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  • Bella Belen praises Camilla Lamina after former NU teammate is picked No. 1 overall in the PVL Draft

    Bella Belen praises Camilla Lamina after former NU teammate is picked No. 1 overall in the PVL Draft

    For years, Camilla Lamina’s role at National University was defined by control, precision, and composure.

     

    As the steady orchestrator of one of the most dominant collegiate volleyball programs in the Philippines, Lamina was the engine that kept NU’s system running at a championship level. She dictated tempo, organized the offense, and ensured that the Lady Bulldogs remained firmly entrenched among the country’s elite programs through her decision-making and leadership on the court.

     

    Now, however, the challenge ahead is no longer about sustaining a winning culture—it is about creating one from the ground up.

     

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    Lamina officially begins her professional journey after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft, with the Galeries Tower Highrisers making a bold statement by building their future around the former NU standout. The selection places immediate expectations on the accomplished setter, whose responsibilities now extend beyond running an offense to shaping the identity and foundation of a developing franchise.

     

    For Galeries Tower, the decision signals a clear commitment to long-term growth, banking on Lamina’s experience in a high-pressure collegiate system to help accelerate the team’s rise in the professional ranks. Her leadership, court awareness, and winning pedigree are expected to play a central role as the Highrisers aim to transition into consistent playoff contenders in the PVL.

    The significance of Lamina’s selection is further highlighted by the continued rise of National University’s volleyball program, which has now produced the No. 1 overall pick in three consecutive Rookie Drafts. Following Thea Gagate’s selection in 2024 and another top pick in the succeeding draft cycle, Lamina’s rise reinforces NU’s growing reputation as one of the country’s premier talent-producing institutions in volleyball.

     

    Adding to the narrative, Capital1 Solar Spikers star Bella Belen—herself a former NU standout and last year’s No. 1 overall pick—expressed excitement over Lamina’s entry into the professional league. Belen, who shared years of on-court chemistry with Lamina during their collegiate stint, shared her thoughts on seeing her former teammate take the next step in her career.

     

    “Excited din ako makalban si Lams kasi siyempre, all this time siya ‘yung kasama ko sa loob ng court and ngayon na nasa PVL na siya. Excited ako makita kung ano pa ‘yung pwede niyang ma-improve pa as an athlete, and ano ‘yung pwede niyang madala sa PVL. Excited na rin ako kung paano ako magpe-perform ‘pag siya ‘yung kalaban ko. Lams, stare down ka sa ‘kin, charot. Masaya lang ako for Lams kasi deserve niya talagang maging first pick,” Belen said in a media interaction.

     

    Beyond the playful competitiveness, Belen also underscored her pride in NU’s continued success in producing elite-level talent, emphasizing how the program’s sustained excellence has helped elevate Philippine volleyball as a whole.

     

    “Siguro hindi ko ma-explain, pero siguro masaya lang na isa sa mga volleyball program na umaangat is ‘yung NU. And sana magtuloy-tuloy, kumbaga hindi lang hihinto ‘yung programa ni NU, and sana marami pang ma-produce na magaling na players ‘yung NU,” she added.

     

    Galeries Tower’s decision to select Lamina at the top of the draft reflects a broader philosophy centered on long-term development rather than short-term results. By entrusting a young but proven setter with the responsibility of leading a rebuilding squad, the Highrisers are signaling their belief that sustainable success begins with leadership, discipline, and the ability to set a standard that influences an entire roster.

     

    As Lamina transitions into the professional ranks, expectations will be immediate—but so too will be the opportunity to redefine a franchise’s trajectory and establish herself as one of the PVL’s emerging cornerstone players.

     

     

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  • Lams Lamina and Julia Coronel give Galeries Tower a good problem at setter 

    Lams Lamina and Julia Coronel give Galeries Tower a good problem at setter 

    For years, Galeries Tower searched for the pieces that could elevate the franchise from hopeful contender to legitimate threat. Now, after selecting Lams Lamina with the first overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, the Highrisers may have stumbled upon a different kind of challenge — having too many capable hands running the offense.

