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Tag: PVL

  • Candon City takes center stage as PVL All-Stars turn showcase into celebration 

    Candon City takes center stage as PVL All-Stars turn showcase into celebration 

    Before the first serve is even struck, Candon City has already won.

     

    The 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase may officially begin on Friday, but the celebration started days earlier, as the country’s biggest volleyball stars transformed the quiet Ilocos Sur city into the center of the sport—not just through competition, but through connection.

     

    From a warm welcome dinner on Wednesday night to a meaningful tree-planting activity at the Candon Ecopark on Thursday, PVL and Spikers’ Turf standouts embraced a different kind of spotlight—one that went beyond the court. Beneath the calm canopy of trees and far from the noise of packed arenas, the league’s biggest names shared a moment of purpose before shifting gears to high-level action.

     

    That balance between community and competition sets the tone for what promises to be a unique All-Star experience.

     

    Come Friday, the energy shifts to full throttle inside the Candon City Arena.

     

    The showcase opens at 3 p.m. with the Spikers’ Turf All-Star Game, putting the men’s league’s elite on display. But the main event arrives at 5:30 p.m., when the Premier Volleyball League All-Stars take center stage in a highly anticipated clash between Team Heart and Team Hustle.

     

    Team Heart enters with a lineup built on chemistry and star power. With Jia De Guzman orchestrating plays, supported by the firepower of Jema Galanza and the presence of Jeanette Panaga, the squad blends familiarity with versatility. They are joined by rising and established stars alike, including Bella Belen, Majoy Baron, Erika Santos, and Justine Jazareno, under the guidance of PLDT’s Rald Ricafort.

     

    But their depth might be what makes them truly dangerous.

     

    Alyssa Valdez headlines a loaded bench that also features newly crowned MVP Vanie Gandler, along with Dawn Catindig, Gel Cayuna, Myla Pablo, MJ Phillips, and Jean Asis—giving Team Heart multiple options across rotations.

     

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    On the other side, Team Hustle counters with its own brand of firepower and intensity.

    Kim Fajardo leads the charge alongside Kianna Dy and Mika Reyes, forming a core that thrives on experience and composure. Surrounding them are proven performers like Kath Arado, Bernadeth Pons, Eya Laure, and Fifi Sharma, with Rommel Abella calling the shots.

     

    Their second unit ensures there’s no drop in level.

     

    With Brooke Van Sickle and Tots Carlos anchoring the bench, plus contributions expected from Alohi Robins-Hardy, Ivy Lacsina, Jackie Acuña, Alyssa Eroa, and Bea De Leon, Team Hustle is built to sustain pressure from start to finish.

     

    Yet beyond the matchups and star-studded lineups, this year’s showcase carries a deeper meaning.

     

    It’s not just about assembling the best players—it’s about bringing the game closer to the fans, to communities, and to places that rarely get to host this level of talent. For Candon City, this isn’t just an event. It’s a moment.

     

    And by the time the lights shine brightest on Friday night, one thing will already be clear:

    The stars didn’t just come to play—they came to leave a mark.

     

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  • “Hopefully, they find new teams if ever”: Shaq Delos Santos hopes Cignal players get a fresh start

    “Hopefully, they find new teams if ever”: Shaq Delos Santos hopes Cignal players get a fresh start

    For Shaq Delos Santos, the past weeks have felt like standing at two very different sidelines at once—one marked by silence, the other by urgency.


    The veteran coach, long credited for building the Premier Volleyball League contenders Cignal into a consistent powerhouse, now finds himself in an unexpected transition after the Super Spikers’ leave of absence from the league. 

     

    What could have been a period of professional limbo has instead turned into a different kind of responsibility, guiding the UAAP campaign of the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses deeper into Season 88.

     

    The timing is emotionally complex. Cignal had just come off a runner-up finish in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference, falling to the Creamline Cool Smashers in the finals, before the sudden pause in their PVL participation. 

     

    For Delos Santos, who helped shape the team into a perennial podium threat, the shift carried both pride in what was built and uncertainty about what comes next.

