Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Tag: Sisi Rondina

  • PVL All-Filipino Conference: Savannah Davison, Mhicaela Belen head early projected Individual Award winners

    PVL All-Filipino Conference: Savannah Davison, Mhicaela Belen head early projected Individual Award winners

    As the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference heads into the semifinals, the race for individual honors is heating up. Among the frontrunners, Savannah Davison of the PLDT High Speed Hitters stands out not only for her scoring and spiking prowess but also for her team’s dominance. 

     

    Davison ranks third in total points with 185, and her spiking efficiency of 34.23% has powered the No. 1 team in the conference. Her combination of elite production and playoff relevance makes her the early favorite for Conference MVP.

     

    Right alongside her in the award conversation is Mhicaela Belen of Capital1 Solar Spikers, who led the league in total points with 218. While her team’s early elimination in the play-in round weakens her MVP chances, Belen’s statistical dominance cannot be ignored. 

     

    Her high-volume scoring and consistent output put her in contention for positional honors, particularly Best Outside Spiker, where production and impact matter most.

     

    Cherry Ann Rondina of Choco Mucho Flying Titans rounds out the early frontrunners in the outside spiker category. Rondina tallied 178 points, ranking fourth in total scoring, and contributed significantly in serving and reception efficiency. 

     

    Despite her team bowing out early, Rondina’s all-around stats ensure she remains a strong candidate for positional awards.

     

    Cignal Super Spikers, the conference’s second-best team, also injects star power into the mix with Vanessa “Vanie” Gandler and Erika Santos. Gandler ranks sixth in scoring with 166 points, seventh in spiking efficiency at 31.60%, and sixth in reception efficiency, anchoring Cignal’s two-way game. 

     

    Meanwhile, Santos has delivered 139 total points, ranked third in spiking efficiency at 35.53%, and contributed with 124 attacks, showing she can be counted on in both front- and back-row situations.

     

    Their combined performance has propelled Cignal to the top tier of the conference highlighted by a combined 46-point effort to push their team past Creamline in the early qualifying round, making both players serious contenders for Best Outside Spiker and even MVP consideration should their team reach the finals.

     

    In the middle blocker category, Mary Joy Baron of PLDT and Jeannette Panaga of Creamline remain the leading choices. Baron’s defensive presence and blocking average of 0.79 per set anchor PLDT’s front line, while Panaga balances blocking and serving, providing one of the most versatile middle blocker résumés in the league. 

     

    Meanwhile, Trisha Tubu of Farm Fresh Foxies continues to dominate as Best Opposite Spiker with 189 total points, a league-leading spiking efficiency of 40.99%, and 0.71 blocks per set.

     

    Setter honors appear to be heading toward Jia De Guzman of Creamline, whose 5.44 excellent sets per set top the league, though Kim Fajardo of PLDT could mount a late challenge if her team’s strong finish continues. 

     

    The libero race is still led by Tonnie Rose Ponce of Choco Mucho, with 4.71 digs per set, but Alyssa Eroa of ZUS Coffee is close behind with elite back-row efficiency at 43.37%, making this category one of the most open.

     

    As the semifinals unfold, voters will weigh not just raw statistics but team success and playoff relevance. At this stage, Savannah Davison, Mhicaela Belen, Cherry Rondina, Vanessa Gandler, and Erika Santos are shaping up as the leading projected award winners, blending individual brilliance with the impact of being key players on the conference’s top-performing squads.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Projected PVL Individual Awards Leaderboard – 2026 All-Filipino Conference

     

    Most Valuable Player (MVP) – best overall player of the conference

    • Savannah Davison (PLDT High Speed Hitters) – 185 points, 34.23% spiking efficiency, No.1 team
    • Vanessa Gandler (Cignal Super Spikers) – 166 points, 31.60% spiking efficiency, 2nd-best team
    • Mhicaela Belen (Capital1 Solar Spikers) – 218 points (league leader), team eliminated early