     

    Most teams enter a season worrying about who will fill the setter position. Galeries Tower enters this one wondering how to divide it.

     

    The arrival of Lamina instantly strengthens what was already one of the team’s most stable positions. The former National University star brings championship experience, elite decision-making, and a winning culture forged during the Lady Bulldogs’ dynastic run in the UAAP.

     

    Yet the rookie is stepping into a team that already has a proven floor general in Julia Coronel.

     

    Since being selected third overall in the 2024 PVL Draft, Coronel has steadily grown into one of the franchise’s most important building blocks. Her ability to orchestrate the offense helped Galeries Tower take meaningful strides in recent seasons, making her emergence one of the club’s biggest success stories.

     

    Rather than viewing Lamina’s arrival as a threat, however, Coronel sees it as another opportunity for the team to evolve.

     

    “We have a very talented set of spikers din naman and obviously right now, we really need more help in terms of, I would say, also playmaking,” Coronel said.

     

    “I’m very excited to see our dynamic moving forward; kung paano kami magtutulungan, knowing the set of skills and talents that we already have in the team. That is something that we will have to see pa moving forward in practice on how the coaches will be able to instill new systems with our new additions to the team.”

     

    The situation becomes even more intriguing considering that Coronel and Lamina already share a history through Alas Pilipinas, where both earned opportunities to quarterback the national team’s offense. Instead of competing across the net, they now find themselves working toward the same objective.

     

    For head coach Aying Esteban, though, the decision to draft Lamina was never about creating a controversy.

     

    It was about creating security.

     

    In a position where injuries, fatigue, or unexpected circumstances can drastically alter a season, Esteban viewed depth as a necessity rather than a luxury. 

     

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    “Sa posisyon namin, hindi kami pwedeng sumugal na dalawa lang ‘yung setters namin. Hindi namin alam kung ano ‘yung pwedeng mangyari minsan. At least, may pang-fill in pa rin kami at makukumpleto ‘yung lineup namin, at sa roster namin ay magiging ok pa rin kami,” he said.

     

    That mindset has suddenly transformed Galeries Tower into one of the deepest teams at the setter position, especially with veteran Maji Mangulabnan also remaining in the mix.

     

    For Lamina, meanwhile, the focus is not on claiming a starting spot immediately but on proving she belongs.

     

    The former Lady Bulldog arrives carrying the expectations that come with being a No. 1 overall pick, yet she remains intent on bringing the same habits that helped make NU a perennial champion.

     

    “Healthy competition po ‘yun sa amin ng mga ates ko. Ako, as a rookie, ipapakita ko lang po talaga ‘yung best ko, kung ano po mga natutunan ko sa NU ay bibit ko talaga sa team at maishe-share ko rin po sa mga ates ko,” she said.

     

    “Rookie pa lang po ako dito sa PVL, pero same naman po na I will work professionally, with my 100-percent effort, discipline, and work ethic ko po.”

     

    Whether Lamina ultimately wins the starting role is a question that may take weeks or even months to answer.

     

    What is already clear, however, is that Galeries Tower’s biggest gain from draft night may not have been landing the top overall pick itself.

     

    It may have been creating a setter room strong enough to shape the franchise’s future for years to come. 

     

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  • From Childhood Teammates to PVL Teammates: Detdet Pepito and Bella Belen reunite at Capital1 

    From Childhood Teammates to PVL Teammates: Detdet Pepito and Bella Belen reunite at Capital1 

    For most of their volleyball lives, Detdet Pepito and Bella Belen were known as rivals representing two of the most successful programs in the UAAP.

     

    One became the defensive backbone of the University of Santo Tomas. The other grew into the face of National University’s dynasty.

     

    Year after year, they battled on opposite sides of one of collegiate volleyball’s fiercest rivalries. Yet long before the championships, MVP awards, and packed arenas, they were simply two young athletes sharing the same court and chasing the same dream.

