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Tag: Sisi Rondina

  • Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball team sets sights to Korea  for FIVB Pro Tour 

    Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball team sets sights to Korea  for FIVB Pro Tour 

    The Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball Team is heading to Korea with momentum from a strong year on the sand, as the Filipinas prepare for another international test in the FIVB Beach Pro Tour from August 13 to 16.

     

    Leading the Philippine delegation are Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons, Dij Rodriguez, and Cherry Rose Macatangay, with the group bringing a mix of established national team experience and proven beach volleyball credentials.

     

    Rondina and Pons enter the competition with plenty of confidence after a breakthrough stretch that began with their historic gold-medal run at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand last December. The duo also reached the silver-medal match of the AVC Beach Tour’s Pingtung Open in Chinese Taipei in June, beating Australian and Thai pairs along the way.

     

    Rondina has also enjoyed success alongside Rodriguez this year. The two teamed up to dominate the BVR On Tour Sipalay Open in May, completing a five-match sweep and beating Kat Epa and Kizil Quijote in the championship match.

     

    The team’s international experience was further tested at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge in May, where Rondina and Pons faced Denmark’s Sofia Bisgaard and Cirkeline Hog. Although the Filipinas fell in straight sets, the match provided another opportunity to compete against higher-level opposition.

    For Rondina and Pons in particular, the Korea trip represents another step in their progression against the world’s best. The pair already made history last year by becoming the Philippines’ first women’s beach volleyball tandem to win SEA Games gold, helping the country dethrone Thailand on its home soil. 

     

    The renowned SiPons pair has also gained another milestone in the AVC Awards winning fan’s choice honors for beach volleyball, adding to the international achievements the pair already has. 

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    Now, the challenge shifts back to the international circuit.

     

    The FIVB Beach Pro Tour provides the Filipinas with an opportunity to gain more experience against established beach volleyball programs while building valuable ranking points and tournament experience. It also serves as another important stage in their preparation for bigger international competitions later in the year.

     

    For Rondina, Pons, Rodriguez and Macatangay, the objective is more than simply making up the numbers in Korea.

     

    After a year that has already produced gold medals, podium finishes and tournament victories, Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball will look to carry that momentum onto the international stage and show that Philippine beach volleyball can compete beyond Southeast Asia.

     

    The Korea Pro Tour runs from August 13 to 16, with the Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball Team hoping to make another statement on the international sand.

     

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  • Filipino volleyball stars shine as Sisi Rondina-Bernadeth Pons tandem and Bryan Bagunas earn AVC honors 

    Filipino volleyball stars shine as Sisi Rondina-Bernadeth Pons tandem and Bryan Bagunas earn AVC honors 

    Three Filipino volleyball stars made their presence felt on one of Asian volleyball’s biggest nights, as Sisi Rondina-Rosales, Bernadeth Pons, and Bryan Bagunas took home Fans’ Choice awards at the inaugural Asian Volleyball Confederation Gala in Bangkok, Thailand.

     

    The Philippine trio stood alongside some of the continent’s biggest names at the Seesarin Studio on Saturday, receiving recognition from fans for their impact on the sport.

     

    Rondina-Rosales and Pons were honored in beach volleyball, while Bagunas claimed the Fans’ Choice Men’s Volleyball Player award, giving the Philippines three major recognitions on the AVC’s first gala night.

     

    For Bagunas, the award served as another reminder of the growing recognition surrounding Philippine volleyball.

     

    “This recognition has driven us to excel more and see what else we can do more for our country,” said Bagunas, a nine-year national team member who captained Alas Pilipinas during its historic FIVB Men’s World Championship campaign in the Philippines last year.

     

    “We are incredibly happy and proud,” he added.

     

    The Osaka Bluteon star believes the recognition can also provide additional motivation heading into another major challenge for the national team.

     

    “This is a great boost to our next competition — the Asian Games. I believe we can win.”

