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Tag: PVL

  • Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons to put PVL careers on hold again for Asian Games run 

    Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons to put PVL careers on hold again for Asian Games run 

    For a few more months, the sand will once again take priority over the hardwood for two of Philippine volleyball’s biggest stars.

     

    Creamline’s Bernadeth Pons and Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina are preparing to step away from the Premier Volleyball League grind later this year as they redirect their focus toward another major mission with Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball — the 20th Asian Games in Japan this September.

     

    The move means two of the league’s most recognizable and impactful wing spikers will temporarily disappear from the indoor scene right in the middle of the PVL calendar, with both expected to miss the upcoming PVL On Tour and potentially even the Invitational Conference should their respective teams advance deep enough.

     

    For Rondina and Pons, however, this is no ordinary absence.

     

    This is about returning to the partnership that has repeatedly carried Philippine beach volleyball onto the international stage.

     

    Fresh off their historic gold medal run in the Southeast Asian Games, the longtime “SiPons” tandem is once again shifting into national team mode — this time with the Asian Games looming as their next major target.

     

    Currently competing in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour in Nuvali, the pair has already begun ramping up preparations as they trade indoor systems and six-player rotations for the demands of the sand game once more.

     

    Their decision creates a noticeable void for both mother clubs. Rondina has long been the emotional engine and offensive centerpiece of Choco Mucho, while Pons remains one of the most dependable veterans in Creamline’s championship-loaded core.

     

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    But for all the success both have built indoors, the beach partnership they formed through the years continues to demand sacrifices — and both players appear more than willing to make them again.

     

    The setup is far from unfamiliar. Over the last few seasons, Rondina and Pons have repeatedly balanced PVL duties with national team commitments, often bouncing between indoor and beach volleyball while carrying the Philippine flag in international competitions.

     

    This latest pause simply adds another chapter to that juggling act. And while their clubs will need to survive without them for part of the season, the absence is not expected to last indefinitely.

     

    Rondina confirmed that both players are eyeing a return by the season-ending Reinforced Conference later this year, allowing them to eventually rejoin their PVL squads after their Asian Games campaign concludes.

     

    Until then, though, the country’s most accomplished beach volleyball duo is heading back to familiar territory — chasing another podium finish, this time on one of Asia’s biggest stages.

     

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  • Nxled turns Cignal fallout into major roster rebuild with Gel Cayuna, Jackie Acuña signings 

    Nxled turns Cignal fallout into major roster rebuild with Gel Cayuna, Jackie Acuña signings 

    Nxled Chameleons is wasting little time capitalizing on the sudden shake-up caused by Cignal’s leave of absence.

     

    What initially looked like a league-wide scramble for available talent is quickly turning into a calculated roster rebuild for the Chameleons, who added two more prized names from the former Super Spikers core after officially acquiring veteran setter Gel Cayuna and middle blocker Jackie Acuña on Saturday.

     

    The pair became the latest former Cignal standouts to secure new teams following the franchise’s surprising exit from the PVL, joining former MVPs Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos at Capital1, while Erin Pangilinan found a new home with Creamline.

     

    For Nxled, however, the signings feel less like simple replacements and more like another major step toward accelerating the franchise’s rise.

     

    Cayuna immediately gives the Chameleons one of the league’s most experienced and decorated setters. Long regarded as one of the PVL’s top floor generals, she carries five Best Setter awards, including the recognition she captured during the 2026 All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Acuña, meanwhile, adds another growing presence at the net after steadily emerging as one of the league’s reliable middle blockers. The former National University standout previously won Best Middle Blocker honors during the 2024 Invitational Conference and continues to establish herself as one of the more valuable frontcourt players in the market.

     

    What makes the duo’s arrival even more fitting is how similar their journeys have been.

     

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    Neither Cayuna nor Acuña entered the professional ranks carrying overwhelming hype. Cayuna developed into an elite setter after coming out of Far Eastern University, while Acuña gradually built her reputation following her collegiate stint at National University.

     

    Years later, both unexpectedly became two of the most sought-after names available following Cignal’s withdrawal.