     

    On Wednesday night at the 2026 PVL Draft, that journey came full circle.

     

    Capital1 selected Pepito with the second overall pick, reuniting the decorated UST libero with Belen and transforming a childhood partnership into one of the most intriguing storylines of the upcoming PVL season.

     

    “Ngayong nandito ako sa PVL, siya yung ka-teammate ko and si Pia Abbu. Sobrang happy lang and excited ako na mas may matutunan din sa kanila,” Pepito told reporters.

     

    Their reunion is rooted in a history that predates their collegiate stardom.

     

    Before becoming household names in Philippine volleyball, both players learned the game at Lucas R. Pascual Elementary School in Quezon City under coach Henry Fernandez. Back then, their roles were vastly different. Belen played as a setter while Pepito was deployed as a spiker, years before each discovered the positions that would eventually define their careers.

     

    As their paths diverged, both built remarkable legacies.

     

    Pepito spent 11 years with the Golden Tigresses program and emerged as one of the most decorated liberos in UAAP history. Although a championship remained elusive, she collected six Best Libero awards and established herself as one of the most reliable defensive specialists the collegiate game has ever produced.

     

    Belen’s journey unfolded on an even grander scale. She became the centerpiece of National University’s era of dominance, capturing eight championships and five MVP awards while cementing her place among the greatest players ever to wear a Lady Bulldogs uniform.

     

    For years, their friendship existed alongside competition.

     

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    Now, for the first time since their childhood days, they will be working toward the same objective.

    “Habang papunta nga ako sa red carpet, tinitingnan ko siya. Nagto-throwback lang yung teammates kami since elementary,” Pepito shared.

     

    “Actually, mixed emotions, pero sobrang grateful and thankful lang talaga ako kay Lord na pinapangarap ko lang makapasok dito sa PVL and now, number two pick. Pressured, pero thankful pa rin talaga kay Lord, and I will try my best to help Capital1.”

     

    The timing of Pepito’s arrival could not be more significant for Capital1.

     

    The Solar Spikers have aggressively reshaped their roster during the offseason, adding proven talent in former Cignal stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos while also selecting University of the East standout Khy Cepada later in the draft.

     

    With Belen already serving as the franchise cornerstone, Pepito gives the team another elite talent capable of contributing immediately.

     

    Still, the former UST libero knows that familiarity with Belen alone will not guarantee success.

    Capital1 enters the season with growing expectations, and developing chemistry with an increasingly talented roster remains the immediate priority.

     

    “I think slowly muna na siyempre, yung chemistry ng bago kong team and yung system na meron sila, kailangan ma-adapt ko muna. Mangangarap kami siyempre, hopefully sa amin din mapunta yung championship.“

     

    For Pepito and Belen, the story is no longer about school colors, rivalries, or individual achievements.

     

    After years of traveling separate roads through Philippine volleyball, the two childhood teammates have finally found themselves on the same side once again—this time with hopes of helping Capital1 build something special in the professional ranks.

     

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  • Akari sticks with its core, passes on entire 2026 PVL Rookie Draft 

    Akari sticks with its core, passes on entire 2026 PVL Rookie Draft 

    The Akari Chargers walked away from the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft without a single rookie addition.

    In one of the draft’s biggest surprises on Wednesday, Akari chose to pass on its No. 5 overall pick and ultimately did not select any player despite holding both first- and second-round selections.


    The decision immediately surrounded questions especially after four highly regarded prospects came off the board before Akari’s turn. Setter Camilla Lamina went first overall to the Galeries Tower Highrisers, while libero Detdet Pepito was selected second by Capital1. Also chosen ahead of the Chargers were Tin Ubaldo and Nicole Ong.

     

    For Akari assistant coach Eddieson Orcullo, however, the move was the result of a clear draft strategy rather than a lack of available selections.