     

    Rondina-Rosales, meanwhile, was among the Philippine beach volleyball representatives who received the fans’ nod after another year of making an impact on the international scene.

     

    “We are thrilled to be here along with Asia’s best,” said Rondina-Rosales, who attended the gala wearing a Filipiniana by Ryan Ablaza, the same designer behind her wedding gown.

     

    Pons shared the same sense of pride, particularly in being recognized alongside the best players from across the continent.

     

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    “Grateful for the opportunity, and it’s a great feeling when you’re with the best of the best of the sport you love,” Pons said.

     

    “Thankful to the AVC, FIVB and Sir Tats (Ramon Suzara) for organizing this kind of event and for the fans who recognized us.”

     

    The awards also highlighted how Philippine volleyball has continued to gain visibility beyond the country’s borders.

     

    With Filipino players now regularly competing on international stages, the recognition of Rondina-Rosales, Pons, and Bagunas reflects the growing connection between Philippine volleyball and fans across Asia.

     

    The gala itself marked a milestone for the AVC, bringing together athletes, officials, and representatives from all 65 member associations for an evening dedicated to celebrating the sport and its athletes.

     

    “This is a testament of how far we have come after 74 years of the AVC. I am incredibly grateful that we hosted our first-ever AVC Gala as we showed respect with one another despite the different cultures, different languages, but we are one family under the AVC banner,” Suzara said.

     

    FIVB president Fabio Azevedo also welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the event would become a regular celebration of Asian volleyball.

     

    “It was fantastic as we were all here together and overjoyed. This is the first night, but I am quite sure this will become a tradition because it iş important to honor our athletes that inspire the next generation,” Azevedo said.

     

    “Great event by the AVC for the volleyball fans,” he added.

     

    The Philippines also had another representative in the spotlight, with Arabelle Dela Cruz of Sparkle GMA Artist Center earning praise for her performance during the event.

     

    But the biggest takeaway for Philippine volleyball was undoubtedly the trio of Rondina-Rosales, Pons, and Bagunas leaving Bangkok with fans’ honors — another sign that Filipino talent continues to command attention across Asia.

     

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  • Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons to bring Philippine pride to inaugural AVC Gala after fan vote triumph 

    Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons to bring Philippine pride to inaugural AVC Gala after fan vote triumph 

    For years, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons have carried Philippine beach volleyball on their shoulders. Now, the rest of Asia is giving the Alas Pilipinas tandem its stamp of approval.


    The decorated pair will be honored with the Fans’ Choice Beach Volleyball Award at the inaugural Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Gala after emerging as the overwhelming favorites in the public voting.

     

    Rondina and Pons collected 43,905 votes, the highest among the beach volleyball fan nominees, earning a place among Asia’s volleyball elite during the awards night on August 8 in Bangkok. The award will be presented by the City of Candon through Mayor Eric Singson.

    Their recognition comes as the AVC launches its first-ever gala, an event designed to celebrate the athletes, coaches, officials, and personalities who helped shape Asian volleyball throughout the 2025 season.

     

    “The AVC Gala was created to celebrate Asian volleyball excellence and to honor the individuals whose talent, dedication, and achievements continue to inspire millions throughout our continent,” said AVC President Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

     

    “The nearly 400,000 votes cast by fans demonstrate the incredible passion that exists for volleyball across Asia, and we are proud to establish a new tradition that recognizes the very best of our sport.”

     

    The award serves as another milestone for Rondina and Pons, whose partnership has become one of the Philippines’ most recognizable in beach volleyball. Their victory in the fan poll also highlighted the strong support they continue to receive not only from Filipino fans but from volleyball followers across the region.

     

    Suzara believes the inaugural gala represents more than just an awards ceremony, describing it as a celebration of both excellence and the people who continue to fuel the sport’s growth.

     

    “We are excited to welcome our winners to the 1st AVC Gala Awards Night this August in Bangkok, where Asia’s volleyball family will come together to celebrate their remarkable achievements and the continued growth of our sport,” Suzara said.