     

    “Especially ako, nanghihinayang ako dahil parang for how many years ko sa Cignal, medyo ito yung nangyari. But I think lahat naman may purpose and may reason kung bakit nangyari ito. Siguro, tuloy-tuloy lang and I am sure magiging okay din ang lahat,” Delos Santos said.

     

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    Rather than framing the situation as an ending, Delos Santos has treated it as a pause in a longer narrative. His years with Cignal produced standout talents like AFC MVP Vanie Gandler and national team mainstay Erika Santos, achievements he now reflects on with both fulfillment and a sense of unfinished business.

     

    “Siyempre, sobrang laki ng utang na loob ko sa Cignal. Grabe yung opportunity na binigay nila sa akin. And yung respect na natanggap ko sa kanila, kasi all throughout, nandiyan sila — through ups and downs,” the 46-year-old veteran coach said.

     

    While his next PVL destination remains unclear, his focus has shifted to a more immediate battlefield which is UST’s stepladder run, where every match carries elimination pressure. 

     

    His current priority extends beyond tactics—he has also been actively helping ensure his former Cignal players remain visible to other teams as they search for new opportunities during the league break.

     

    “Siyempre, hopefully, magkaroon ng panibagong teams sila if ever. Ako rin, best effort sa mga kaibigan namin sa ibang teams kung ano ang puwede naming maitulong sa kanila. Siyempre, ayaw naman naming biglang mawawala yung trabaho nila kasi knowing them, pwedeng lumaban talaga,” Delos Santos said.

     

    As UST prepares for a crucial stepladder semifinal clash against National University, Delos Santos has found himself coaching in a different emotional rhythm—less about building a long-term club identity, and more about maximizing short-term survival and momentum.

     

    Still, the door is not closed on Cignal’s return and for Delos Santos, neither is his story with them.

    “Mabigat pa rin at nanghihinayang ako, pero lahat naman may purpose. At kung may opportunity, puwede. Bakit naman kami tatanggi, ‘di ba?” he said. 

     

    “Right now, nag-uusap-usap naman, pero sa ngayon, recover muna. Sa players, hopefully magkaroon sila ng panibagong team, if ever,” Delos Santos added.

     

    For now, his journey continues in motion—one program paused, another advancing—but both still very much shaped by the same coach learning to carry change without losing direction.

     

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  • Santos, Acuna, Gandler share emotional messages after Cignal’s withdrawal from PVL

    Santos, Acuna, Gandler share emotional messages after Cignal’s withdrawal from PVL

    Just as the Cignal Super Spikers appeared to be entering a new era following a breakthrough campaign, the franchise abruptly halted its momentum after announcing a leave of absence from the 2026 Premier Volleyball League.

     

    The decision comes only days after the Super Spikers completed a historic run to the Finals of the PVL 2026 All-Filipino Conference—the deepest postseason finish in franchise history. What was expected to be a springboard for sustained contention instead turned into an unexpected offseason development that immediately reshapes the league landscape and raises questions about the team’s long-term direction.

     

    In an official statement, the club confirmed the move was made after internal deliberations on its organizational direction.

     

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    “This is to officially announce that the Cignal Super Spikers – Women’s Volleyball Team has filed a Leave of Absence in the Premier Volleyball League. This difficult decision was taken under careful review of Cignal’s strategic direction,” the team said.

     

    No timetable has been provided for a possible return, leaving uncertainty surrounding both the players and coaching staff, as well as the competitive balance of a league that had just concluded one of its most closely contested seasons in recent memory.

     

    With Cignal stepping away, attention quickly shifts to the future of its roster. In the absence of a formal dispersal draft system in the PVL, rival teams are expected to aggressively pursue key talents in what could become a highly competitive free-agent market.

     

    Among the most coveted names is reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP Vanie Gandler, alongside standout contributors Erika Santos and Gel Cayuna, all of whom are expected to attract significant interest from clubs looking to strengthen their rosters ahead of the next PVL conference.

     

    Despite the uncertainty, several Cignal standouts took time to address the media, reflecting on their tenure with the franchise and expressing gratitude to management, teammates, and supporters.

    Santos spoke candidly about the emotional difficulty of the announcement while acknowledging her smooth transition into the team environment.

