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Tag: Michele Gumabao

  • Michele Gumabao powers shorthanded Creamline past Nxled with 18 points in PVL On Tour opener 

    Michele Gumabao powers shorthanded Creamline past Nxled with 18 points in PVL On Tour opener 

    With several of Creamline’s biggest stars watching from the sidelines, Michele Gumabao made sure the defending champions never missed a beat. 


    Showing both poise and experience, Gumabao delivered 18 points built on 16 attacks, one block, and one ace to spearhead Creamline’s offense.

     

    Cool Smashers proved that its championship pedigree runs far deeper than its star-studded lineup, opening its 2026 Premier Volleyball League On Tour Showdown campaign with a convincing 25-18, 25-23, 16-25, 25-19 victory over Nxled on Wednesday at the Capital Arena.

     

    Creamline entered the tournament without several of their biggest names. Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez, Bea De Leon, and Pangs Panaga were all unavailable, while veteran setter Jia De Guzman remained on national team duty with Alas Pilipinas. 

     

    Yet the depleted roster showed little sign of slowing down, relying on contributions from both veterans and fresh faces to secure the opening-day win.

     

    Lorie Bernardo also provided steady support with 13 points, while newcomer Ishie Lalongisip wasted no time making an impact in her first outing for the Cool Smashers after transferring from Cignal, finishing with nine points.

     

    Creamline’s offense also flowed smoothly under the direction of Kyle Negrito, who produced 16 excellent sets. On the defensive end, Denden Revilla anchored the serve reception with 16 excellent receptions, while Ella De Jesus contributed nine excellent digs to help neutralize Nxled’s attacks.

     

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    The victory also came with P100,000 in prize money for Creamline, while Nxled received P50,000 as runner-up.

     

    “Siyempre, masaya ako kasi nag-perform nang maganda ‘yung team namin. Kahit ‘yung mga seniors namin ‘di nakalaro, ‘yun naman ‘yung maka-experience sila ng ganitong laro. Magandang laro. So masaya,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.

     

    Despite falling short, Nxled showed resilience after extending the match to four sets by claiming the third frame.

     

    Middle blocker MJ Phillips paced the Chameleons with 13 points, while EJ Laure chipped in 12 markers. Rookie Irah Jaboneta and veteran Jonah Sabete-Escamillan also reached double figures with 11 points apiece.

     

    Another notable storyline was the appearance of former Cignal standouts in new uniforms. Lalongisip suited up for Creamline, while Gel Cayuna, Jackie Acuna, and Erin Pangilinan now represented Nxled, adding an extra layer of familiarity to the season-opening encounter.

     

    Cayuna, who was invited to the Alas Pilipinas pool but reportedly begged off, handled playmaking duties for the Chameleons and finished with 22 excellent sets.

     

    Creamline returns to action on August 8 against a revamped Capital1 squad in Santiago, Isabela, looking to build on a strong opening performance led by Gumabao. Nxled, meanwhile, will seek its first win when it takes on the Solar Spikers on July 25 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. 

     

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  • “There are no excuses for us anymore”: Michele Gumabao confident in full-strength Creamline squad

    “There are no excuses for us anymore”: Michele Gumabao confident in full-strength Creamline squad

    The Creamline Cool Smashers, one of the Premier Volleyball League’s (PVL) most dominant teams, are determined to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 calendar year — their first season since 2018 without a single conference championship.

     

    Fresh off a historic Grand Slam in 2024, where Creamline captured all three titles — the All-Filipino, Invitational, and Reinforced Conferences — the team faced an unexpected setback last year, falling short of their lofty standards. Despite the challenges, star opposite hitter Michele Gumabao remains confident that Creamline can reclaim its winning ways in the ongoing All-Filipino Conference, pointing to the return of a fully-fit roster as a major boost.

     

    “Very motivated ang Creamline talaga. I think mas naging focused kami on the details. Mas naging mindful kami of all our mistakes and our errors and our shortcomings, so mas focused, I would say, mas determined,” Gumabao said during a media interaction.

     

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    The veteran player emphasized that the team is entering this season with a renewed sense of purpose and accountability.

     

    “There are no excuses for us anymore this year. Kompleto kami, we are healthy, and we wanna play our best, so looking forward talaga to this season if makamit namin ‘yung mga goals namin,” she added.

    One of the biggest factors in Creamline’s renewed optimism is the return of key players. The team will be at full strength this conference, welcoming back Alas Pilipinas captain Jia De Guzman, who returns after a three-year absence, and Bernadeth Pons, fresh from her stint with the Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball squad. Gumabao highlighted the significance of having a complete, healthy roster for the first time in a long while.