     

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    “Volleyball has always been a sport driven by its community, and our fans remain at the heart of its continued success. By combining the expertise of the AVC Committee with the voices of our supporters, the AVC Gala not only recognizes excellence but also celebrates the strong bond between our athletes and the fans who inspire them every step of the way.”

     

    While the Filipinas captured the fan-voted beach volleyball honor, several of Asia’s biggest names will also headline the inaugural ceremony.

     

    Japanese siblings Yuki Ishikawa and Mayu Ishikawa will receive the Outstanding Men’s Volleyball Player and Outstanding Women’s Volleyball Player awards, respectively.

     

    Qatar’s beach volleyball duo of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan will be recognized as the Outstanding Men’s Beach Volleyball Players after another impressive international campaign, while Japan’s Asami Shiba and Reika Murakami will take home the Outstanding Women’s Beach Volleyball Players award.

     

    Japan women’s national team head coach Ferhat Akbaş will be honored as Volleyball Coach of the Year, while Kazakhstan’s Yuliya Akulova and China’s Wang Lijun will receive the Volleyball Referee of the Year and Beach Volleyball Referee of the Year awards.

     

    The major individual awards were determined through a combined voting system consisting of 70 percent AVC Committee votes and 30 percent public votes, blending technical evaluation with fan participation.

     

    Chinese volleyball icon Zhu Ting claimed the Fans’ Choice Volleyball Award after receiving 42,996 public votes, while Jizhong Wei will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of service and lasting contributions to the development of volleyball across Asia.

     

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  • Sisi Rondina hopes Beach Volleyball gets Cebu-style showcase after 3×3 hoops spectacle

    Sisi Rondina hopes Beach Volleyball gets Cebu-style showcase after 3×3 hoops spectacle

    Fresh off her wedding to fellow beach volleyball player Ronniel Rosales, Sisi Rondina spent the day after her special day supporting the Cebu Hustle 3×3 in her hometown.


    What she saw left a lasting impression, with Rondina joining the crowd to witness Japan’s Shinjuku Givers complete a perfect campaign en route to the championship, showcasing the intensity and competitiveness of women’s 3×3 basketball in front of Cebuano fans. 

     

    “Nakikita ko, the way sila maglaro. Grabe, buwis buhay. Ayun, ang saya na mapanood sila. It’s a quality 3×3 basketball for the women,” Rondina said.

     

    More than the action on the court, Rondina was inspired by what the event represented.

     

    The successful staging of Cebu Hustle 3×3 showed how major sporting events can thrive outside Metro Manila, bringing elite-level competition closer to local communities while giving young athletes an opportunity to witness high-level sports firsthand.

     

    For Rondina, Cebu has long been capable of hosting events of this scale. The tournament only reinforced her belief that more sports should be brought to the province and neighboring areas.

     

    Rondina was grateful for the opportunity and expressed her hope that more sporting events will take place in Cebu — not just in the city, but in other venues all over the province as well.

     

    “We know kahit anong sport ‘yan, maraming naglalaro,” she said.

     

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    Naturally, one sport remains closest to her heart. As one of the country’s most successful beach volleyball tandem alongside Bernadeth Pons, Rondina hopes the attention generated by Cebu Hustle 3×3 can eventually lead to similar opportunities for beach volleyball.

     

    She believes introducing the sport to more communities is crucial to discovering future talents and growing the game nationwide.

     

    “Kaya din naman talaga gustong mag-beach volleyball ni (Bernadeth) Pons, bukod sa sobrang gusto namin maglaro, but ‘yung how we introduce beach volleyball to other places dito sa Philippines,” said Rondina.

     

    “We’re hoping na may mag-plano din na maglaro dito, ang beach volleyball. We’re very excited na makapaglaro dito, dito mismo sa hometown ko,” the SEA Games gold medalist said.

