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Tag: Rachel Daquis

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

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

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

     

    Rachel Anne Daquis — The Queen of Court and Cover

     

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

     

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

     

    Majoy Baron — Middle Blocker, MVP, and Style Muse

     

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

     

    Kim Kianna Dy — Skillful Opposite and Chic Influencer

     

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

     

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    Michele Gumabao — From UAAP Champion to Pageant Podium

     

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

     

    Vanie Gandler — Cignal Standout and Lifestyle Influencer

     

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

     

    Jessey de Leon — Architect of Style and Sport

     

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

     

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  • Rachel Daquis joins ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles after leaving Farm Fresh Foxies

    Rachel Daquis joins ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles after leaving Farm Fresh Foxies

    In a move that has sent ripples through the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles pulled off what many are calling a coup by signing Filipino volleyball veteran Rachel Daquis from sister team Farm Fresh Foxies. The versatile hitter became a free agent in 2025, opening the door for a high-profile transfer between the two teams.

     

    Daquis, a standout for the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), initially signed with Farm Fresh in October 2024 amid high expectations following more than a year-long hiatus from competitive play. However, despite her vast experience and decorated career, she struggled to find regular playing time with the Foxies, who opted to give younger attackers a chance to develop.

     

    The move was closely monitored by league officials, with PVL control committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo clarifying why the transfer was approved despite the two teams being sister squads.

     

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    “Dumaan sa akin ‘yung move last year. Finished contract si Daquis. Nag-free agent siya after pero she decided to sign with ZUS. As a free agent, she is free to choose the team she wants to transfer to,” Malonzo explained, emphasizing that Daquis’ status as a free agent made the transfer fully compliant with league rules.

    The PVL has long maintained a structured “showcase period” to manage free agent movements and prevent conflicts of interest, particularly between sister teams. Initially set at one month at the end of 2024, the period was eventually reduced to 15 calendar days to streamline player transitions and ensure competitive balance.

     

    “Ang huling usapan namin, isang buwan ang showcase period pero masyadong matagal. Tapos nauwi nga sa 15 calendar days. I think that was the last, so we will just publish it and then eventually release it by the end of the year in 2024,” Malonzo added, underscoring the league’s efforts to maintain transparency and fairness in player movements.

     

    Daquis’ resume speaks volumes about her impact on the court. Beyond her FEU exploits, she has accumulated numerous individual and team honors throughout her career and represented the Philippine women’s national volleyball team from 2015 to 2017. Her combination of skill, leadership, and experience makes her a major asset for the Thunderbelles as they aim to climb the PVL standings.

     

    Off the court, Daquis has already begun laying the groundwork for life after volleyball. In September 2023, she attended a prestigious coaching clinic in the United States, gaining insights into advanced training methods and team management. She has also pursued her passion for culinary arts, enrolling at the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management (ISCAHM) in Quezon City—an institution founded by the father of her former Cignal teammate, Vanie Gandler.

     

    With her unique blend of experience, versatility, and off-court ambition, Rachel Daquis’ arrival at ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles is more than just a player transfer—it signals a renewed competitive push for the franchise, and a veteran presence capable of mentoring younger players while elevating the team’s championship aspirations.

     

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