     

    “Hindi pa talaga nagsi-sink. Nasa stage pa ako na nagpo-process so siguro. Thankful ako kasi naipakita ko ‘yung true self ko sa kanila. Hindi ako nahirapang mag-adjust and ‘yung transition from my past team, tapos sila agad ‘yung nakasama ko. Sobrang okay sa feeling na mag-work ka and at the same time, may family ka and sisters. Sobrang thankful ako sa Cignal,” Santos said.

     

    Middle blocker Jackie Acuna also expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity provided by the franchise, crediting Cignal for giving her a platform despite limited collegiate exposure.

     

    “Sobrang grateful ako sa Cignal dahil nagbukas sila ng pinto kahit na hindi masyadong malaki ‘yung background ko ng college at ‘di ako masyadong nakapaglaro. Sila, sumugal sila kahit potential lang ‘yung dala ko. Magiging forever grateful ako sa Cignal,” Acuna added.

     

    Meanwhile, Gandler reflected on her growth within the program, highlighting the team-first culture that helped shape her into the league’s Most Valuable Player.

     

    “The best thing for me is them, the teammates that I met. They helped me become a better version of myself because everyone really had one goal. We wanted to grow, and we knew that to grow, we needed to be collaborative. It’s not really a competition, and we have to work together,” Gandler stated.

     

    Team captain Dawn Catindig, who joined Cignal following the disbandment of her former club F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in 2023, described the franchise as a second home while acknowledging the difficulty of moving forward.

     

    “For me naman na medyo matagal na sa pros, very important sa’kin ‘yung team culture sa susunod kong pupuntahan. I’m taking my time in my decision kasi ang hirap pa rin maka-move on kasi very fresh pa rin kaya I’m just taking my time,” Catindig stated.

     

    “We never expected that kind of news. Kahit na may rumors, very hopeful pa rin kami. But at the end of the day, it was a business decision, and we respect that. Alam naman namin na pinaglaban kami ng Cignal, and we have to go on our own ways,” she added.

     

    Before potentially fielding offers from other PVL clubs, the Cignal players are set to reunite one final time in competition at the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase. Santos, Catindig, and Gandler will suit up for Team Heart, while Acuna will represent Team Hustle in what could serve as a symbolic final chapter of their time together under the Cignal banner.

     

     

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  • PVL saddened but not worried over recent team exits following Cignal’s withdrawal

    PVL saddened but not worried over recent team exits following Cignal’s withdrawal

    Just as the Cignal Super Spikers seemed poised to usher in a new era for the franchise, their long-awaited breakthrough was suddenly put on hold.

     

    Fresh off a historic run to the Finals of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference—the deepest postseason appearance in team history—the Super Spikers stunned the local volleyball community by announcing a leave of absence from the league. The decision, revealed only days after their runner-up finish, immediately alters the competitive balance of the PVL and raises questions about the team’s future.

     

    “This is to officially announce that the Cignal Super Spikers – Women’s Volleyball Team has filed a Leave of Absence in the Premier Volleyball League. This difficult decision was taken under careful review of Cignal’s strategic direction,” the team said in an official statement.

     

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    No timeline was given for a possible return, leaving uncertainty not only for the players and coaching staff but also for a league that had just enjoyed one of its most tightly contested seasons.

     

    Cignal now joins a growing list of teams that have stepped away from the PVL in recent years, following the moves of the Chery Tiggo Crossovers and the Petro Gazz Angels. While the trend has raised eyebrows among fans, league organizers remain confident in the stability and direction of the competition.

     

    “It all boils down to economics all over the world. We are saddened, but not alarmed because we know those teams are not dissatisfied at how the league is being run,” said Rhea Navarro, a founding member of Sports Vision Management Group, which operates the league.

    With Cignal stepping away, attention now turns to the fate of its talented roster. The absence of a formal dispersal draft system in the PVL opens the door for a free-for-all in the transfer market, as rival teams look to secure some of the league’s top players.

     

    Among the most sought-after names is reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP Vanie Gandler, along with key contributors Erika Santos and Gel Cayuna. Their availability is expected to trigger intense competition among PVL clubs eager to strengthen their rosters ahead of the next conference.

