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Tag: PVL

  • PVL takes the show on the road as seven-city On Tour Conference brings volleyball nationwide  

    PVL takes the show on the road as seven-city On Tour Conference brings volleyball nationwide  

    The Premier Volleyball League is once again turning the spotlight toward the provinces.

     

    Rather than limiting preseason action to traditional venues, the league is taking its biggest stars directly to communities that have helped fuel volleyball’s rise across the country through the 2026 PVL On Tour.

     

    Spanning seven stops from July to August, the traveling exhibition series is designed to bring live PVL action to fans who rarely get the opportunity to watch their favorite teams in person. More than just a preseason showcase, the tour reflects the league’s growing commitment to a nationwide audience that has embraced volleyball far beyond Metro Manila.

     

    The journey begins on July 8 in Ilagan City, Isabela, where ZUS Coffee faces Akari before Creamline takes center stage against Nxled.

     

    Three days later, the tour heads to Batangas City for a doubleheader featuring Galeries Tower against Farm Fresh and Choco Mucho battling the Thunderbelles.

     

    The northern swing continues on July 25 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. Capital1 and Galeries Tower open the program before reigning preseason champion PLDT takes on Choco Mucho in one of the tour’s most anticipated matchups.

     

    Mindanao enters the picture on August 1 when the league visits Polomolok, South Cotabato. Akari and Choco Mucho headline the event, while Nxled and Galeries Tower square off in the other exhibition contest.

     

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    A week later, the caravan returns to Isabela, this time stopping in Santiago City. Fans there will witness ZUS Coffee challenge PLDT, while Capital1 and Creamline renew their rivalry.

     

    The tour then heads south once more on August 15, with Lanao del Norte hosting Farm Fresh versus Nxled and PLDT against Akari.

     

    The final stop is scheduled for August 22 at a venue yet to be announced. Capital1 will meet Farm Fresh, while Creamline closes out the nationwide trek against Galeries Tower.

     

    Beyond the wins and losses, the tour serves a larger purpose.

     

    For the teams, it offers valuable preparation before the regular season begins. Coaches will have the opportunity to test combinations, evaluate new players, and build chemistry in competitive environments.

     

    For fans, it is a rare chance to experience the PVL atmosphere firsthand without having to travel to the capital.

     

    As volleyball continues to thrive across the country, the league’s decision to bring the game directly to local communities reflects the sport’s growing footprint. From Isabela to South Cotabato and Lanao del Norte, the PVL is ensuring that the excitement of the professional game reaches the very supporters who helped turn volleyball into one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports.

     

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  • Creamline, Nxled take center stage as PVL On Tour opens July 4 

    Creamline, Nxled take center stage as PVL On Tour opens July 4 

    The wait for Philippine volleyball’s return is almost over as some of the PVL’s biggest names take the spotlight when the PVL On Tour officially opens on July 4.

     

    Defending champions Creamline and rising contender Nxled headline the first day of action, setting the tone for what promises to be an important preseason showcase for teams preparing for the next PVL campaign.

     

    The opening doubleheader begins with ZUS Coffee taking on Akari at 4 p.m., a matchup featuring two squads eager to establish an early rhythm after making significant roster moves in the offseason.

     

    But much of the spotlight will shift to the evening clash at 6:30 p.m. when the Creamline Cool Smashers face Nxled in a meeting that offers an early glimpse of two teams heading in different but equally intriguing directions.

     

    Creamline enters the tournament looking to sustain the dominance that has defined the franchise in recent years. With a veteran core led by some of the league’s most accomplished players, the Cool Smashers continue to be the standard-bearer of the PVL and remain the team every contender measures itself against. 

     

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    For Nxled, the On Tour event presents another opportunity to accelerate its development after showing flashes of promise in recent conferences. The Chameleons have invested heavily in building a competitive roster and will look to use the preseason tournament as a platform to test combinations and gain confidence against the league’s elite.

     

    The PVL On Tour serves as more than just a preseason competition. It allows teams to integrate rookies, evaluate offseason acquisitions, and sharpen systems before the official season begins. It also brings professional volleyball closer to fans across different regions, continuing the league’s effort to expand its reach nationwide.