     

    The dream is especially meaningful because Cebu is where Rondina’s sporting journey began. Hosting a major beach volleyball event there would not only bring the sport closer to local fans but also allow the hometown hero to showcase it in the place that helped shape her career.

     

    For now, Rondina’s attention quickly shifts back to competition. After celebrating a major personal milestone, she and Pons return to training with a bigger goal in mind.

     

    “Walang ibang goal kundi Asian Games,” Rondina said.

     

    The pair are currently preparing for the Asian Games in September, where they hope to earn a place in the final roster and continue building on the momentum from their breakthrough SEA Games gold medal campaign last year.

     

    As Rondina looks ahead to another international challenge, she also hopes the success of events like Cebu Hustle 3×3 will inspire organizers to invest in more sports across Cebu, including the beach volleyball tournaments she dreams of bringing home.

     

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  • Volleyball players Sisi Rondina, Ronniel Rosales exchange vows in private Quezon wedding 

    Volleyball players Sisi Rondina, Ronniel Rosales exchange vows in private Quezon wedding 

    Volleyball icon Sisi Rondina and fellow Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball player Ronniel Rosales exchanged vows in a private wedding ceremony in Tiaong, Quezon on Saturday, surrounded by family members, close friends, and fellow athletes.


    The wedding brought together several personalities from the local volleyball community, including Rondina’s longtime beach volleyball partner Bernadette Pons. 

     

    The duo recently captured a silver medal in the AVC Beach Tour Pingtung Open, adding another achievement to their decorated partnership on the sand.

     

    Also present were fellow Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Dij Rodriguez and Sunny Villapando, along with several members of Rondina’s Choco Mucho Flying Titans family. Eya Laure, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Cherry Nunag, Caitlin Viray, and Thang Ponce attended the ceremony, as did Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin and team owner Jonathan Ng.

     

    The marriage comes six months after Rondina and Rosales announced their engagement in January. The longtime couple shared the milestone on social media, with Rondina posting the caption, “It’s a forever thing,” while Rosales described the proposal as “God’s plan, my promise.”

     

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    While the wedding marked a personal milestone, both athletes remain active figures in Philippine volleyball.

     

    Rondina continues to balance careers in both indoor and beach volleyball. She remains one of the key players for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the Premier Volleyball League while also serving as a fixture of the national beach volleyball program.

     

    The former University of Santo Tomas standout is widely regarded as one of the country’s most accomplished volleyball players. 

     

    In 2025, she and Pons delivered a historic gold medal for the Philippines in women’s beach volleyball at the Southeast Asian Games, further cementing their status among the nation’s most successful tandems.

     

    Rosales, meanwhile, has also built a lengthy career in the sport. A former member of the Philippine men’s national beach volleyball team, he likewise saw action in the Spikers’ Turf and has remained involved in the local volleyball scene throughout the years.

     

    Meanwhile, the next day after her wedding, Rondina was already back in her hometown, Cebu. The Cebuana star attended the final games of the Cebu Hustle 3×3 tournament at SM Seaside City, where fans lined up for photos and autographs from one of the country’s most beloved volleyball personalities.

     

    For a couple whose relationship has grown alongside their careers in beach volleyball, the wedding represented not only a celebration of their partnership but also another memorable moment for a sport in which both have played significant roles for the Philippines.

     

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  • Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons take another step forward with AVC Beach Tour Silver finish 

    Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons take another step forward with AVC Beach Tour Silver finish 

    he result may not have ended with a gold medal, but it offered another encouraging sign that their partnership is heading in the right direction.

     

    The Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball tandem continued its steady rise on the Asian circuit after securing a runner-up finish in the AVC Beach Tour Pingtung Open, marking the best AVC tournament result of their careers together.

     

    Facing Australian Olympian Taliqua Clancy and partner Stefie Fejes in the championship match on Sunday in Chinese Taipei, Rondina and Pons showed flashes of the form that has made them one of Southeast Asia’s top beach volleyball pairs. However, the experience and firepower of the Australians eventually prevailed in a 21-19, 21-12 victory.