     

    Now they join an Nxled squad that already carries a strong Petro Gazz influence, headlined by three-time MVP Brooke Van Sickle alongside fellow former Angels stars Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips under Italian coach Ettore Guidetti.

     

    With every new signing, the Chameleons continue transforming from a developing franchise into one of the more intriguing teams entering the PVL’s next chapter.

     

    At the same time, the rapid movement of former Cignal stars across the league continues reshaping the competitive landscape — and Nxled may have quietly positioned itself as one of the biggest winners from the offseason chaos.

     

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

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

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

     

     

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

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

    The deciding fifth set only added more drama.

     

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

     

    But championship experience ultimately carried Creamline through.

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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  • Top 5 Picks in the making? PVL draft class raises big questions on who deserves the top spot 

    Top 5 Picks in the making? PVL draft class raises big questions on who deserves the top spot 

    With the Premier Volleyball League Draft Rookie Draft fast approaching and the annual draw set for May 25, the professional volleyball landscape is once again bracing for an influx of young talent ready to make the leap from collegiate stardom to the pro stage.

     

    As both the UAAP and NCAA seasons conclude, attention naturally shifts to the graduating seniors and early professional entrants.

     

    This year’s draft class stands out not just for depth, but for the number of players who have already proven themselves as franchise-caliber talents in their own right. More than prospects, they are proven leaders, award winners, and system-changers.

     

    1. Detdet Pepito

    The steady backbone of the UST Golden Tigresses. A multiple-time Best Libero awardee in both junior and senior divisions, Pepito enters the draft with a résumé built on consistency and leadership. 

     

    Twice named UAAP Best Libero (Seasons 85 and 86), she anchored UST through five straight Final Four appearances, including a runner-up finish in Season 86 during their breakthrough campaign. Her defensive instincts, court command, and leadership presence make her one of the most polished and pro-ready names in this class.

     

    2. Zam Nolasco

     

    The Season 101 MVP of the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Women’s Volleyball Team. After leading the Lady Blazers to a runner-up finish, Nolasco confirmed her intention to turn professional, closing a decorated collegiate run highlighted by a championship core from 2022 to 2025. 

     

    She also earned her first Best Middle Blocker award in NCAA Season 100 and had prior exposure in the PVL as a guest player for the Farm Fresh Foxies during the 2023 Invitational Conference. Her combination of winning pedigree and pro experience makes her one of the most intriguing frontcourt prospects in the draft pool.

     

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    3. Lams Lamina

     

    A two-time UAAP Best Setter, Lamina has long been the engine behind NU’s championship-caliber system. Her final collegiate season further reinforced her reputation as a high-IQ playmaker capable of controlling tempo under pressure. 

     

    With multiple Finals appearances already under her belt, she enters the draft conversation as a potential top overall selection due to her leadership, composure, and elite distribution skills.

     

    4. Niña Ytang 

     

    UP Fighting Maroons Women’s Volleyball Team standout middle blocker. One of the most productive middle blockers in recent UAAP history, Ytang finished Season 88 as the league’s highest-scoring middle blocker with 172 total points, built from 126 attacks, 35 blocks, and 11 aces. 

     

    A four-time Second Best Middle Blocker awardee, she brings both offensive efficiency and defensive presence at the net — a rare combination that makes her a legitimate top-pick candidate.

     

    5. Tin Ubaldo 

     

    To round the list, the former FEU Lady Tamaraws, a veteran setter whose steady hand has kept FEU competitive in tightly contested UAAP seasons. 

     

    Ranking fourth among setters with 3.96 excellent sets per set at the end of eliminations, Ubaldo may not always dominate headlines, but her ability to stabilize offenses and manage game flow makes her an ideal piece for teams in need of structure and consistency at the setter position.

     

    As the draft draws closer, one thing is becoming clear, it is not just a class of promising rookies. It is a group of ready-made contributors — players who have already carried programs, won awards, and thrived in high-pressure environments. For PVL teams, the challenge will not be finding talent. It will be deciding which proven collegiate leader to build around next.