     

    One team that could benefit significantly from the situation is Cignal’s sister squad, the PLDT High Speed Hitters. The franchise has precedent in absorbing talent from affiliated teams, similar to when key players from Petro Gazz found new homes with the Nxled Chameleons. A similar scenario could unfold, potentially reshaping PLDT into an even stronger contender.

     

    Despite the setback, the PVL remains open to expansion. Navarro emphasized that the league is willing to welcome new teams, provided they demonstrate long-term commitment and financial capability.

     

    “It’s about us confirming their capability to maintain a team and their commitment to long-haul participation,” she added.

     

    Cignal’s abrupt exit serves as a reminder of the financial and structural challenges that continue to shape professional volleyball in the Philippines. While their absence creates a void in the league—particularly after a breakthrough Finals appearance—it also opens new opportunities for player movement and competitive reshuffling. 

     

    As the PVL looks ahead, the focus now shifts to maintaining stability, attracting committed franchises, and ensuring that the momentum built in recent seasons continues despite the loss of one of its rising contenders.

     

     

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  • Cignal takes leave of absence from PVL campaign after breakthrough finals run 

    Cignal takes leave of absence from PVL campaign after breakthrough finals run 

    Just as Cignal Super Spikers appeared to be closing in on a long-awaited breakthrough, the momentum came to an abrupt pause.


    Days after reaching the Finals of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference—their deepest run yet—the franchise announced it would step away from the league, opting for a leave of absence that immediately reshapes the competitive landscape.

     

    “This is to officially announce that the Cignal Super Spikers – Women’s Volleyball Team has filed a Leave of Absence in the Premier Volleyball League,” the team said in a statement.

     

    “This difficult decision was taken after careful review of Cignal’s strategic direction.”

     

    No timeline was provided for their return, leaving uncertainty not just for the team, but for a league that had just witnessed one of its most competitive seasons.

     

    The timing stands out.

     

    Cignal had just completed a campaign that re-established them as a legitimate contender, powered by the rise of Vanie Gandler, who delivered a breakout conference worthy of MVP honors. Around her, a steady core that included Erika Santos, Gel Cayuna, Dawn Catindig, Rose Doria-Aquino, Jackie Acuña, and Tine Tiamzon formed a lineup that could match up with the league’s best.

     

    Their Finals appearance, though ending in a sweep at the hands of the Creamline Cool Smashers, was still widely seen as a sign that the Super Spikers were on the verge of finally breaking through.

     

    Instead, the team steps away at what could have been the start of something bigger. The move mirrors an earlier decision within the same organization. Cignal’s men’s team had already taken a leave of absence from Spikers’ Turf earlier this year, citing a similar internal reassessment.

     

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    Once again, the franchise pointed to a broader evaluation of its direction—one that goes beyond on-court results.

     

    Since joining the professional ranks in 2021, Cignal has built one of the most consistent resumes in the PVL. The team reached the podium in eight of 15 conferences, collecting three silver medals and five bronze finishes.

     

    That consistency, however, came with a lingering gap—the elusive championship.

     

    Despite multiple deep runs, the Super Spikers leave as the most decorated team in the league without a title, a distinction that underscores both their competitiveness and the narrow margins that defined their campaigns.

     

    Cignal’s exit adds to a growing list of changes within the league. The departure follows the disbandment of the Chery Tiggo Crossovers and the earlier leave of absence taken by the Petro Gazz Angels, reducing the number of active teams and signaling a period of transition for the PVL.

     

    For now, the Super Spikers step away not as a fading team, but as one that had just rediscovered its form.

     

    And in that sense, their absence may be felt even more—because it comes not after decline, but right at the moment they seemed ready to finally win it all.

     

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  • Bella Belen shines individually, eyes team breakthrough after missed playoffs 

    Bella Belen shines individually, eyes team breakthrough after missed playoffs 

    For most of her career, winning wasn’t something Bella Belen had to chase—it simply followed.

    From her dominant run with National University to her historic rise in the UAAP, the Finals had always felt like familiar territory. But in the pros, things changed quickly.

     

    Now with Capital1 Solar Spikers, Belen found herself watching the postseason from the outside for the second straight conference in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference—a position she had rarely experienced before.

