging communication style. Known for her humor, personality, and great banter, she is also well known as a commentator in volleyball games. As a commentator, she brings the game to life through clear, engaging, and knowledgeable narration. She has a strong understanding of volleyball tactics and demonstrates excellent timing, knowing when to step in with analysis and when to let the excitement of a rally speak for itself. 

     

    A former Ateneo Lady Eagle, Gaston combines confidence with relatability when speaking to the media. While Capital1 fell short in the PVL Play-In round against Galeries Tower and missed the semifinals, she remained expressive and reflective in postgame interviews, balancing honesty with optimism.

     

    Across these players, one clear pattern emerges: being well-spoken is shaped by experience, collegiate development, leadership roles, and repeated exposure to high-pressure matches. Whether as champions, contenders, or rising talents, their words reflect not only performance—but also growth, awareness, and maturity as professional athletes.

     

    Their collegiate backgrounds also play a significant role in shaping how confidently and articulately they communicate. All of the players mentioned come from two of the most prestigious universities in the country, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University—both part of the UAAP and known for producing elite volleyball talents. These programs have long been recognized for honing not only athletic excellence but also discipline, leadership, and communication skills, helping shape professional athletes who are just as composed off the court as they are competitive on it.

     

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  • “Familiar territory for us”: Jia De Guzman savors PVL Finals return after three-year absence 

    “Familiar territory for us”: Jia De Guzman savors PVL Finals return after three-year absence 

    Game 1 did not simply hand the lead to the Creamline Cool Smashers—it reintroduced something far more familiar.

     

    For a franchise long defined by sustained dominance, the Cool Smashers did more than secure a straight-sets victory over the Cignal HD Spikers. They looked like themselves again—disciplined, composed, and ruthlessly efficient—and that, more than the final scoreline, was what unsettled Cignal in the opening game of the finals.

     

    The 25-22, 25-18, 25-16 result at the Smart Araneta Coliseum only captured a fraction of the narrative. What unfolded was not simply a case of Cignal underperforming under pressure, but rather Creamline rediscovering its championship rhythm at an ideal moment in the series.

     

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    The Super Spikers entered the finals well-prepared and battle-tested, having navigated a difficult postseason path marked by multiple elimination scares. However, instead of being overwhelmed by the magnitude of the occasion, they found themselves confronting a Creamline side that offered little margin for error, controlling stretches of the match with poise and precision.

     

    Much of that control was orchestrated by veteran setter Jia De Guzman, who delivered a composed performance in what was her first PVL Finals appearance in three years. Returning from a two-season stint in Japan’s V.League with the Denso AiryBees, De Guzman showed little sign of rust, finishing with 22 excellent sets while steering Creamline’s offense with her usual calm authority.

     

    For De Guzman, the familiarity of championship pressure played a key role in how Creamline approached the moment.

    “I think ‘familiar’ is the better word for it. A lot of us were talking before the game about what the feeling is coming into today’s game. Every championship is different, but it is familiar territory for us because we have had experiences before. But we know after this Game 1 is different from Game 2, and we have to do our best to close out as much as possible because we know Cignal is a good team. They gave us a hard time in the whole conference,” De Guzman said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    The 30-year-old playmaker, who also captains the Alas Pilipinas program, further reinforced her status as one of the most decorated figures in PVL history, with four Most Valuable Player awards and multiple championship titles highlighting her career.

     

    Creamline’s approach in Game 1 was also shaped by previous encounters in the conference, where Cignal had pushed them to the limit in both the Play-In and semifinal rounds. That added layer of adversity, according to De Guzman, served as motivation rather than pressure.

     

    “We know what happened in the regular round. Tapos na ‘yun. The finals are a different story. And we did our best to prepare, to work with the strengths of Creamline, and believe that we can execute the best way we can coming into this game. And we are thankful that we were very focused from start to finish,” she added.

     

    Despite taking a crucial 1-0 series lead, De Guzman emphasized that Creamline’s work is far from finished, especially with Cignal expected to respond strongly in Game 2. The Cool Smashers are now targeting their 11th PVL championship, but the veteran setter stressed the importance of recovery and discipline moving forward.