     

    “Sana tuloy-tuloy ‘yung pagiging healthy ng team. Ang dami naming teammates na babalik — may galing abroad, may galing national team, may galing injury. Matagal na rin na hindi kami naging kompleto sabay-sabay na conditioned. Even our first six, parang hindi pa rin talaga naglalaro for quite a while,” she said.

     

    The 33-year-old star stressed that while Creamline boasts experience and talent, they will not take anything for granted on the court. Maintaining performance and conditioning remains a priority as the team aims to regain its championship form.

     

    “Lagi namang mataas ang expectations namin for each other. We always aim to reach the end, but we still need to maintain performance and conditioning,” Gumabao concluded.

     

    Creamline is set to open their All-Filipino Conference campaign on Thursday, February 5, facing the PLDT High Speed Hitters at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan. The matchup is more than just an opener; it is an early test of whether Creamline’s renewed roster, blending returning veterans and fully conditioned stars, can quickly regain the dominance that has long defined the franchise.

     

    As the PVL All-Filipino Conference kicks off, all eyes will be on Creamline — a team seeking not just to win games, but to reestablish its legacy as a powerhouse in Philippine volleyball. With a fully-fit squad, heightened focus, and a hunger to reclaim their former glory, the Cool Smashers are poised to make a strong statement right from the opening whistle.

     

     

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  • Filipino Volleyball’s Dual Threats: PVL Stars Who Shine On and Off the Court

    Filipino Volleyball’s Dual Threats: PVL Stars Who Shine On and Off the Court

    In the Philippines’ vibrant volleyball scene, several Premier Volleyball League (PVL) athletes are not only dominating the court but also making waves in fashion, modeling, and media — proving that elite sport and personal branding can go hand in hand. These players balance demanding athletic careers with influential off‑court personas that extend their reach far beyond the net.

     

    Rachel Anne Daquis — The Queen of Court and Cover

     

    Long before she joined the Rachel Anne Daquis Thunderbelles, Rachel Anne Daquis was already a household name in Philippine volleyball, known for her power, leadership, and charisma on the court. A former FEU Lady Tamaraw and national team standout, she was crowned “Queen Tamaraw” during her collegiate years and has worn multiple club jerseys across two major domestic leagues.

     

    Behind the spikes and serves, Daquis cultivated a strong media profile, appearing on FHM Philippines’ October 2014 cover and earning a spot among the country’s sexiest women, which boosted her crossover appeal beyond sport. She has also taken on ambassador roles and pursued entrepreneurial ventures like RAD Fitness and a bakery in Spain, illustrating a unique blend of athletic success and lifestyle influence.

     

    Majoy Baron — Middle Blocker, MVP, and Style Muse

     

    Majoy Baron has long been admired not just for her on‑court dominance — including a UAAP MVP and multiple Best Blocker awards — but also for her modelesque presence and social media influence. Often featured in fashion editorials and collaborating with beauty and lifestyle brands, Baron bridges the gap between sport and style, engaging fans through creative content and runway‑ready looks.

     

    Kim Kianna Dy — Skillful Opposite and Chic Influencer

     

    Kim Kianna Dy brings her volleyball IQ and powerful play to PLDT’s lineup, and she’s equally known for her engaging personal brand online. While her athletic achievements include significant roles with top collegiate and professional teams, her off‑court persona blends sport with everyday fashion, casual style posts, and lifestyle collaborations that resonate with fans.

     

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    Michele Gumabao — From UAAP Champion to Pageant Podium

     

    Michele Gumabao perfectly captures the multi‑faceted athlete’s journey — a decorated volleyball career at De La Salle University and in the PVL, combined with high‑profile ventures in modeling and pageantry. A Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2018 titleholder and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 2nd runner‑up, Gumabao’s presence transcends the court, promoting athleticism, grace, and media visibility for women in sport.

     

    Vanie Gandler — Cignal Standout and Lifestyle Influencer

     

    Vanie Gandler has emerged as one of the PVL’s exciting young talents with the Cignal HD Spikers, earning praise for her scoring prowess and all‑around play. Off the court, she exudes a relaxed, style‑savvy influencer vibe, regularly sharing lifestyle content, brand partnerships, and fashion‑forward posts that complement her athletic narrative.

     

    Jessey de Leon — Architect of Style and Sport

     

    Jessey de Leon stands out not only as a PVL competitor with PLDT but also as a licensed architect and fashion‑forward model. While balancing design studies and elite sport, de Leon has collaborated with lifestyle and fashion brands, showcasing how diverse passions can coexist with high‑level volleyball commitments.

     

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