     

    And yet, even without a playoff stage, she still managed to make her presence felt.

    Belen emerged as one of the brightest spots of the conference, claiming both Rookie of the Conference and Best Outside Spiker honors. It wasn’t the kind of success she had grown used to—this time, it came without a deep team run—but it spoke volumes about her ability to adapt and stand out regardless of circumstance.

     

    “Very unexpected siya for me,” Belen admitted.

     

    “Hindi ko naman na-expect na magkaka-awards ako pero siyempre, thankful and I’m very happy.”

    For a player who has already achieved so much at a young age, the recognition carried a different meaning. It wasn’t about validation—it was about reflection.

     

    “These awards parang bonus sa lahat ng paghihirap na ginagawa ko for my team,” Belen uttered.

    That mindset reveals where she is in her journey now—caught between personal milestones and the bigger goal she has always been used to chasing: team success. 

     

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    Because while the awards highlight her individual impact, they also serve as a reminder of what’s missing.

     

    “Hopefully, it turns to team success next conferences. Mas nakaka-motivate na magtrabaho pa ng triple, hindi lang special awards yung makuha ko kundi buong team,” said the 2025 No. 1 overall pick.

     

    It’s a different kind of hunger for Belen, one shaped not by maintaining dominance, but by trying to build it again in a new environment.

     

    Watching from afar only added to that drive. Seeing former teammates like Jennifer Nierva and others compete on the biggest stage reminded her of what she’s working toward.

     

    “Ang saya talaga maglaro lalo na ‘pag yung game is for finals,” she shared.

     

    “Hopefully, maranasan ko naman siya dito.”

     

    There’s no frustration in her words—only patience and determination. Because for Belen, this phase isn’t a setback. It’s a reset.

     

    And if her rookie season proved anything, it’s that even in unfamiliar territory, she continues to find ways to rise—this time, not just for herself, but for something bigger still waiting to be built. 

     

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  • Kianna Dy, Erika Santos lead new wave in Alas Pilipinas pool for AVC Women’s Cup 

    Kianna Dy, Erika Santos lead new wave in Alas Pilipinas pool for AVC Women’s Cup 

    FA new chapter is quietly taking shape for the Alas Pilipinas Women—and this time, it’s built on both fresh energy and familiar leadership.

     

    The Philippine National Volleyball Federation has unveiled a 27-player wishlist for the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, offering an early glimpse of a national team that blends rising collegiate standouts with proven names from the pro ranks.

     

    Among those drawing attention are new additions Kianna Dy and Erika Santos, who headline a group of reinforcements expected to inject depth and versatility into the pool. They are joined by fellow Premier Volleyball League performers Jean Asis and Riza Nogales, signaling a stronger pro presence in the national setup.

     

    The collegiate ranks also made a strong case for inclusion, with standouts like Sam Cantada, Shaira Jardio, Jaz Ellarina, Tin Ubaldo, and Niña Ytang earning spots in the expanded pool. Their inclusion reflects a clear direction—building a pipeline that bridges the college and professional levels.

     

    At the core of the group remains leadership and continuity. Veteran playmaker Jia De Guzman is set to captain the pool once more, joined by familiar names such as Eya Laure, Maddie Madayag, Mars Alba, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Alleiah Malaluan, Vanie Gandler, and Bella Belen—a group that ensures stability amid the influx of new talent.

     

    The mix extends further with collegiate holdovers like Angel Canino, Amie Provido, Shaina Nitura, and Arah Panique, alongside additional reinforcements such as Shevanah Laput and Alyssa Solomon, who is currently seeing action overseas.

     

    Rounding out the pool are NCAA standouts Zam Nolasco and Vanessa Sarie, further emphasizing the federation’s effort to widen its talent search.

     

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    0px;”>Beyond the names, however, the announcement also carried a different tone—one focused on rebuilding trust and improving player conditions.

     

    “The PNVF reaffirms its commitment to the welfare of all national team athletes. We have heard the voices of our players and take their concerns seriously. The federation is actively addressing outstanding financial obligations and is committed to ensuring timely compensation and transparent financial processes going forward,” the federation said.