     

    With established stars, emerging talents, and renewed rivalries all set to take the floor, the opening day offers an early look at the storylines that could shape the PVL season ahead.

     

    And if the opening schedule is any indication, fans can expect no shortage of excitement right from Day 1.

     

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  • Former Farm Fresh libero Ann Monares joins Akari Chargers 

    Former Farm Fresh libero Ann Monares joins Akari Chargers 

    After Ann Monares spent her rookie season with the Farm Fresh Foxies, the young libero has found a new home with the Akari Chargers, who continue to reshape their roster ahead of the 2026 PVL On Tour.


    Monares arrives at a pivotal moment for Akari. While the Chargers chose to keep the core of their roster intact, the team also entered the offseason knowing that its defensive unit would need fresh reinforcements.

     

    That need became more evident after Akari trimmed its roster and bid farewell to Dani Ravena, Max Juangco, Bea Bonafe, Joan Doguna, and Steph Bustrillo. The departures left openings across several positions, particularly in the back row where Ravena and Juangco had provided depth and stability.

     

    Rather than searching for solutions through the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, where the franchise elected not to make a selection, Akari turned to a player already familiar with the professional environment.

     

    The former FEU standout joins the Chargers after being selected 16th overall by Farm Fresh in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft. 

     

    Although her playing opportunities were limited during her rookie campaign under head coach Koji Tsuzurabara, the experience allowed Monares to learn the demands of the professional game while continuing to develop her defensive instincts.

     

    One of the biggest factors working in Monares’ favor is familiarity. The move reunites her with Akari head coach Tina Salak, who previously coached her during her collegiate years, and former FEU teammate Chennie Tagaod. 

     

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    For a young player looking to establish herself in the league, joining a system led by people who already understand her strengths could accelerate her transition.

     

    The signing also gives Akari another option behind veteran libero Justine Jazareno, while providing additional competition within the team’s defensive rotation.

     

    Beyond the volleyball implications, the move creates an interesting family storyline for the upcoming season.

     

    Recently, Monares’ sister Joan also secured a spot in the PVL after being undrafted in the 2026 Rookie Draft, with the PLDT High Speed Hitters giving her an opportunity to continue her volleyball journey.

     

    The sisters are no strangers to competing on opposite sides. During their collegiate careers, Ann represented the FEU Lady Tamaraws while Joan played for the UP Fighting Maroons, creating a sibling rivalry that is now set to continue on the professional stage.

     

    For Akari, Monares represents more than a replacement for departing players. She is part of a broader effort to refresh the roster without disrupting the foundation built around Ivy Lacsina, Ced Domingo, Fifi Sharma, Grethcel Soltones, Eli Soyud, and Jazareno.

     

    At just the beginning of her professional career, Monares arrives with something every young athlete seeks after a challenging first season: a fresh start. And for a Chargers team looking to strengthen its defense while preparing for a new campaign, the partnership offers potential benefits for both sides.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez breaks silence on challenges facing Philippine volleyball amid poor AVC Cup campaign

    Alyssa Valdez breaks silence on challenges facing Philippine volleyball amid poor AVC Cup campaign

    The Philippine women’s national volleyball team concluded its 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup campaign on a disappointing note, suffering a straight-sets 21-25, 12-25, 21-25 defeat to Iran on Sunday, June 14, at the Candon City Arena.

     

    The loss capped a difficult tournament for Alas Pilipinas, which finished in eighth place—its worst result in AVC Women’s Cup history and a step back from its seventh-place finish in 2023. The Philippines ended Pool A play with a 2–4 record, struggling for consistency throughout the competition as it failed to sustain momentum against higher-ranked opposition.

     

    As the results fell short of expectations, attention has largely turned toward the national team’s leadership group, with veteran outside hitter Alyssa Valdez once again at the center of discussion following her return to the national team setup for the tournament.

     

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    Valdez, widely regarded as the face of Philippine volleyball, was among the senior players who rejoined Alas Pilipinas after several key stars withdrew from the lineup. Despite the criticism surrounding the team’s performance, the 32-year-old emphasized that her commitment to the national team remains rooted in her long-standing passion for representing the country.