     

    “Actually meron. May first and second, kaya lang talagang dumating lang sa point na hindi namin [nakuha],” Orcullo said after the draft.

     

    The Chargers had identified specific players they believed could immediately address their needs, and once those targets were gone, the organization decided against making a selection simply for the sake of adding a rookie.

     

    “Siguro ‘yung dalawa na ‘yun talaga ang kailangan talaga ng team natin, pero dahil nga napunta sa naunang team na mag-select, kaya we decided to pass na rin.” 

     

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    The two players Orcullo referred to were Lamina and Pepito, both of whom were taken before Akari’s No. 5 selection.

     

    Rather than scrambling for an alternative option, the Chargers chose discipline over urgency. According to Orcullo, the coaching staff and management were united in the decision.

     

    “‘Yung management at si coach Tina (Salak), ‘yung coaches actually nakapag-usap naman kami regarding dun kaya so far okay naman kami dun sa result na nangyari tonight,” he said. 

     

    Akari still had other prospects on its draft board, but the organization remained firm in its evaluation process.

     

    “Meron pero ‘yung dalawang tao sila dapat na makukuha namin pero dahil nga wala dun na nag-pass na rin,” the veteran FEU coach said. 

     

    The Chargers enter the new season with one of the league’s deepest cores already intact. 

     

    Leading the roster are established standouts Ivy Lacsina, Fifi Sharma, Grethcel Soltones, and Ced Domingo, while offseason acquisition Tin Tiamzon adds another experienced option to the lineup.

     

    Instead of introducing a rookie into the mix, Akari is doubling down on chemistry, familiarity, and a group that has already spent time building its identity together.

     

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  • Former Cignal players Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Buding Duremdes find new home with Farm Fresh 

    Former Cignal players Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Buding Duremdes find new home with Farm Fresh 

    As former Cignal players continue to disperse across the Premier Volleyball League, Farm Fresh have landed two new players who can strengthen their squad.


    The Foxies bolstered both their net defense and backcourt stability by acquiring veteran libero Buding Duremdes and former PVL Best Middle Blocker Roselyn Doria-Aquino ahead of the 2026-27 season.

     

    The pair became the eighth and ninth former Cignal players to secure new teams following the Super Spikers’ leave of absence, with Farm Fresh adding proven experience to a squad aiming to build on its recent breakthrough campaign.

     

    For a team that came within reach of a Final Four appearance during the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, the additions signal a clear intention to take the next step from playoff contender to legitimate title challenger.

     

    Doria-Aquino addresses one of Farm Fresh’s key areas of depth by adding size, experience, and championship-level presence in the middle. 

     

    The decorated blocker joins an already crowded rotation that includes Riri Meneses, Lorene Toring, Rizza Cruz, Des Clemente-De Guzman, Remy Palma, and recovering middle blocker Imee Hernandez.

     

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    Her arrival gives the Foxies another reliable option at the net as they look to strengthen a frontline that played a major role in their playoff appearances across all three conferences during the 2025-26 campaign.

     

    While Doria-Aquino shores up the middle, Duremdes provides immediate defense in the back row.

    One of the veteran liberos, Duremdes is expected to reinforce Farm Fresh’s floor defense unit alongside veteran Bia General and young defensive specialists Maicah Laroza and Ann Monares.

     

    The acquisitions represent another significant development in the ongoing redistribution of talent following Cignal’s temporary exit from the league.

     

    Meanwhile, former Super Spiker Jessa Ordiales became the 10th ex-Cignal player to find a new home after joining PLDT.

     

    Ordiales gives the High Speed Hitters additional depth on the wings, bringing both experience and offensive versatility to a team that remains among the league’s top championship contenders.

     

    The movement of former Cignal players has reshaped several PVL rosters in recent months.

     

    Creamline previously strengthened its lineup by adding Ishie Lalongisip and Erin Pangilinan, while other former Super Spikers have also been absorbed by teams eager to capitalize on the availability of proven PVL talent.