     

    “Athletes joining the training pool will be entitled to clearly defined support structures, including competitive allowances, insurance coverage, and a communicated training and competition calendar that respects their club and personal schedules. PNVF commits to maintaining open dialogue channels with player representatives throughout the duration of the national team program.”

     

    The final composition of the training pool will depend on player availability, with preparations expected to begin in early May. Hosting the tournament from June 6 to 14 in Candon adds another layer of motivation, especially after the team’s silver-medal finish in the previous edition.

     

    This time, the goal is clear—not just to compete, but to complete the climb.

     

    And with a refreshed pool led by both rising stars and seasoned leaders, Alas Pilipinas is positioning itself for a stronger push toward gold on home soil.

     

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  • Jema Galanza calls latest Creamline title “most memorable” and “happiest” after grueling run 

    Jema Galanza calls latest Creamline title “most memorable” and “happiest” after grueling run 

    For Jema Galanza, the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference championship was more than just another title—it was a testament to resilience, growth, and the ever-increasing competitiveness of Philippine volleyball.

     

    A long-time cornerstone of the Creamline Cool Smashers dynasty, Galanza has witnessed the franchise’s journey from rising contender to dominant powerhouse. But this latest triumph, she admits, stands apart from the rest—not because winning has become unfamiliar, but because the path to the championship has never been more difficult.

     

    In a league that continues to evolve with deeper rosters and stronger competition across the board, Galanza has found herself navigating new challenges. No longer can Creamline rely solely on experience and chemistry; every match now demands peak performance, adaptability, and mental toughness.

     

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    The veteran outside hitter’s journey in this conference has also been shaped by personal adversity. After dealing with a minor knee injury that limited her minutes during the 2025 season, Galanza returned determined to contribute meaningfully to Creamline’s title push. Her presence proved vital as the Cool Smashers battled through a demanding schedule and a series of high-pressure encounters.

     

    Reflecting on the campaign, Galanza emphasized just how grueling the road to the championship had been.

     

    “This is the toughest conference so far. For me, this is the happiest and most memorable championship we have won because we were able to get redemption against the teams that beat us this conference. Before we even reached the finals, we really had to go through every single team that had defeated us earlier,” Galanza said in a media interaction.

    Her words capture the essence of Creamline’s journey this season. Unlike previous conferences where the team often dominated from start to finish, this campaign tested their resolve at every stage. The Cool Smashers absorbed setbacks in the preliminary round, falling to the Cignal HD Spikers, PLDT High Speed Hitters, and the NXLED Chameleons, finishing with a 6–3 record.

     

    Those early losses forced Creamline into a tougher playoff path, where they had to dig deep and survive multiple elimination scenarios. The team endured two do-or-die matches just to secure a spot in the finals, a journey that ultimately hardened their mentality and strengthened their unity.

    “And you know, it’s something to be proud of. We also proved to ourselves that we really can become champions as long as we stay together,” she added.

     

    For Galanza, the championship was not just about reclaiming the title, but about reaffirming the team’s identity in a more competitive era. It underscored the importance of cohesion and trust—qualities that have long defined Creamline but were tested like never before this season.

     

    As one of the team’s leaders, Galanza’s ability to overcome injury setbacks and contribute in crucial moments highlighted her enduring value to the squad. Her experience and composure provided stability, particularly during the most pressure-filled stretches of the conference.

     

    With the championship secured, Galanza and several of her teammates will have little time to rest as they quickly shift focus to the upcoming 2026 PVL All-Star festivities. The Creamline star is set to suit up for Team Heart, joining a star-studded lineup that includes Bella Belen, Jia De Guzman, Erika Santos, Pangs Panaga, Majoy Baron, and Justine Jazareno.

     

    They will face off against Team Hustle in what promises to be a showcase of the league’s top talent—a fitting celebration of a conference that, as Galanza described, may well be the most competitive in PVL history.

     

    For now, however, the moment belongs to Galanza and the Cool Smashers—a championship hard-earned, deeply felt, and perhaps more meaningful than any that came before.

     

     

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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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  • “Ito ‘yung happiest”: Jema Galanza cherishes Creamline’s hardest-earned title

    “Ito ‘yung happiest”: Jema Galanza cherishes Creamline’s hardest-earned title

    For a team that has grown accustomed to winning, the Creamline Cool Smashers found themselves navigating unfamiliar territory in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference. 