     

    “Siguro one thing I realized all throughout this experience rin, I have been also asking myself kung bakit ko rin ginawa ‘tong desisyon na ‘to sa volleyball career ko. And I think one thing that actually came out was kung ano ‘yung love ko nung bata ako para sa volleyball, hanggang ngayon. Hanggang ngayon, ‘yun pa rin ‘yung love ko sa pagre-represent sa bansa,” Valdez said in a media interaction.

    Beyond reflecting on her personal motivations, Valdez also addressed the broader issues currently surrounding Philippine volleyball, including governance concerns following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) by the FIVB. Her remarks highlighted the need for stability, unity, and stronger leadership within the sport’s national structure.

     

    “I am aware of the challenges and conversations surrounding our sport, and I understand the concerns being raised from different sides. Bilang nagging bahagi ng national team, alam kong marami pang kailangang linawin at ayusin. At a time like this, what the sport needs is not more division, but leadership in all its forms. Leadership that listens. Leadership that puts the welfare of athletes first. For the sports community, for the fans, for the country.

     

    “Pero ngayon, higit kailanman, kailangan natin ang suporta ng volleyball community. Ngayon, hindi man pare-pareho ang paraan, ang mahalaga ay iisa ang hangarin, isang mas maayos, patas, at mas matatag na sistema para sa susunod na henerasyon ng atletang Pilipino,” she added.

     

    The statement underscored the ongoing challenges facing Philippine volleyball amid organizational uncertainty, with calls growing louder for reforms that prioritize athlete welfare and long-term development.

     

    Despite the setbacks on and off the court, Valdez remained focused on the bigger picture—ensuring that the next generation of Filipino volleyball players inherits a more stable and supportive system.

     

    “Para sa bawat atletang patuloy na nangangarap, lalo na sa mga kabataang nagsisimula pa lang, padayon tayo. Sana hindi kayo mapagod, matakot, o sumuko sa pangarap n’yong magrepresent ng bansa sa kabila ng ingay at gulo sa paligid,” Valdez concluded.

     

    As Alas Pilipinas reflects on another challenging international campaign, the focus now shifts toward rebuilding and addressing structural issues, with hopes that future tournaments will bring both improved results and a stronger foundation for Philippine women’s volleyball.

     

     

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  • Joan Monares completes PLDT’s final recruitment piece ahead of 2026 PVL on Tour

    Joan Monares completes PLDT’s final recruitment piece ahead of 2026 PVL on Tour

    After going undrafted in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, University of the Philippines standout Joan Monares has quickly found a new chapter in her volleyball journey, this time at the professional level with the PLDT High Speed Hitters.

     

    PLDT officially introduced Monares on Friday through a social media announcement, marking her as the final addition to complete the team’s roster build ahead of the 2026-2027 PVL season.

     

    “We all want more of Joan Monares so here we go! The outside hitter from UP becomes the final piece of PLDT’s recruitment before the start of the 2026-2027 PVL season!” the team said.

     

    Her arrival adds depth to an already stacked wing rotation that includes Savi Davison, Alleiah Malaluan, Kiesha Bedonia, Shiela Kiseo, and Jovie Prado, giving PLDT multiple attacking options heading into a crucial campaign.

     

    Monares’ collegiate career with the UP Fighting Maroons was defined by steady offensive production and leadership in a rebuilding program that often relied on her consistency against top UAAP contenders.

     

    At UP, she developed into one of the team’s primary scoring options, carrying a heavy offensive load while competing against some of the strongest collegiate programs in the country.

     

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    Her experience in the UAAP not only tested her scoring ability but also shaped her into a more composed presence in high-pressure situations—something PLDT will look to maximize in the pro ranks.

     

    PLDT, meanwhile, is entering the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference with heightened expectations after an up-and-down run in previous seasons, where flashes of brilliance were often tempered by inconsistency in closing out tight matches.

     

    The High Speed Hitters have been steadily building chemistry under a balanced core, but the addition of Monares gives them another dynamic scoring option who can relieve pressure from their established wing attackers.