     

    Despite the defeat, the silver medal represented a significant achievement for the Filipino duo, who have spent much of 2026 focusing on international competition in preparation for the Asian Games later this year.

     

    The tournament showcased the growth of the pair beyond their dominance in the Southeast Asian region.

     

    Before reaching the final, Rondina and Pons survived a pair of demanding knockout matches that highlighted both their resilience and chemistry.

     

    They first outlasted Australians Jasmine Fleming and Elizabeth Achin in a marathon quarterfinal battle, escaping with a hard-earned 21-18, 33-31 victory. The win tested their composure and endurance, with the second set turning into one of the most fiercely contested stretches of their campaign.

     

    The following day, the Filipinas renewed a familiar rivalry against Thailand’s Kongphopsarutawadee Worapeerachayakorn and Taravadee Naraphornrapat.

     

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    The matchup carried memories of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games gold-medal match, where Rondina and Pons delivered a historic championship for the Philippines. Once again, the Thai pair struggled to solve the Filipinas, who completed a 21-17, 26-24 semifinal triumph to book a spot in the gold-medal showdown.

     

    Although Clancy and Fejes ultimately denied them the title, Rondina and Pons left Chinese Taipei with valuable momentum.

     

    Their silver-medal finish comes at a crucial stage of their preparation as the pair continues to prioritize international competition ahead of the Asian Games in Japan this September. The duo has temporarily stepped away from PVL action to focus entirely on beach volleyball, a commitment that has already begun producing encouraging results.

     

    From their SEA Games breakthrough to their recent appearances on the Beach Pro Tour and now their strongest AVC finish to date, Rondina and Pons continue to build a resume that suggests they are capable of competing with some of Asia’s best.

     

    The gold medal may have slipped away in Pingtung, but the bigger picture remains promising. For SiPons, the journey toward the Asian Games appears to be gaining momentum at exactly the right time.

     

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

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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  • Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons show fight despite early exit in stacked Nuvali Challenge field

    Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons show fight despite early exit in stacked Nuvali Challenge field

    Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons may have exited the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge without a win, but not without proving they could stand their ground against some of the world’s rising beach volleyball pairs.

     

    Facing a much taller and more experienced Swiss tandem in Annique Niederhauser and Menia Bentele on Thursday at the Nuvali Sands Courts, the Alas Pilipinas duo pushed the match to the limit before bowing out, 20-22, 22-24, in a tightly contested battle that showcased both their grit and growing chemistry.

     

    The loss officially ended the Filipinas’ campaign in the tournament after finishing the modified pool play at 0-2, but the scoreline hardly reflected how competitive the match truly was.

     

    After narrowly dropping the opening set, Rondina and Pons responded with arguably their best stretch of the tournament in the second frame. The Filipinas dictated the tempo early and eventually built a 19-16 lead after Bentele committed a costly service error that energized the home crowd.

     

    For a moment, it looked like the hosts were headed for a deciding third set.

     

    But the Swiss pair refused to crack under pressure.

     

    Niederhauser and Bentele answered with a timely 4-0 surge to snatch back control, before surviving a tense extension capped by Niederhauser’s block and Bentele’s finishing attack to clinch a Round of 24 berth in the tournament organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission under chairman Patrick Gregorio.

     

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    Despite the heartbreak, Rondina took pride in how quickly she and Pons managed to compete at a high level together.

     

    “I’m proud of the result. It’s just nice because Pons only trained with me for one and a half weeks, but we were able to keep up with them,” said Rondina after the loss.

     

    For Pons, the tournament also served as a reminder of the massive leap in competition between regional events and the world stage.

     

    “The level of competition in the Challenge is really different. So I’m very grateful to compete against volleyball players from around the world,” Pons added.

     

    Bentele paced Switzerland with 13 points, while Niederhauser contributed 12 as the European pair once again ended the Filipinas’ Nuvali campaign after also defeating them in last year’s edition.