    Best Outside Spikers – the top wing scorers / all-around OHs

    • Mhicaela Belen (Capital1 Solar Spikers) – 218 points, high-volume attacker
    • Cherry Ann Rondina (Choco Mucho Flying Titans) – 178 points, strong serve & reception
    • Savannah Davison (PLDT High Speed Hitters) – 185 points, spiking efficiency 34.23%
    • Vanessa Gandler (Cignal Super Spikers) – 166 points, 31.60% spiking efficiency
    • Erika Santos (Cignal Super Spikers) – 139 points, 35.53% spiking efficiency

    Best Middle Blockers – best net defenders / quick attackers

    • Mary Joy Baron (PLDT High Speed Hitters) – 26 blocks, 0.79 avg per set
    • Jeannette Panaga (Creamline Cool Smashers) – 26 blocks, versatile front-row stats

    Best Opposite Spiker – top opposite / right-side hitter

    • Trisha Tubu (Farm Fresh Foxies) – 189 points, 40.99% spiking efficiency, 0.71 blocks per set

    Best Setter – top playmaker

    • Julia Melissa De Guzman (Creamline Cool Smashers) – 5.44 excellent sets per set
    • Kim Fajardo (PLDT High Speed Hitters) – 4.88 excellent sets per set

    Best Libero – best defensive specialist

    • Tonnie Rose Ponce (Choco Mucho Flying Titans) – 179 digs, 4.71 digs per set
    • Alyssa Eroa (ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles) – 97 receptions, 43.37% reception efficiency

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • “Lahat ng kaya kong gawin”: Maddie Madayag leads Choco Mucho’s charge to keep PVL hopes alive

    “Lahat ng kaya kong gawin”: Maddie Madayag leads Choco Mucho’s charge to keep PVL hopes alive

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans rose to the occasion when it mattered most, showcasing a blend of firepower, resilience, and composure to outlast the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in a gripping five-set thriller, 21-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-11, 15-11, in a do-or-die showdown in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, March 24, at the FilOil Centre.

     

    Facing elimination, Choco Mucho leaned on its veteran core and rising stars to stay alive in the tournament. Sisi Rondina once again led the charge with a stellar all-around performance, tallying 27 points on top of 15 excellent receptions. She was ably supported by Maddie Madayag, Eya Laure, and Kat Tolentino, all of whom delivered in crucial stretches of the match.

     

    While Rondina provided her usual spark, it was Madayag who emerged as the difference-maker. The versatile middle blocker turned in one of her best performances of the conference, finishing with 19 points highlighted by three timely blocks. Her efforts earned her Best Player of the Game honors and helped anchor Choco Mucho’s defense at the net during pivotal moments in the match.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    After the game, Madayag did not shy away from acknowledging both the team’s struggles and their determination to overcome them.

     

    “Ayaw kong matalo, ayaw ko ‘yung feeling na natatalo. So, lahat ng kaya kong gawin sa team para manalo kami, go. Whatever that I can contribute sa team, ayun ‘yung gagawin ko. Sobrang laking bagay na makita na kaya namin bawiin ‘yung sarili namin. ‘Yun sabi ni Sisi Rondina na kagagawan namin na nasa bottom seed kami. Not too bottom, but seventh place, again,” Madayag said.

    Choco Mucho’s path to victory was far from smooth. After splitting the first two sets, the Flying Titans faltered in the third, where ZUS Coffee dominated with a commanding 25-13 win. With their backs against the wall, however, Choco Mucho responded emphatically in the fourth set, rediscovering their rhythm and overwhelming the Thunderbelles with a lopsided 25-11 performance to force a decider.

     

    That shift in momentum proved crucial, as the Flying Titans carried their energy into the fifth set, where they held their nerve in a tightly contested finish to complete the comeback victory.

    Madayag highlighted the team’s growth, particularly their improved ability to respond under pressure—something that had plagued them in previous outings.

     

    “May mga times and sets na nalalamangan kami, but I’m very proud of my team na kahit na umabot na kami sa point na parang feeling namin na matatalo na kami, kaya pa rin ilaban, which was our struggle in the past few games, past few conferences, na kapag nalamangan kami ng team, hindi na namin kaya bumawi. Nakikita mo ‘yung puso and competitiveness na ayaw pa namin matapos, and gusto pa namin mag-training,” she added.