     

    Their campaign in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference showed both promise and growing pains, as PLDT pushed several top-tier squads to the limit but struggled to sustain momentum across full matches.

     

    With Monares now in the fold alongside setter Fianne Ariola of Perpetual Help, PLDT’s roster gains both youth and versatility as they continue refining their system for a deeper playoff push in the upcoming season.

     

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  • Akari clears roster space as Chargers begin next phase of PVL rebuild 

    Akari clears roster space as Chargers begin next phase of PVL rebuild 

    The Akari Chargers have begun making difficult decisions ahead of the 2026 PVL on Tour, signaling that the next stage of their roster evolution is already underway.

     

    With much of its core expected to return, Akari announced Wednesday that five players will not be part of the team’s plans moving forward, officially parting ways with Dani Ravena, Max Juangco, Bea Bonafe, Joan Doguna, and Steph Bustrillo.

     

    The departures may not involve the team’s biggest stars, but they represent a significant reshaping of the supporting cast that helped the Chargers remain competitive in recent conferences.

     

    “Thank you, Dani, Max, Bea, Joan, and Steph for always representing Akari with pride. We wish you all the best on the next chapter of your journey,” the team said in a social media statement.

     

    The most noticeable impact comes in the back row.

     

    Akari suddenly finds itself thinner at the libero position after losing both Ravena and Juangco, leaving Justine Jazareno and converted wing spiker Judith Abil as the only liberos currently listed on the roster.

     

    The move adds another layer of intrigue to Akari’s offseason strategy, especially after the franchise surprisingly chose not to use its fifth-round selection in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft.

     

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    Rather than adding another prospect, the Chargers appeared content with the foundation already in place—a foundation they still believe can contend despite the latest exits.

     

    That confidence stems from a core that remains largely untouched.

     

    Ivy Lacsina continues to headline Akari’s offense, backed by proven scorers Grethcel Soltones and Eli Soyud. Mars Alba remains the steady hand directing the attack, while national team standouts Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo continue to anchor one of the league’s more imposing frontlines.

     

    In many ways, the latest roster moves feel less like a rebuild and more like a recalibration.

     

    The Chargers are not tearing down their roster. Instead, they appear focused on creating flexibility while preserving the nucleus that has kept them in the playoff conversation over the past few seasons.

     

    With the PVL on Tour fast approaching, the departures create opportunities for new faces to emerge, but they also place greater responsibility on Akari’s established stars to carry the franchise forward.

     

    The names on the roster may be changing, but the Chargers’ ambitions remain the same.

     

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  • “Very happy to be playing with her”: Alyssa Valdez emotional after finally teaming up with Ara Galang

    “Very happy to be playing with her”: Alyssa Valdez emotional after finally teaming up with Ara Galang

    The 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Cup currently being held in Candon City has provided a meaningful glimpse into the evolving landscape of Philippine women’s volleyball, with Alas Pilipinas fielding a balanced mix of emerging talents and seasoned veterans as it continues its campaign on home soil.

     

    Beyond the results and the growing pains of facing Asia’s elite, one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines has been the long-awaited on-court reunion of two of Philippine volleyball’s most recognizable names—Alyssa Valdez and Ara Galang.

     

    For years, fans had envisioned the possibility of the two former collegiate rivals sharing the same side of the net. Their iconic Ateneo-La Salle rivalry in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), which later extended into the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), helped define an era of Philippine volleyball and fueled widespread anticipation for a partnership that never materialized in previous international or club settings.

     

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    The pairing, often dubbed by fans as the “GaDez” tandem, had been the subject of discussion for nearly a decade. At one point in 2014, the possibility of them suiting up together reportedly came close, only for circumstances within the volleyball federation setup at the time to prevent it from pushing through.

     

    Fast forward to the present, and that long-awaited collaboration has finally become reality under the Alas Pilipinas program—an emotional and symbolic moment for supporters who had followed both stars since their collegiate days.

     

    The Valdez-Galang tandem officially took the court during Alas Pilipinas’ 25-16, 25-18, 25-22 defeat to continental powerhouse South Korea at the Candon City Arena on Tuesday, June 9. While the result favored the more experienced Korean side, the match carried far greater significance for Philippine volleyball fans witnessing two of its modern-era icons share the floor for the national team.