     

    Rondina carried the scoring load for Alas Pilipinas with 12 points, while Pons chipped in six markers in their final match of the tournament backed by Rebisco, Akari, Ayala Land, and PLDT.

     

    Earlier in the day, the Filipina tandem also absorbed a straight-set defeat to Denmark’s Sofia Bisgaard and Cirkeline Hog, 19-21, 17-21.

     

    Still, even in defeat, Rondina and Pons showed flashes of a partnership capable of challenging established international teams — something the Philippines hopes to continue building moving forward. 

     

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  • Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons embrace giant challenge as world’s beach volleyball elite arrive in Nuvali 

    Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons embrace giant challenge as world’s beach volleyball elite arrive in Nuvali 

    For years, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons spent most of their international journeys chasing stronger competition overseas.

     

    This week, the challenge finally came to them.

     

    Fresh off delivering a historic beach volleyball gold medal for the Philippines in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, Rondina and Pons now find themselves stepping into an entirely different battlefield — one filled with Olympians, world-ranked pairs, and some of the sport’s biggest names at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge.

     

    And instead of backing down from the moment, the Alas Pilipinas tandem is embracing it.

     

    “Actually, it’s really exciting. Personally, I’m excited about the challenge because there are so many Olympians here. You already know that Pons and I are the type of players who always grab opportunities whenever they come. That’s why we’re really preparing and mentally ready because we know this will be a very tough competition,” said Rondina.

     

    The Filipina pair opens its main draw campaign Thursday at the Nuvali Sands Courts, carrying not just momentum from Bangkok but also the expectations of a home crowd eager to see local stars compete against the world’s elite.

     

    But Rondina knows the jump in level will be massive.

     

    “What we showed in the SEA Games won’t be enough here. We’ll need to give double or even triple the effort because the level of players here is completely different. Our goal is to keep up with them and deliver consistent performances.”

     

    That challenge becomes even clearer when looking at the field assembled in Santa Rosa.

     

    Among those seeing action are Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist Taliqua Clancy of Australia, Paris 2024 Olympians Monika Paulikiene and Aine Raupelyte of Lithuania, French Olympians Lezana Placette and Alexia Richard, and defending Nuvali Challenge champions Anniina Parkkinen and Valma Prihti of Finland.

     

    Top-seeded Americans Corinne Quiggle and Chloe Loreen also headline the tournament, while former NBA player turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger banners the men’s side alongside Trevor Crabb.

     

    For Rondina, however, the moment is bigger than simply facing international stars.

     

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    Hosting a world-class event on Philippine sand gives local players a rare chance to grow without leaving home — and perhaps expose more Filipino fans to beach volleyball’s rising scene.

     

    “Honestly, it’s both exciting and pressuring. Even if it’s a home court advantage, it’s still different when you know the players you’re facing are more experienced or at a higher level. But aside from the pressure, I’m happy because this is happening here in the Philippines,” said Rondina.

     

    “It’s also great that there are audiences watching because we’re able to invite indoor volleyball supporters to watch beach volleyball too and experience a different side of the sport. Imagine the Philippines is competing against Olympians. We’re just praying that we can show a good performance.”

     

    Beyond Rondina and Pons, several other Philippine pairs are also fighting to make noise in the prestigious event.

     

    Sofiah Pagara and Khylem Progella moved within one win of the main draw after surviving Germany’s Mareet Maidhof and Tabea Schwarz in a dramatic qualifier, 21-19, 28-26.

     

    Pagara erupted for 25 points, including crucial plays after the Filipinas saved six match points in the second set.

     

    Meanwhile, Sunny Villapando and Gen Eslapor, Dij Rodriguez and Kly Orillaneda, and Alex Polidario and Jenny Gaviola all bowed out in the qualifiers against more experienced international opposition.

     

    For Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Tonyboy Liao, simply bringing this level of competition to the country already marks a major step for the program.