     

    “We are optimistic. We are thankful that the team is slowly coming together. We are peaking at the right time. But Game 2 will be a different kind of fight. For now, the instruction is to rest and recover tonight, then go back to training tomorrow. No matter the result today, we stay focused,” De Guzman concluded.

     

    Game 2 now shifts back to the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, April 23, where both Creamline and Cignal are expected to raise the level of intensity in what could prove to be a pivotal clash in the best-of-three championship series.

     

     

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  • Jia De Guzman praises rise of modern setters in Philippine volleyball

    Jia De Guzman praises rise of modern setters in Philippine volleyball

    After a two-year hiatus from the domestic scene, Jia De Guzman has finally made her much-anticipated return to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), once again donning the colors of the Creamline Cool Smashers in the ongoing 2026 All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Widely regarded as one of the greatest volleyball players in Philippine history—and arguably the finest setter the PVL has ever seen—De Guzman resumes her domestic career with an already decorated résumé. The 30-year-old playmaker owns eight PVL Best Setter awards and holds the league’s all-time record for most excellent sets in a single match with 71, a testament to her consistency, court vision, and leadership.

     

    Her return comes after a successful stint overseas with the Denso Airybees in the V.League, where she further refined her craft against top international competition. Now back in the Philippines as captain of Alas Pilipinas, De Guzman brings with her a wealth of experience—and a fresh perspective on how the local game has evolved during her absence.

     

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    In her recent outing, De Guzman tallied 31 excellent sets in Creamline’s tough loss to the Cignal HD Spikers, a performance that highlighted her steady playmaking despite the defeat. However, the spotlight was shared with opposing setter Gel Cayuna, who delivered an impressive 35 excellent sets to help deny Creamline an outright semifinal berth.

    Following the match, De Guzman spoke candidly about the noticeable transformation among setters in the league, particularly their growing role as offensive contributors rather than just facilitators.

     

    “It’s a huge thing when setters are also part of the offense. It leaves the opponent guessing. Gel played very well today, with the help of her teammates. I love seeing the evolution of setters here in the Philippines. The league gets more excited. I am excited to see the upcoming games,” De Guzman said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    Her remarks reflect a broader shift in Philippine volleyball, where modern setters are now expected to be more dynamic—capable of scoring, attacking on second balls, and dictating tempo beyond traditional playmaking duties. For De Guzman, who has long been a standard-bearer at the position, this evolution signals a promising future for the sport.

     

    Despite Creamline’s setback, De Guzman continues to lead the league in the Best Setter race, amassing 196 excellent sets for an average of 5.44 per set—numbers that reaffirm her elite status even after time spent competing abroad.

     

    As the conference enters a crucial stretch, the Cool Smashers now turn their attention to a high-stakes Play-In matchup against the Akari Chargers on Tuesday, April 7, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. With their championship aspirations hanging in the balance, Creamline will once again rely on De Guzman’s leadership, composure, and playmaking brilliance to guide them forward.

     

    Her return not only strengthens Creamline’s bid for another title but also adds another compelling chapter to her already storied career—one that continues to shape and elevate Philippine volleyball.

     

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas skipper Jia De Guzman breaks silence on Philippine volleyball draft controversy

    Alas Pilipinas skipper Jia De Guzman breaks silence on Philippine volleyball draft controversy

    Philippine volleyball is currently facing a period of intense scrutiny, as controversies surrounding athlete welfare and program structure continue to dominate headlines. At the center of the debate is the proposed draft system for the Alas Pilipinas Women, which has sparked widespread discussion across the volleyball community.

     

    The proposed system reportedly requires invited players to commit exclusively to the national team pool, a provision that has raised serious questions about athlete autonomy and long-term career planning. Many players and stakeholders have voiced concern that such a policy may force athletes into difficult decisions, potentially compromising their professional opportunities in domestic leagues.

     

    The situation has been further complicated by lingering issues regarding alleged unpaid bonuses to former head coach Jorge de Brito, adding another layer of tension to an already sensitive matter. These financial disputes, combined with structural concerns in the federation, have fueled criticism from fans, former athletes, and industry insiders alike.