    Despite the loss, both Valdez and Galang showed flashes of their trademark competitiveness, combining leadership, experience, and steady composure against one of Asia’s top-ranked programs. More importantly, the moment represented a full-circle chapter in their careers, transitioning from fierce rivals to national teammates united under the same flag.

     

    For Valdez, the opportunity carried emotional weight, as she reflected on the timing of their long-awaited partnership and the shared journey that led them to the national team stage.

     

    “I think this may have come late in our careers, but it’s the right time. It’s the right time for us to inspire each other, especially in the latter part of our careers. I’m very happy to be playing with Ara. She has a different kind of fire. You can really see how much she wants to fight and compete,” Valdez said.

     

    Galang, meanwhile, echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for finally being able to represent the country alongside a familiar rival-turned-teammate whose career has often mirrored her own in terms of success, challenges, and longevity.

     

    “We are really happy. It’s been a long time, and honestly, we didn’t expect this. Maybe it was destined to happen now. I’m thankful to be her teammate, especially on the national team,” Galang added.

     

    Their partnership on the national team also highlights the broader direction of Alas Pilipinas, which continues to integrate veteran leadership with younger prospects as it prepares for more demanding international competitions. While the results in the AVC Cup reflect the challenges of rebuilding and cohesion at the highest level, the presence of experienced figures like Valdez and Galang provides stability and mentorship for the next generation.

     

    As Alas Pilipinas continues its campaign in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, the Valdez-Galang reunion stands out not just as a nostalgic moment for fans, but as a symbolic reminder of how Philippine volleyball has evolved—and how former rivals can come together in pursuit of national pride.

     

     

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  • Detdet Pepito ready for next chapter with Capital1 after lifelong PVL dream comes true

    Detdet Pepito ready for next chapter with Capital1 after lifelong PVL dream comes true

    Long before Detdet Pepito became one of the most decorated liberos in UAAP history, she was simply a young girl sitting on the sidelines, watching her older sisters play the sport she would eventually make her own.

     

    Years before the bright lights of the Premier Volleyball League and long before she became a household name at the University of Santo Tomas, Pepito’s first connection to volleyball came through family.

     

    Her sisters, Marge and MJ, were already competing at a high level for San Sebastian College in the NCAA during the late 2000s. While they battled on the court, their youngest sibling watched from afar, unknowingly planting the seeds for a journey that would one day bring her to the professional ranks.

     

    That dream officially became reality on draft night.

     

    Selected by Capital1 as one of the top picks in the 2026 PVL Draft, Pepito now finds herself stepping into the very league she once only imagined reaching.

     

    “I’m really grateful because this is a huge opportunity. During my final playing year, making it to the PVL was one of my main goals. That’s why I gave my best every game to prepare for this draft,” said Pepito.

     

    The road to that moment was anything but easy.

     

    Pepito built her reputation through years of consistency, discipline, and relentless defensive work. From her days representing UST in high school to becoming the heart of the Golden Tigresses’ floor defense in college, she established herself as one of the country’s premier liberos.

     

    Her collection of individual awards only reinforced that status, but behind every accolade was a dream that remained unchanged since childhood — earning a place in the country’s top professional league.

     

    For Marge, seeing her younger sister reach that milestone carried special meaning.

     

    “She grew up watching us play and saw our journey in the sport. She got inspired by what we were doing, and from there, volleyball became a big part of her life. I’m very happy that she has made it all the way to the PVL,” Marge said.

     

    Now Pepito joins a Capital1 team that suddenly finds itself among the most intriguing squads in the league.

     

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    The Solar Spikers already feature reigning Rookie of the Year Bella Belen, one of Pepito’s closest friends dating back to their elementary school days. The franchise also strengthened its roster by adding former Cignal stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, creating a core filled with proven winners and award-winning talents.

     

    For Pepito, joining such a loaded lineup only added to the excitement.

     

    “When I heard there were already three MVPs on the team, I thought, ‘Wow, this team is really strong.’ When my name was called, it definitely added some pressure, but I’m more excited than anything,” Pepito said.