     

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

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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  • Rald Ricafort to receive PVL Coach of the Year honors after PLDT’s breakthrough season

    Rald Ricafort to receive PVL Coach of the Year honors after PLDT’s breakthrough season

    After steering the High Speed Hitters to a flawless championship run across the season’s first two conferences, Ricafort is set to be honored as Coach of the Year at the upcoming second PVL Press Corps Awards Night on May 30.


    The High Speed Hitters stormed through the inaugural PVL on Tour without dropping a match, securing the franchise’s first professional championship before carrying that momentum into the Invitationals. 

     

    By the end of the run, PLDT had built an impressive 15-game winning streak — a stretch that established the club as one of the league’s new standard-bearers.

     

    Ricafort’s influence extended beyond tactics. Under his leadership, PLDT evolved into one of the PVL’s most disciplined and balanced teams after previously struggling to sustain deep playoff success. 

     

    The veteran coach collected 11 total points in the Coach of the Year voting, drawing an average of 7.8 media votes and 3.2 team votes to finish ahead of former Cignal mentor Shaq Delos Santos and Sherwin Meneses of Creamline.

     

    His steady climb with the franchise became more evident throughout the season. PLDT first secured a fourth-place finish in the Reinforced Conference before capturing its first-ever bronze medal in the All-Filipino Conference, signaling that the team’s championship breakthrough was no longer a one-conference surprise but part of a larger progression.

     

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    Still, while PLDT emerged as the season’s biggest riser, the recent conference champion, Creamline Cool Smashers once again reminded the league why their dynasty continues to define the PVL era.

     

    After enduring one of the rarest dips in their dominant run, the Cool Smashers answered every question about their staying power by reclaiming the spotlight with their 11th championship. 

     

    That resilience earned Creamline its second straight Team of the Year award at the annual rites. Cool Smashers finished with 10.4 total points in the voting, 6.0 from media members, and 4.4 from team votes which is comfortably ahead of both PLDT and Cignal.

     

    For perhaps the first time in years, the Cool Smashers entered a conference without the aura of inevitability. The rest of the league had caught up considerably, with deeper rosters, stronger imports, and more organized systems challenging Creamline’s long-standing supremacy.

     

    Even with the return of stars like Bernadeth Pons, Jia de Guzman, and Jema Galanza, the road back to the top was anything but smooth. Creamline found itself pushed into multiple do-or-die situations during the 2026 All-Filipino Conference, while Cignal repeatedly threatened to break the team’s grip on the title.

     

    But when the pressure intensified, the Cool Smashers leaned on the championship composure built through years of winning.

     

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  • Vanie Gandler embraces pressure of leading Capital1’s new era 

    Vanie Gandler embraces pressure of leading Capital1’s new era 

    For Vanie Gandler, the move to Capital1 Solar Spikers was never simply about transferring teams.

    It was about choosing to start over after finally finding success.

     

    Just weeks removed from helping Cignal Super Spikers reach its breakthrough Finals appearance in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Gandler suddenly found herself facing a reality few players expected — the team she helped elevate was stepping away from the league.

     

    For many stars, that kind of uncertainty could have stalled momentum. Instead, the reigning PVL MVP chose to view it differently.

     

    “It wasn’t easy, especially with the season that we came out of. We finally reached the Finals for the first time in the All-Filipino Conference, so it was really heartbreaking,” she told reporters.

    “But you know, in life you always have to move forward. So I took this as a new challenge for me,” she added.

     

    That mindset ultimately led her to Capital1, a franchise still trying to establish itself among the PVL’s elite.

     

    The Solar Spikers already made headlines after securing top rookie Bella Belen, but despite flashes of promise, the team continued to struggle for consistency in recent conferences.

    Now, the pressure shifts.

     

    Gandler arrives not only as the league’s reigning MVP, but also as one of the faces expected to accelerate Capital1’s climb from rebuilding squad into legitimate contender.

     

    And she understands exactly what the challenge demands.

     

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    “Coming into the pros was a challenge, choosing a team was a challenge, and it ended up working. So I really just balanced where I could see I could grow, and I see that in Capital1 with everyone’s willingness to build a team,” said Gandler.

     

    “It’s my new challenge to help the team also build and write a new story.”