     

    Despite the flurry of signings, several former Cignal players are still searching for their next opportunities.

     

    Gyzelle Sy, Pearl Denura, Ethan Arce, Heather Guino-o, and Ivy Perez remain without announced destinations as the player market continues to evolve heading into the 2026-27 season.

     

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  • Thirty-eight aspirants await their moment at 2026 PVL Draft 

    Thirty-eight aspirants await their moment at 2026 PVL Draft 

    As the 2026 PVL Draft finally arrives, the conversation is no longer about who is missing. It is about who is ready to seize the opportunity left behind.

     

    What once appeared to be a draft class headlined by consensus top prospects Alyssa Solomon and Niña Ytang has transformed into one of the most unpredictable talent pools in recent memory. With both stars opting out before draft night, a new generation of hopefuls now steps into the spotlight, each carrying a legitimate case to become the first name called when teams gather at Novotel Manila Araneta City on Wednesday evening.

     

    At the center of that conversation are National University playmaker Camilla Lamina and University of Santo Tomas defensive anchor Bernadett Pepito.

     

    Lamina enters the draft as one of the most decorated setters in collegiate volleyball, having established herself as the steady hand behind NU’s championship success. Pepito, meanwhile, built her reputation as one of the country’s premier defensive specialists, earning multiple UAAP Best Libero honors while serving as the backbone of UST’s floor defense.

     

    But unlike previous drafts that featured a clear-cut favorite, this year’s selection process feels far more fluid.

     

    The absence of Solomon and Ytang has opened the door for several prospects to significantly boost their stock, including athletes who impressed scouts and coaches during the recent Draft Combine conducted by Valor Performance Institute.

     

    Among the biggest risers was Adamson speedster Barbie Jamili, who showcased elite athleticism by topping several testing categories. Jamili recorded the fastest 10-meter sprint time at 1.759 seconds, dominated the pro agility 5-10-5 test with a 5.109-second mark, and led the hop test reactive strength index with 3.36 meters per second.

     

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    University of the East standout Khy Cepada likewise strengthened her case as one of the most intriguing prospects in the class. She finished near the top of multiple combine categories, placing second in both the 10-meter sprint and countermovement jump while also ranking among the leaders in agility and vertical explosion drills.

     

    The draft pool remains rich with established collegiate names despite the high-profile withdrawals.

     

    Among those hoping to hear their names called are UST’s Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula; UP standouts Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo; FEU’s Ann Asis and Florize Papa; La Salle’s Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen; UE’s Tin Ecalla and Kayce Balingit; and former Ateneo setter Taks Fujimoto.

     

    Adding an international flavor to the proceedings is Jade Fuentes of Cal State Dominguez Hills, the lone Filipino-foreign applicant in the draft class.

     

    Notably absent from the event itself will be FEU setter Tin Ubaldo, who remains committed to the Alas Pilipinas Women program as preparations continue for the upcoming AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City.

     

    Beyond the individual names, Wednesday’s draft represents another important chapter in the league’s continued growth. The PVL has increasingly become the primary bridge between collegiate stardom and professional volleyball, forcing teams to balance immediate needs with long-term roster building.

     

    That challenge begins with Galeries Tower, which secured the coveted No. 1 overall pick after winning the draft lottery despite long odds. Capital1 follows at No. 2, while Choco Mucho and Akari complete the top four selections.

     

    Nxled, Farm Fresh, PLDT, and Creamline round out the remainder of the first-round order.

     

    By the end of the night, careers will change, franchises will reshape their futures, and one prospect will walk away as the newest face of the league’s next generation. The only certainty heading into draft night is that no one truly knows how the board will fall.

     

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  • PVL Draft headlined by Detdet Pepito and Lams Lamina as 38 prospects prepare for selection night 

    PVL Draft headlined by Detdet Pepito and Lams Lamina as 38 prospects prepare for selection night 

    The Premier Volleyball League Draft is set to take center stage on Wednesday at Novotel Manila, with 38 hopefuls ready to hear their names called in what has become one of the most unpredictable draft classes in recent years. 