     

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    Amid the controversy, Jia De Guzman, captain and star player of Alas Pilipinas, spoke out in a series of Instagram posts, sharing her thoughts after taking time to “step back and process everything before speaking.”

     

    “Representing the country has always meant a lot to me, and I know that pride is shared by so many athletes—but more than that, it’s something we have a responsibility to protect and build for generations that come after us,” De Guzman wrote.

     

    The 30-year-old superstar addressed key concerns about the draft system and the overall environment for national team athletes, emphasizing the need for support and balance.

     

    “At the same time, I believe athletes should be in an environment where they can continue to grow, compete, and be supported—without being put in a position where they have to choose between the national team and their careers in the league. That part I don’t really understand. But again, despite this, we also remain open to dialogue. We just hope that it is formal, meaningful, and talaga with a genuine desire to address the needs of the athlete,” she said.

    De Guzman also highlighted broader issues in Philippine volleyball, noting that athlete welfare extends beyond financial compensation. She outlined three areas that require urgent attention:

    1. Comprehensive athlete welfare: “It’s not just compensation, but development, preparation, and long-term sustainability.”
    2. Structured and meaningful competition: “It’s not just about the volume of games that we play, but the right kind of exposure at the right time, ensuring athletes have the opportunity to grow without being overworked.”
    3. Alignment between the federation and local leagues: “There needs to be coordination so that competition, training, and recovery are properly balanced, creating a sustainable ecosystem for athletes at every level.”

    Her comments shed light on the complexity of managing national teams in a developing volleyball landscape, where professional, developmental, and international priorities must all be carefully balanced.

     

    The Philippine National Volleyball Federation, led by Tony Boy Liao, has acknowledged the concerns and expressed its commitment to listening and evolving.

     

    “The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) acknowledges the sentiments and concerns shared by our volleyball community, including those surrounding the Alas Draft and athlete welfare. As the sport’s governing body, we remain committed to building a sustainable, inclusive, and athlete-centered path forward,” the federation said in a statement.

     

    As tensions continue, stakeholders are watching closely to see what concrete steps the federation will take to address these issues. While policy adjustments may be necessary, De Guzman’s comments underscore the broader need for open communication, transparency, and collaboration between players, coaches, leagues, and governing bodies.

     

    For Philippine volleyball to progress sustainably, the community agrees that reforms cannot focus solely on rules and regulations. Instead, meaningful change will require shared responsibility, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to placing athlete welfare at the forefront—ensuring that the pride of representing the country does not come at the expense of players’ careers or well-being.

     

    With the upcoming international competitions and domestic league schedules looming, the decisions made in the coming months could have lasting implications for the sport and its athletes, shaping the future of volleyball in the Philippines for years to come.

     

     

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  • Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza laud Bella Belen’s competitive fire

    Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza laud Bella Belen’s competitive fire

    Rookie standout Bella Belen is quickly turning her debut campaign into one of the defining storylines of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, blending explosive scoring with refined all-around play to emerge as the centerpiece of the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    Through the opening stretch of the conference, Belen leads the league’s Best Scorers list with a commanding 106 total points. Her output — 96 attacks, seven blocks, and just three faults — highlights not only her scoring volume but also her efficiency. On a nightly basis, the 23-year-old has carried the offensive burden for Capital1, often absorbing the brunt of opposing teams’ top defensive schemes.

     

    Her influence goes beyond raw production. Belen ranks third among the league’s Best Spikers, converting 96 of 266 attempts for a 36.09 percent success rate. The mark underscores her ability to sustain efficiency despite heavy usage — an uncommon trait for a rookie navigating the demands of the professional level.

     

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    Still, Capital1’s heavy reliance on Belen has become a growing talking point.

    That dependence was evident in the Solar Spikers’ straight-sets defeat, 18-25, 24-26, 20-25, to defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, February 21, at the FilOil Centre. Belen once again delivered a standout performance with 26 points, but offensive support was limited. Ypril Tapi added just four markers as the next-highest scorer, underscoring the pronounced scoring gap.

     

    Despite the loss, Belen’s competitiveness drew praise from Creamline’s veteran leaders Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza, who commended not only her talent but also her relentless drive.