     

    The victory not only keeps Choco Mucho’s campaign alive but also sets the stage for another high-stakes encounter. The Flying Titans will face the Akari Chargers in yet another knockout match on Saturday, March 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with a coveted semifinal berth on the line.

     

    With momentum now on their side, Madayag emphasized the importance of staying grounded and focused as they prepare for their next challenge.

     

    “Ayun na nga kailangan namin mag-focus saw bawat isa, sa team namin, kung paano kami gumalaw and kung pano namin i-angat ‘yung sarili namin,” Madayag concluded.

     

    For Choco Mucho, the mission is clear: build on this hard-earned victory, sustain their intensity, and continue proving that they belong among the league’s contenders—one match at a time.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • Kim Kianna Dy admits struggles against Sisi Rondina in PLDT’s win

    Kim Kianna Dy admits struggles against Sisi Rondina in PLDT’s win

    The PLDT High Speed Hitters have opened their 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign in dominant fashion, compiling an impressive 7–1 record to sit atop the standings early in the tournament. With a blend of veteran leadership and disciplined system play, PLDT has quickly established itself as one of the teams to beat in this conference.

     

    The High Speed Hitters sustained their strong run in their most recent outing, overcoming the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in four sets, 23–25, 25–21, 25–19, 25–19, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Saturday, March 14. After dropping a tightly contested opening set, PLDT showed composure and resilience, making key adjustments on both ends of the floor to take control of the match and secure the win.

     

    Despite the victory, PLDT star Kianna Dy acknowledged the challenge posed by one of the league’s most explosive players, Sisi Rondina. A former PVL Most Valuable Player, Rondina once again proved why she remains one of the most feared attackers in the league, finishing with 23 points built on 20 attacks and three service aces.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    Dy admitted that Rondina’s offensive firepower initially caught them off guard, forcing PLDT to regroup and make in-game adjustments after the opening set.

    “Kasi nung first set talaga wala akong makapa kay Sisi. As in ang taas, ang lakas. So really had to adjust, kasi kung hindi kami makaka-adjust, medyo baka mag-uba ‘yung results,” Dy said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    After struggling to contain Rondina early, the High Speed Hitters tightened their defensive schemes, showing improved timing on their blocks and better floor coverage. Their adjustments paid off as they limited Rondina’s efficiency in the latter sets while maintaining consistent scoring on their end.

     

    Head coach Rald Ricafort emphasized that facing a player of Rondina’s caliber inevitably comes with challenges. He noted that the key lies not in completely stopping such a high-level scorer, but in staying patient, disciplined, and committed to the team’s system.

     

    “Yun na yun, bibigay mo talaga yung mga hindi maabot, yung mga sobrang lakas. Pero more on talaga sa patience ng naba-block. Yun, at yun naman ang ibibigay namin sa kanya, kaya tinake na lang namin yung mga pwedeng kunin at siguraduhing hindi mawawala sa syatem na gusto namin para sa kanya,” Ricafort added.

     

    PLDT’s ability to weather early pressure and execute adjustments underscores the maturity and cohesion within the squad. Their balanced attack and defensive discipline have been central to their success so far, allowing them to respond effectively against top-tier competition.

     

    As the All-Filipino Conference progresses, the High Speed Hitters will aim to sustain their momentum and hold on to the top spot, with tougher matchups expected ahead. If their current form is any indication, PLDT appears well-equipped to remain a strong contender deep into the tournament.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • Sisi Rondina urges patience amid Choco Mucho’s poor start in the All-Filipino Conference

    Sisi Rondina urges patience amid Choco Mucho’s poor start in the All-Filipino Conference

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans are still searching for consistency early in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after dropping their first two assignments of the tournament, a start that has placed them fourth in the team standings.

     

    Their latest setback came at the hands of defending powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, who imposed their will in four sets, 27-25, 17-25, 25-21, 25-15, on Tuesday, February 10, before a lively crowd of 12,600 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

     

    Choco Mucho showed flashes of promise, particularly in a tightly contested opening frame that saw both teams exchange momentum. However, Creamline’s poise and depth proved decisive down the stretch, allowing the Cool Smashers to maintain their dominance in one of the league’s most compelling rivalries.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    Despite the slow start, Flying Titans star Sisi Rondina urged patience, emphasizing that the team remains a work in progress as it continues to adjust to new systems and rediscover its rhythm.