    What initially looked like an expected selection order has shifted dramatically following the withdrawals of Alyssa Solomon and Nina Ytang, opening the door for a deeper and more competitive talent pool.

     

    At the forefront of this year’s class are two of the most decorated collegiate players in recent UAAP seasons—National University’s two-time Best Setter Camilla Lamina and University of Santo Tomas’ two-time Best Libero Bernadett Pepito. 

     

    Their presence at the top immediately sets a tone of balance between playmaking precision and defensive excellence, two roles that often define long-term success in the professional game.

     

    With Galeries Tower holding the No. 1 overall pick after winning the draft lottery on May 25, followed by Capital1, Choco Mucho, and Akari, the early selections are expected to shape the league’s next competitive cycle.

     

    Beyond the headline names, attention has also shifted toward prospects who elevated their stock through the Draft Combine. 

     

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    Adamson’s Barbie Jamili stood out with top marks in the 10-meter sprint (1.759 seconds), pro agility 5-10-5 test (5.109 seconds), and hop test reactive strength index (3.36 meters per second), showcasing elite athletic explosiveness that could translate immediately at the professional level.

     

    University of the East’s Khy Cepada also delivered a strong all-around performance, finishing second in the 10-meter sprint (1.776 seconds) and countermovement jump (44.7 centimeters), while placing third in the pro agility test (5.133 seconds) and ranking consistently across other athletic benchmarks including hop test and approach jump metrics. These numbers have positioned both players as potential impact selections depending on team needs in the middle rounds.

     

    However, not all draft stories will unfold on stage. Far Eastern University’s Tin Ubaldo will skip the ceremony as she remains with the Alas Pilipinas Women pool preparing for international duty in the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City, highlighting how national team commitments continue to intersect with professional league pathways.

     

    The final draft pool reflects the depth of UAAP volleyball talent across multiple programs, including UST’s Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula; UP’s Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo; FEU’s Ann Asis and Florize Papa; De La Salle University’s Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen; UE’s Tin Ecalla and Kayce Balingit; Adamson’s Barbie Jamili; and Ateneo’s Taks Fujimoto. Adding an international dimension is Cal State Dominguez Hills’ Jade Fuentes, the lone Filipino-foreign applicant in this year’s class.

     

    Players who opted out of this year’s draft face a delayed professional entry, as league rules require reapplication in the next cycle. Since they did not participate in the draft proper, they will not be classified as free agents, reinforcing the PVL’s structured transition system from collegiate to professional play under Games and Amusements Board regulations.

     

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  • PVL’s biggest stars take center stage as the league celebrates a season of breakthroughs and brilliance

    PVL’s biggest stars take center stage as the league celebrates a season of breakthroughs and brilliance

     The PVL season may have ended on the court, but the celebration of the league’s biggest moments only reached its peak under the lights of the awards stage.

     

    At the 2nd Pilipinas PVL Press Corps Awards Night, the league gathered its brightest names for an evening that looked beyond wins and losses — recognizing the performances, growth, leadership, and moments that shaped another landmark season for Philippine volleyball.

     

    And fittingly, the night belonged to more than just one name.

     

    While individual honors highlighted breakout campaigns and career milestones, the bigger story was the depth of talent and impact that continues to push the league forward.

     

    Farm Fresh’s Trisha Tubu emerged as the biggest individual awardee after being named Season Most Valuable Player, capping a campaign that saw the Foxies reach the playoffs across all three conferences and record their strongest finish to date.

     

    But even as she stood at the center of one of the night’s biggest moments, her message reflected the spirit shared by many awardees.

     

    “Unang-una, sobrang thankful po ako and sobrang grateful po sa award na ito… napakaraming players diyan na magagaling at isa ako sa mga nabigyan ng chance po na makuha itong award na ito.”

     

    Her recognition became part of a larger celebration of athletes who helped raise the level of competition throughout the season.