     

    That “new story” suddenly looks far more ambitious with Gandler and fellow former Cignal star Erika Santos joining forces with Belen.

     

    On paper, the trio instantly gives Capital1 one of the most intriguing offensive cores in the league — a blend of proven star power, rising talent, and fresh chemistry still waiting to fully unfold.

     

    But beyond the roster moves, the transfer also reflects something bigger for Gandler personally.

     

    For years, much of her journey revolved around proving she belonged among the PVL’s top names. She accomplished that with Cignal, transforming from promising prospect into league MVP and Finals centerpiece.

     

    Now comes a different responsibility: helping build a winning culture from the ground up.

    Capital1 owner Milka Romero made it clear the franchise is aiming far beyond simply becoming competitive.

     

    “And welcoming now experienced veterans is, I think, what we need to put an exclamation point to what the purpose of the team is, which is, of course, to win, to hopefully may a championship along the line,” Romero said.

     

    For Gandler, the challenge ahead may be unfamiliar. But after already navigating heartbreak, uncertainty, and major career decisions in just a matter of weeks, starting over no longer feels quite as intimidating.

     

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

    Erika Santos embraces fresh start with Capital1 after emotional Cignal exit 

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

    That shared experience may become Capital1’s biggest advantage.

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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  • Jaja Maraguinot eager to rebuild career after signing with Capital1 Solar Spikers 

    Jaja Maraguinot eager to rebuild career after signing with Capital1 Solar Spikers 

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers made one of the most aggressive roster overhauls in recent Premier Volleyball League history on Thursday, May 14, signaling a decisive shift in identity as the franchise moves from rebuilding project to legitimate title contender ahead of the upcoming season.

     

    After previously positioning themselves as a developing squad focused on growth and chemistry, Capital1’s latest moves suggest a dramatic change in direction. The organization has now assembled a significantly strengthened core headlined by the acquisitions of former Cignal HD Spikers standouts Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, both of whom are expected to immediately elevate the team’s offensive firepower.

     

    The Solar Spikers further reinforced their lineup with veteran setter Jaja Santiago, a move that significantly strengthens their playmaking stability and leadership presence on the court. The addition of high-level experience across multiple positions underscores Capital1’s intent to compete right away with the PVL’s established powerhouses rather than gradually building toward contention.

     

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    Another key acquisition that flew under the radar amid the headline signings was former Nxled Chameleons playmaker Jaja Maraguinot, who officially joined the Solar Spikers after parting ways with Nxled earlier in January. While not expected to carry a starting role immediately, Maraguinot adds valuable depth and experience to a stacked roster already loaded with versatile attacking options.

    For Maraguinot, the move represents both a fresh start and an opportunity to revive her career in a competitive environment. She also expressed gratitude toward Capital1 co-owners Milka and Mandy Romero for the opportunity to return to top-level action.

     

    “It was not easy but I’m really thankful for everyone in Capital1, they gave me this opportunity. It’s a process. I have been away from the game for a while. So, it won’t be easy. But we are in the process of making it happen with me in the team. And, I’m very thankful that I was given with this right timing to do that. And, it’s not gonna be easy. But, I’m ready to face the challenges,” Maraguinot said in a media interaction.

     

    Beyond the emotional significance of her return, Maraguinot’s arrival also creates an intriguing reunion scenario within the squad. She will once again share the court with former Ateneo teammates Vanie Gandler, middle blocker Pauline Gaston, and libero Roma Mae Doromal, adding familiarity and chemistry to a rapidly evolving roster.

     

    However, competition for minutes is expected to be intense. Capital1’s wing positions are particularly crowded following the arrivals of Gandler and Santos, alongside emerging talent Bella Belen, which may see Maraguinot initially deployed in a backup or rotational role as she works her way back into peak form.

     

    “In our terms, I will just dish it out to whoever has the hot hands,” she concluded.

     

    With a retooled roster, strengthened depth across all positions, and a clear shift in competitive ambition, the Solar Spikers are now positioning themselves as one of the most intriguing teams to watch heading into the new PVL season — a squad no longer content with development alone, but one ready to challenge the league’s established hierarchy.

     

     

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