     

    “This is really good for the Philippine team because instead of traveling abroad, we get to compete here at home against international players. This tournament is a huge challenge because the level of competition is much higher. There are also more ranking points at stake, so it’s really a great opportunity for us,” said Liao.

     

    “Sisi and Pons are fighters no matter who they face. They’ll always compete hard. Hopefully, all the Philippine teams perform well, and hopefully, the Beach Pro Tour Challenge becomes a success. It’s also a big moment for us because this is our first term hosting an international event.”

     

    For Rondina and Pons, though, the mission feels simple. 

     

    The medals and titles may have already come in Southeast Asia, but this week offers something entirely different — a chance to see exactly how far Philippine beach volleyball can go against the sport’s biggest names. 

     

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  • Sisi Rondina, Pauline Gaston star in beach volleyball showcase as Sipalay embraces BVR tour 

    Sisi Rondina, Pauline Gaston star in beach volleyball showcase as Sipalay embraces BVR tour 

    What unfolded in Sipalay over the weekend was more than just another stop in the Beach Volleyball Republic tour.

     

    It became a celebration of how far beach volleyball has grown in the Philippines.

     

    With fans crowding the shores of Poblacion Beach, national team stars and rising pairs delivered high-level matches that turned the BVR On Tour Sipalay Open into one of the liveliest events of the season.

     

    At the center of it all was the Alas Pilipinas tandem of Sisi Rondina and Dij Rodriguez, who  powered through a grueling women’s division en route to a perfect five-match sweep.

     

    The pair survived a tough challenge from Kat Epa and Kizil Quijote in the finals, recovering from a first-set loss to pull off a 19-21, 21-13, 15-6 victory.

     

    Before that, Rondina and Rodriguez also had to outlast fellow Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Sunny Villapando and Gen Eslapor in a hard-fought semifinal showdown.

     

    For Rondina, the atmosphere in Sipalay stood out just as much as the title itself.

     

    “Unti-unting nakikilala talaga ang beach volleyball sa Pilipinas. We are hoping na maraming liga na ganito. Hindi lang sa Sipalay, pati sa buong Pipinas,” said Rondina, who collected her sixth BVR On Tour title.

     

    Rodriguez, meanwhile, secured her fourth tour championship.

     

    The men’s division also produced a redemption story as Ranran Abdilla and Ronniel Rosales bounced back from an earlier elimination-round defeat to overcome Edwin Tolentino and Lerry Francisco in the finals, 21-23, 21-18, 15-7.

     

    The victory gave Abdilla and Rosales their second BVR title together this year after also ruling the Nuvali Open in March.

     

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    Beyond the championship matches, the tournament also highlighted returning and emerging partnerships.

     

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers duo of Pauline Gaston and Roma Mae Doromal impressed despite an early exit, earning praise after pushing veteran pair Bea Tan and Fille Cayetano in a competitive straight-set battle.

     

    “Actually we are very grateful sa experience na maglaro kami together. Nakakasabay kami sa level ng competition. Binigyan din namin ng magandang fight ang kalaban,” Doromal said.

     

    “Ang dami-dami naming natutunan and we are so excited for more BVR appearances,” she added.

     

    Gaston also credited Doromal’s leadership throughout their campaign.

     

    “Nakakapag-in game adjustment kami, which is I’m so proud naman. In game kami magde-decide na magba-block ako Roms (Doromal), anong gagawin naming defensive patterns. Yung mga strategies namin, nailabas which is I’m proud kasi. Siya (Doromal) ang nagiging coach ko, siya yung nagle-lead sa akin. I’m happy and that’s why she’s the Capital1 team captain, I let her lead and I trust her,” Gaston said.

     

    Even in defeat, Doromal appreciated the chance to share the sand with players they once only looked up to.

     

    “It’s a privilege talaga to play against them kasi mga idols po namin, nilu-look up po namin. I’m happy na nasa same court kami,” she said.

     

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