     

    On the rookie side, Bella Belen earned PVL Rookie of the Year honors after quickly establishing herself as one of the league’s most exciting young talents. Her presence in the awards night symbolized another strong wave of incoming stars ready to reshape the league’s future.

     

    Creamline, meanwhile, walked away with Team of the Year, reinforcing the franchise’s continued standard of excellence after another campaign filled with deep playoff runs and memorable performances.

     

    The night also highlighted the league’s elite performers through the PVL Mythical Team, headlined by Tubu alongside Savi Davison, Bella Belen, Pangs Panaga, Majoy Baron, Gel Cayuna, and Kath Arado — a reflection of the league’s balance of power across positions and teams.

     

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    Individual excellence stretched beyond the women’s side as well.

     

    On the men’s front, Jude Garcia captured Spikers’ Turf Season MVP honors after steering Criss Cross to back-to-back championships.

     

    “Hopefully, magtuloy-tuloy and sana mai-angat pa natin ‘yung level and mag-grow pa ‘yung men’s volleyball sa Pilipinas,” Garcia shared.

     

    Though Criss Cross was unable to attend due to commitments in South Korea, the impact of their season remained one of the night’s biggest talking points.

     

    The awards also recognized the people behind sustained success.

     

    Rald Ricafort (PLDT) and Tai Bundit (Criss Cross) shared Coach of the Year honors, while Jonathan Ng of Creamline was named Executive of the Year. Meanwhile, Alyssa Valdez, Erika Santos, and Kim Kianna Dy were recognized for their leadership, improvement, and resilience through special awards.

     

    Beyond trophies, the evening also celebrated moments that transcended the standings.

     

    The Alas Pilipinas women’s beach volleyball team received a special citation for their historic SEA Games gold medal, while the Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball team was honored for its inspiring international campaign.

     

    And because awards nights have become just as much about style as achievement, Majoy Baron and Mark Calado closed the evening as Stars of the Night, turning heads with standout red-carpet looks that added another layer of celebration.

     

    More than recognizing individual success, the night became a reminder of what the PVL has become: a league no longer defined by a handful of stars, but by an entire generation pushing each other to new heights — on and off the court.

     

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  • PVL Rookie Draft Chaos: Alyssa Solomon, Nina Ytang withdraw as Alas pulls talent away from pros 

    PVL Rookie Draft Chaos: Alyssa Solomon, Nina Ytang withdraw as Alas pulls talent away from pros 

    The 2026 PVL Rookie Draft was supposed to arrive with a clear storyline.

     

    Alyssa Solomon at the top. Niña Ytang not far behind. A loaded class ready to redefine the league.

    Instead, the draft board looks nothing like the one teams were preparing for just days ago.

     

    In a stunning late shift before the withdrawal deadline, consensus No. 1 pick Solomon pulled out of the draft entirely. And before teams could even adjust their plans, another major name followed.

     

    Niña Ytang — one of the fastest-rising prospects in the class and a near-lock to challenge for the top selection — also withdrew her application, choosing to remain committed to Alas Pilipinas Women instead of entering the professional ranks.

     

    The moves instantly changed the complexion of what had once looked like a draft with a clear pecking order.

     

    For Solomon, sources pointed to a decision that went beyond overseas opportunities.

    There had reportedly been discussions surrounding her continued involvement in the national team program — enough to keep the decorated former NU star from immediately taking the professional route.

     

    Then came Ytang’s turn.

     

    After her stock surged following Solomon’s withdrawal, the UP standout looked poised to become one of the strongest candidates for Galeries Tower’s top selection. But rather than capitalize on her rising draft value, Ytang chose to stay with the national setup.

     

    Her decision also comes at a complicated moment for Philippine volleyball, with uncertainty surrounding the national federation and preparations for upcoming international commitments.

     

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    And the reshuffling did not stop there.