     

    “Yung number one kay Bella diyan, she is very competitive, like what we expected. As much as we want to put a stop to her scoring, na-expect din namin na she will keep scoring, and she will fight until the end,” De Guzman said in a media interaction.

     

    “Makikita mo talaga sa kanya na yung fighting spirit niya. Siya yung mga pro na hindi susuko. Kaya siya pa yung magbibigay talaga ng motivation sa teammates niya. So, sobrang happy lang for her na ang laki na, mas go-grow siya ngayon sa pro,” Galanza added.

     

    For all of Belen’s individual brilliance, the Solar Spikers sit at 2-3, good for seventh place and the lower half of the standings. As the conference unfolds, establishing greater offensive balance and strengthening team chemistry will be critical if Capital1 hopes to translate its rookie star’s breakout run into sustained success.

     

    The Solar Spikers aim to rebound — and ease the scoring load on Belen — when they face the Farm Fresh Foxies on Thursday, February 26, at the FilOil Centre, a pivotal opportunity to regain momentum and prove that their rising star’s brilliance can fuel collective gains.

     

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez reflects on ‘trauma bond’ with Jia De Guzman after PVL reunion

    Alyssa Valdez reflects on ‘trauma bond’ with Jia De Guzman after PVL reunion

    After a two-year absence from the domestic league, Jia De Guzman finally made her long-awaited return to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), suiting up once again for the Creamline Cool Smashers in the ongoing 2026 All-Filipino Conference.

     

    For De Guzman, the comeback was more than just another appearance on the court—it was a homecoming.

     

    The Philippine women’s national volleyball team captain wasted no time reminding fans why she remains one of the country’s premier setters. In Creamline’s 22-25, 25-17, 25-17, 25-18 victory over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Tuesday, February 17, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City, De Guzman delivered an all-around performance that underscored both her leadership and versatility.

     

    She finished with 10 points—an impressive tally for a setter—including six kills, two service aces, and two blocks. Beyond the numbers, however, it was her court vision, decision-making, and composure that steadied Creamline after dropping the opening set. De Guzman orchestrated the offense with precision, redistributing touches and maximizing her hitters as the Cool Smashers regained control of the match.

     

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    Her return also marked the reunion of one of Philippine volleyball’s most iconic duos.

     

    De Guzman and Alyssa Valdez share a bond that traces back to their collegiate days with the Ateneo Lady Eagles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). Together, they formed the backbone of Ateneo’s rise to prominence, leading the Lady Eagles to two UAAP women’s volleyball championships and ushering in a golden era for the program.

     

    Years later, their chemistry remains intact.

    Valdez described their partnership as something forged not just by wins and trophies, but by shared struggles and sacrifices.

     

    “There is something different about us because of everything we went through together since college. We have built that ‘trauma bond’ over the years – the sacrifices we made playing volleyball wasn’t easy,” Valdez said in a media interaction.

     

    Their journey together included grueling training sessions, heartbreaking losses, and the immense pressure of carrying Ateneo’s title aspirations. Those experiences, Valdez explained, strengthened not just their on-court connection but their mutual understanding as competitors and leaders.

     

    “So it’s really nice to see her take command now, especially with what she wants to do for the team and how she wants to keep improving herself as a setter. As her teammate, I really appreciate that,” she added.

     

    For Creamline, De Guzman’s return comes at a pivotal time in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference. The Cool Smashers are once again positioning themselves as title contenders, and having a seasoned international campaigner at the helm significantly boosts their championship aspirations.

     

    De Guzman has spent the past two years competing overseas and representing the Philippines in international tournaments, experiences that have sharpened her game and expanded her leadership perspective. Now back in the PVL, she brings that global exposure to a Creamline squad eager to maintain its dominance.

     

    More than just a reunion story, De Guzman’s comeback signals stability for the Cool Smashers. With Valdez providing firepower on the wings and De Guzman dictating tempo from the setter position, Creamline regains the core that once defined its championship runs.

     

    As the conference progresses, all eyes will be on how this rekindled partnership evolves—and whether their shared “trauma bond” can once again translate into another title charge.

    For now, one thing is certain: Jia De Guzman is back in the PVL, and Creamline looks stronger because of it.

     

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