     

    Their journey to the championship was anything but smooth, shaped by losses, injuries, and repeated encounters with teams that had previously gotten the better of them. In the end, however, those very struggles became the foundation of what Jema Galanza considers their most meaningful title yet.

     

    “Para sa’kin, ito ‘yung happiest and [most] memorable na championship na napanalunan namin kasi ‘yung mga teams na natalo kami, naka-bawi kami ngayong conference,” said Galanza, who delivered 12 points, 19 excellent digs, and 16 excellent receptions in the title-clinching Game 2 win.

     

    The Cool Smashers’ campaign opened on a difficult note after absorbing a loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters, immediately putting their form into question. They responded with a five-game winning streak that restored some stability, but the consistency they were searching for remained elusive. A loss to the Akari Chargers exposed cracks in their system, and a crucial defeat to the Farm Fresh Foxies tightened the standings and put their campaign under pressure.

     

    Despite the challenges, Creamline managed to stay afloat. They secured a key victory over the Cignal HD Spikers to advance, even while missing Galanza and Bernadeth Pons. The win highlighted the team’s depth and ability to adjust, but their momentum was short-lived as they fell again to Cignal in the qualifying round, dropping them to the play-in stage.

     

    That setback ultimately became the turning point of their campaign. Instead of breaking their rhythm, it reshaped their mindset. From that point forward, every match carried added meaning, as the Cool Smashers faced teams that had previously dealt them setbacks earlier in the conference. 

     

    They eliminated Akari in the play-in stage to keep their hopes alive, then defeated PLDT to regain momentum. Another loss to Cignal followed in the semifinals, but Creamline responded with a crucial victory over Farm Fresh in a virtual knockout match to secure a place in the Finals.

     

    “I mean, bago kami nakapasok talaga sa Finals, talagang dinaan namin lahat nung tumalo sa amin. And alam mo, ‘yun pa lang, parang nakaka-proud na. And na-prove din namin sa self namin na kaya talaga namin na mag-champion basta sama-sama kami.”

     

    Awaiting them in the Finals was Cignal, the team that had consistently challenged them throughout the conference. This time, however, the Cool Smashers left no room for doubt. They completed a sweep to capture the championship, finally overcoming the very team that had repeatedly disrupted their run and sealing a redemption story that defined their season.

     

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    Beyond the team’s journey, the championship also marked a personal triumph for Galanza. She entered the conference coming off a lengthy recovery from a serious injury and was gradually working her way back into form during the preliminaries. Just as she began to regain her rhythm, a knee injury sidelined her again, forcing her to miss key games late in the elimination round and in the qualifiers.

     

    “Yung injury kasi, well, di naman natin inaasahan yun eh. Parang buong off-season naman nag-prepare ka nang maayos. ‘’Yung nagpa-condition ka, tapos magugulat ka, or hindi mo ini-expect talaga na magkakaroon ng gano’n,” she said.

     

    Despite her absence, Creamline continued to find ways to win, something Galanza credited to the collective effort of the team.

     

    “Pero, ‘yun nga, sabi ko nga, kahit nawala ako, di naman na-feel ng team na may kulang eh, kasi lahat talaga nag-contribute sa team. So, thankful lang ako na meron akong coaches and teammates na umiintindi din.”

     

    Galanza emphasized that the title was not just about overcoming opponents, but also about enduring internal challenges, including injuries and lineup disruptions that tested the team’s chemistry throughout the conference.

     

    “Sabi ko, sobrang pasasalamat talaga sa mga teammates ko, coaches kasi, alam mo, may mga times, may mga games na si coach eh nawala, ako nawala. I mean, alam mo yun, hindi kami nakukompleto sa ibang games. Pero, nagpe-perform sila, binibigay nila yung best nila.”

     

    In the end, Creamline’s latest championship stood out not because it added to their growing collection, but because of how it was won. It was a title forged through adversity, defined by resilience, and completed through redemption—qualities that made it, in Galanza’s words, their happiest and most memorable one yet.

     

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