     

    Sources revealed that Letran standouts Lara Mae Silva and Natalie Estreller also withdrew from the draft to continue prioritizing national team duties after being part of the expanded Alas Pilipinas pool.

     

    Suddenly, what looked like a draft class centered around a handful of elite names has become one of the most unpredictable in recent PVL memory.

     

    The departures remove players widely expected to reshape the opening selections — forcing teams to go back to the drawing board.

     

    National University setter Lams Lamina now emerges as one of the strongest names entering the conversation for the top pick, while other prospects such as Nicole Ong, Detdet Pepito, and several rising wing spikers could see their draft value climb overnight.

     

    What was once shaping up as a race dominated by familiar names has turned into something far more open.

     

    And in the middle of all that uncertainty, the PVL draft may end up becoming less about who leaves college for the pros — and more about who stays behind to carry the country’s colors.

     

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  • Ricky Palou does not see the suspension of PNVF affecting the PVL

    Ricky Palou does not see the suspension of PNVF affecting the PVL

    Philippine volleyball has been thrust into the spotlight amid a developing governance controversy following the International Volleyball Federation’s (FIVB) decision to suspend the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) over what it described as “serious governance concerns” and “multiple purported violations of the FIVB Code of Ethics.”

     

    The suspension, announced on Friday, May 29, takes immediate effect and comes at a critical juncture for the sport in the country, with the Philippines set to host the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, from June 6 to 14—less than two weeks after the ruling was made public.

     

    The timing of the decision has raised questions regarding administrative stability and tournament oversight, especially with the FIVB confirming the formation of an ad hoc committee tasked with temporarily overseeing the affairs of the PNVF during the suspension period.

     

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    Despite the uncertainty surrounding the governing body, Premier Volleyball League (PVL) president and PNVF Treasurer Ricky Palou downplayed concerns that the situation would have any immediate impact on the professional league’s operations or its upcoming plans.

     

    “About PNVF, I only know what you guys read on social media because I only arrived today. Kasi wala naman, no inkling ako, so sabi ko totoo kaya ito?,” Palou told reporters, expressing surprise over the development.

     

    Palou added that he intends to meet with current PNVF president Ramon “Tonyboy” Liao to clarify the details of the suspension and assess its potential implications for Philippine volleyball moving forward.

    The veteran sports executive also addressed speculation regarding league expansion, hinting that new teams could be joining the PVL in the upcoming conferences, although he declined to disclose specific names at this stage.

     

    “I don’t think so. Wala naman siguro diba? I don’t know even if the suspension holds. I will find out. Meron, meron. They told me not to, I’m not at liberty to announced kung sino. Pero meron, there are two of them actually. Basta electric, alam ko power company. Di pa next conference. Pinapag-aaralan din nila. They’re asking questions, they want to join, what are the requirements,” Palou said.

     

    He further clarified that the upcoming AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City is expected to proceed as scheduled, despite the administrative shake-up at the national federation level.

     

    “I think the one in Candon, tuloy na yun diba? I think it’s too late to cancel. But I don’t know, wala pa kaming ano. We reached out to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and other agencies concerned,” he added.

     

    The broader situation continues to develop, with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) reportedly set to consider a possible suspension of the PNVF during its General Assembly in June, which could further complicate governance and international representation issues for Philippine volleyball.

     

    In response to the FIVB decision, the PNVF released an official statement on Sunday, May 31, emphasizing its commitment to continuity and athlete welfare amid the ongoing uncertainty.

    At the core of its message, the federation reiterated its priority to ensure that Filipino athletes remain supported and that the country’s participation in international volleyball events remains uninterrupted.

     

    “The Federation respects the important roles of FIVB, PSC, POC, and all relevant institutions and Philippine and international sport, and is prepared to engage constructively through the proper channels,” the statement read.

     

    As the situation unfolds, Philippine volleyball now finds itself at a critical crossroads, balancing governance challenges at the administrative level with the immediate need to maintain stability ahead of a major international tournament on home soil.

     

     

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