     

    “We tend to lose patience. There are times when we are starting to find our rhythm, but we forget that everything coach wants us to do is effective, we just don’t execute it. That’s what we need to focus on and learn,” Rondina said in the post match press conference.

     

    Rondina once again carried much of the offensive load for Choco Mucho, tallying 15 points while contributing 14 receptions in an all-around effort. But even her steady production was not enough to turn the tide against Creamline. The loss marked the Flying Titans’ 19th defeat in their last 20 meetings with the Cool Smashers, a lopsided stretch that continues to highlight Creamline’s firm grip on the rivalry.

    The 2023 PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP) is also navigating a personal transition. Fresh off a historic campaign at the Southeast Asian Games, where she captured a gold medal in beach volleyball alongside Bernadeth Pons for the Philippines, Rondina is in the midst of readjusting to the indoor game and the tactical demands of Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

     

    “Since I returned to indoor volleyball, I have learned a lot of new things from coach Dante, especially the new techniques he is adapting. That’s what we really need to work on, especially me, Eya, and the other spikers,” she added.

     

    Alinsunurin echoed his star player’s sentiments, stressing that system familiarity and composure in critical moments remain areas of improvement for the squad.

     

    “From our two losses, we clearly saw our mistakes. What we want to happen on the court was proven to be something we really have to execute, not just talk about. There were moments when we lost our patience, but like I said, it takes time to get what we want to see on the court, especially when we are out of system. We just need to adapt to whatever situation we are in at that moment.

     

    “This league is long and a lot can still happen – you can end up in the Final Four or fighting near the bottom. In situations like this, we really need to prove ourselves more in the coming games,” Alinsunurin stated.

     

    While the early losses have raised concerns, the Flying Titans remain confident that adjustments made now will pay dividends as the conference progresses. With a long schedule ahead and playoff positioning still far from settled, Choco Mucho has ample opportunity to regroup and build momentum.

     

    The Flying Titans will attempt to halt their skid and notch their first win of the conference when they take on the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Tuesday, February 17, at the FilOil Centre — a crucial match that could help reset their campaign and restore confidence moving forward.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • “Nothing unusual, it’s normal”: Bernadeth Pons on facing Sisi Rondina after securing historic SEA Games gold

    “Nothing unusual, it’s normal”: Bernadeth Pons on facing Sisi Rondina after securing historic SEA Games gold

    Premier Volleyball League (PVL) powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers showed championship poise on Tuesday night, shaking off an opening-game setback in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference to outlast rivals Choco Mucho Flying Titans in four sets, 27–25, 17–25, 25–21, 25–15, at a packed Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    After stumbling in their conference opener, the Cool Smashers responded with a composed and methodical performance, weathering Choco Mucho’s resistance before asserting control in the latter stages of the match. Creamline’s ability to execute in crucial moments—particularly in the tightly contested first and third sets—proved decisive, allowing them to reestablish rhythm and confidence early in the tournament.

     

    Bernadeth Pons spearheaded Creamline’s bounce-back win with an all-around masterclass, registering a triple-double of 19 points, 18 excellent receptions, and 13 digs. Her presence was felt on both ends of the floor as she anchored the defense, stabilized the back row, and delivered timely attacks when the Cool Smashers needed momentum. Middle blocker Pangs Panaga added 12 points, while Jema Galanza chipped in 11, giving Creamline a balanced offensive effort that kept Choco Mucho’s defense guessing.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    Beyond the result, the match carried added intrigue as it marked the first on-court meeting between Pons and Choco Mucho superstar Sisi Rondina since the two joined forces to win a historic gold medal in beach volleyball at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. Now wearing opposing colors in the indoor game, the former teammates found themselves on opposite sides of the net in one of the league’s most anticipated rivalries.

     

    The Creamline star downplayed any extra emotions tied to the matchup, emphasizing the professional reality of competing against familiar faces in the indoor scene.