     

    “I know I’ll learn a lot from them, and hopefully we can build chemistry quickly since PVL On Tour is coming up. I’ll just keep giving my best.”

     

    While individual recognition helped define her collegiate career, Pepito enters the professional ranks with a different challenge ahead.

     

    Instead of carrying the expectations of being UST’s defensive anchor, she now joins a team with championship aspirations and a roster full of players expected to compete immediately.

     

    Her role may be different, but the approach remains the same.

     

    Pepito plans to bring the leadership, composure, and defensive stability that made her one of the UAAP’s most reliable players while adapting quickly to the system of head coach Jorge Souza de Brito.

     

    And just like the young girl who once watched her sisters chase their volleyball dreams, she is allowing herself to dream again.

     

    “Mangangarap kami, siyempre, na hopefully, sa amin din mapunta ‘yung championship,” Pepito said.

     

    This time, however, the dream is no longer about simply reaching the PVL.

     

    It’s about helping bring a title to Capital1 and writing the next chapter of a volleyball journey that started years ago on the sidelines.

     

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  • Khy Cepada’s PVL dream continues with powerhouse Capital1 squad 

    Khy Cepada’s PVL dream continues with powerhouse Capital1 squad 

    For years, Khy Cepada watched Bella Belen from afar as one of the PVL stars she admired most. Now, the former University of the East standout is preparing to share the same court and team with her idol after being selected by Capital1 in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft.


    In a draft class where only 11 aspirants heard their names called, Cepada emerged as one of the fortunate few, going ninth overall to the Solar Spikers in the second round.

     

    What made the moment unforgettable was realizing she would be joining a franchise that has quickly transformed itself into one of the league’s most talent-loaded teams.

     

    “Yung PVL idol ko po ngayon is si Ate Bella po, so parang sabi ko po, hala, nung shine-shake ko po yung hand niya doon sa stage, parang sabi ko, ‘Oh my God, totoo ba ’to?’ So yun po, parang na-shock po talaga ako. Parang nothing but gratitude po sa Capital1 kasi na-pick po nila ako,” Cepada said.

     

    For the 22-year-old outside hitter, draft day was filled with uncertainty. Despite an impressive showing during the Draft Combine, she admitted she did not expect her name to be called as early as the second round.

     

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    Instead, she found herself becoming part of a franchise that has been one of the busiest teams in the offseason.

     

    “Very excited po na maka-training po sa kanila, makalaro yung ibang teams and ma-represent po yung Capital1, kasi hindi ko po talaga ini-expect na matatawag po talaga yung pangalan ko agad this second round. Very happy po sobra,” she said.

     

    Capital1’s roster makeover has positioned the team as one of the league’s emerging contenders. Alongside Cepada, the Solar Spikers selected former University of Santo Tomas libero Detdet Pepito with the second overall pick. 

     

    The team also strengthened its core by acquiring former league MVPs Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler from the now-defunct Cignal squad.

     

    Veterans Pauline Gaston, Pia Abbu, and Roma Mae Doromal further bolster a lineup that suddenly boasts experience and star power.

     

    For Cepada, however, the challenge is not getting overwhelmed by the names around her but finding ways to contribute.

     

    “Palagi ko pong sinasabi lalaban po ako, magiging mas palaban pa po ako, kasi sila ‘yung kasama ko pa sa lineup si Ate Belle, ate Vanie (Gandler), so laban pa rin.”

     

    That fighting mindset has defined much of her volleyball journey. Before entering the professional ranks, Cepada carried the responsibility of leading the UE Lady Warriors through one of the program’s most difficult stretches. 

     

    While the team endured back-to-back winless UAAP campaigns to close her collegiate career, Cepada continued to produce individually, finishing as Season 88’s 12th Best Scorer with 171 points built on 153 attacks, 14 aces, and four blocks.

     

    Those numbers may not have translated into victories, but they showcased the resilience that kept her among the league’s most productive hitters despite difficult circumstances.

     

    The transition from collegiate leader to rookie role player will not be easy, but the former Lady Warrior believes the lessons learned during UE’s toughest years have prepared her for the next challenge.

     

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  • Joan Monares stays the course after PVL Draft snub, trusts UP-built resilience 

    Joan Monares stays the course after PVL Draft snub, trusts UP-built resilience 

    For many aspiring professional volleyball players, draft night serves as the finish line of years of sacrifice.

     

    For Joan Monares, it may simply be another chapter in a journey that has rarely followed the easiest path.

     

    The former University of the Philippines captain left the 2026 PVL Draft without hearing her name called among the 38 hopefuls gathered at Novotel Manila in Cubao. While 11 players officially began their professional careers, Monares found herself in unfamiliar territory — not selected, but far from defeated.

     

    If there was one athlete in the draft pool equipped to handle disappointment, it was the player whose entire collegiate career was built on enduring uncertainty.

     

    Representing UP in the UAAP meant surviving years of rebuilding, adapting to multiple coaching changes, and continuing to believe even when victories were difficult to come by. Those experiences shaped Monares into more than just a volleyball player. They taught her how to stay grounded when things did not go according to plan.

     

    “If yung goal mo is to gain more experience, wala ka talagang talo. For UP, I am just really grateful and thankful that I got to experience everything. UP made me really strong, patient, and very resilient,” Monares told Tiebreaker Times.

     

    “I know there’s still hope for all of us, for all of us na hindi na-draft tonight.”

     

    The statement reflected the perspective of someone who understands that progress is not always measured by immediate rewards.

     

    During her years with the Fighting Maroons, Monares witnessed the program gradually climb from the lower half of the standings into a team capable of threatening for a Final Four spot. After combined seven-win campaigns from Seasons 84 to 86, UP steadily improved, finishing sixth in Seasons 87 and 88 and proving it could compete with the league’s established contenders.

     

    Those experiences taught Monares that setbacks rarely tell the whole story.

     

    “I feel like UP made me really strong to a point, na I can handle everything. Kung ano man mangyari sa akin, kung saan man mapunta, or whatever challenges it may be, I am just really grateful na I get to have this chance, and I am not closing any doors. I am really open to any opportunities — may it be volleyball or outside that,” the pride of Bacolod shared.

     

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    Unlike many draft hopefuls who spent the past months attending team workouts and preparing for the Draft Combine, Monares was balancing a different challenge.

     

    The 24-year-old outside hitter continued rehabilitation for a lingering back injury that limited her throughout most of UAAP Season 88 while simultaneously completing her undergraduate thesis at UP. Graduation remained a priority, and it required sacrifices.

     

    Now that both responsibilities are behind her, Monares believes she can fully dedicate herself to whatever opportunity comes next.

     

    “I think as a free agent, it does not matter if you get drafted tonight or mag-free agent ka. I think hindi ‘yon yung magde-define sa kanila [na] if na-draft ka sa event or not. There is still hope and many chances to get to do kasi pwede ka ring mag-tryout and explore teams,” Monares said.

     

    “For me, lang kasi I was not able to train as much as other teams kasi mas nag-focus ako sa academics ko kasi I am graduating. I am just looking at the brighter side na after this draft, I have more time to try out and play with teams, kasi I am finished with school.”

     

    Rather than dwelling on what did not happen, Monares spent draft night celebrating those who reached the milestone she continues to pursue.

     

    Among them was former UP teammate Irah Jaboneta, who was selected fifth overall by Nxled, as well as her younger sister Ann Monares, who completed her rookie season with Farm Fresh after being drafted last year.

     

    “I am just really proud of them kasi they get to play — that’s their dream, and that’s their passion. I support them no matter what.”

     

    For now, Monares enters free agency carrying no bitterness and very little regret.

     

    The dream of playing in the PVL remains alive. More importantly, she believes the years she spent wearing maroon prepared her for moments exactly like this.

     

    After all, resilience was never something she learned after missing the draft.

     

    It was something she developed long before draft night ever arrived.

     

    “For me naman, I am not really closing all doors, may it be in volleyball or outside that. Just volleyball is a really big part of my life. I am just shooting my shot na makakalaro pa ba ako for PVL,” she said.

     

    “I am just grateful.” 

     

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