     

    “Nothing unusual, it’s normal. After beach volleyball, we all know we are going back to indoor anyway, so we are bound to face each other. It’s a challenge for both of us. I know she is super competitive. She is great to play with and just as great to play against,” Pons said after the game.

    Rondina, for her part, delivered a solid performance for the Flying Titans, finishing with 15 points and 14 receptions. However, her efforts were not enough to prevent Choco Mucho from absorbing another setback at the hands of Creamline, as the Flying Titans fell for the 19th time in their last 20 meetings against the Cool Smashers—a statistic that continues to underscore Creamline’s dominance in the rivalry.

     

    For Pons, the win carried extra meaning as she continues to reacclimate to the indoor game after spending months focusing on beach volleyball. The 29-year-old admitted she relished the atmosphere at MOA Arena, marking her return to PVL action after last playing indoors during the previous All-Filipino Conference in May.

     

    “I’m really happy to be playing here at MOA again. I hadn’t played indoor volleyball for a few months, so the feeling was different when I walked in—especially with so many people. It also made it more special since we were playing Choco Mucho, one of the toughest teams this conference. I’m really happy we got the win,” she added.

     

    The 2024 Reinforced Conference Most Valuable Player (MVP) also acknowledged that there is still room for improvement as she and the Cool Smashers continue to fine-tune their systems early in the conference. Pons pointed to communication and on-court connection as key areas the team is emphasizing in training.

     

    “Even in training, Ate Ly kept reminding us that communication is really important. Everyone has to talk and call for the ball so it’s easier for the setter. When everyone is asking for the ball, it also puts pressure on the opponents.

     

    “We work on this every day because, like Jia said, our game against PLDT showed us what we still lack—both individually and as a team. So we keep working on it daily, especially our connection and communication,” Pons concluded.

     

    With their first victory of the 2026 All-Filipino Conference secured, Creamline will look to build momentum as they continue their campaign. The Cool Smashers return to action next on Tuesday, February 17, when they face the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles at the FilOil Centre, aiming to string together wins and reassert themselves as early contenders in the conference race.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleybelles get hero’s welcome from World Balance after SEA Games breakthrough

    Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleybelles get hero’s welcome from World Balance after SEA Games breakthrough

    The echoes of history from the 2025 Southeast Asian Games are still being felt, and this time, they reached the halls of a proud Filipino brand.

     

    Fresh from delivering the Philippines’ first-ever women’s beach volleyball gold at the SEA Games last December, the Alas Pilipinas quartet of Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons, Dij Rodriguez, and Sunny Villapando received special recognition from World Balance, a local sports brand that has long championed homegrown athletes.

     

    The SEA Games gold medalists were welcomed at World Balance’s new headquarters, where the visit went beyond a simple courtesy call. 

     

    The athletes were given a tour of the brand’s creative and design spaces, offering them a closer look at how campaigns are built around Filipino excellence and how sports development remains central to the company’s mission.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    For World Balance, the recognition was more than a celebration—it was a statement. The brand emphasized that honoring the beach volleybelles reflects its continued commitment to supporting local athletes and spotlighting achievements that can spark inspiration among young Filipinos dreaming of representing the country.

     

    The moment carried added weight given the magnitude of the team’s SEA Games triumph. Rondina, Pons, Rodriguez, and Villapando etched their names into Philippine sports history by toppling eight-time defending champion Thailand, a victory that signaled a turning point for the country’s beach volleyball program.

     

    As accolades continue to come in, the recognition from World Balance stands as another reminder that the team’s breakthrough has not only elevated Philippine beach volleyball—but also strengthened the growing bond between local athletes and brands that believe in their potential.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • “Honestly, it was really hard”: Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina opens up on return to indoor volleyball

    “Honestly, it was really hard”: Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina opens up on return to indoor volleyball

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans opened their campaign in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on a high note, delivering a confident straight-sets victory over the Akari Chargers, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20, on Saturday, January 31, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

     

    Anchored by a strong collective effort, the Flying Titans showed early poise and balance on both ends of the floor, setting the tone for what they hope will be a deep conference run. Leading the charge was former PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Sisi Rondina, who made a much-anticipated return to indoor volleyball and immediately reminded fans of her all-around brilliance.

     

    Rondina finished with 16 points in her first indoor match in over eight months, providing timely scoring, energy, and leadership for Choco Mucho. Beyond the numbers, her presence on the court gave the Flying Titans a much-needed emotional and tactical boost, especially in crucial moments of the second and third sets when Akari threatened to gain momentum.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    What made the season opener even more meaningful for the 29-year-old Rondina was the opportunity to share the court once again with former University of Santo Tomas teammate Eya Laure, rekindling a partnership that once electrified the collegiate ranks.

     

    “I’m happy because I really missed playing indoors again with Choco Mucho, and it’s even better now that I get to play with Eya Laure. Like the coach said, hopefully this continues, even though there’s still a lot of work to be done. We will take it one game at a time,” Rondina said during the post-match press conference.

     

    Rondina’s return to indoor play comes after a historic stint in beach volleyball, where she etched her name in Philippine sports history by winning the gold medal in women’s beach volleyball at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. While the triumph elevated her status as one of the country’s most versatile volleyball stars, it also meant a lengthy adjustment period back to the faster pace and physical demands of indoor competition.

    The Cebuana admitted that the transition was far from easy, especially with a compressed timetable leading into the All-Filipino Conference.

     

    “Honestly, it was really hard for me, especially adjusting back to indoor play, since I was supposed to have two months to adapt. I only found out later that the All-Filipino Conference would be in January. I could have taken a break, but I chose not to because once I knew the AFC was coming up, I went straight into adaptation.

     

    “After the SEA Games, it was just one day off and then straight back to adapting for indoor volleyball. So that hunger to come back was still there. I’m just happy that, somehow, I was able to show something and perform again indoors,” she added.

     

    Despite the physical and mental challenges, Rondina’s performance against Akari suggested that her trademark explosiveness and competitiveness remain intact. Her ability to score in transition, stabilize the defense, and provide veteran composure proved vital as Choco Mucho controlled the tempo throughout the match.

     

    A native of Compostela, Cebu, Rondina also expressed gratitude for being reunited with head coach Dante Alinsunurin, whom she credits as a key figure in her development. Having missed the last two PVL conferences, the Flying Titans’ star emphasized how much she valued returning to a familiar system and leadership style.

     

    “What I really missed was coach Dante. For eight months, I was listening to English all the time, and now it’s Tagalog again. I also missed his guidance. He has so much patience with us, and we will make sure to work properly and improve on what we still need to improve,” Rondina concluded.

     

    With the opening win in the books, Rondina and the Flying Titans will enjoy a brief rest before turning their attention to their next challenge. Choco Mucho is set to face the Cignal Super Spikers in their second preliminary-round match on Thursday, February 5, once again at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, as they look to build momentum early in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • “Opinion niyo ‘yan, i-respect ko”: Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure on dealing with public criticism

    “Opinion niyo ‘yan, i-respect ko”: Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure on dealing with public criticism

    Two of the Philippines’ brightest stars in women’s volleyball, Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure, continue to capture the attention of fans both on and off the court. With numerous individual accolades and team honors for Alas Pilipinas and their respective clubs in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), the duo has established themselves as not only top-tier athletes but also household names in the local sports scene.

     

    Being professional athletes and public figures, however, comes with intense scrutiny. Rondina and Laure have both experienced criticism from fans and the media, which they openly discussed in a recent appearance on the talk show “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.” In the conversation, the two stars reflected on the lessons they learned from facing public backlash, highlighting the pressures of being in the spotlight.

     

    For Rondina, the most memorable instance of “bashing” came in 2024, not because of her performance on the volleyball court, but due to a social faux pas: she admitted she did not know about SB19, a popular Filipino boy band. The revelation drew a wave of criticism online, with some fans questioning her cultural awareness.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    “Aminado naman ako na hindi ko naman intensyon ‘yon and at least that pangyayari is may natutunan ako and it is being more cautious kung hindi naman kilala and maging maingat na lang,” Rondina said, reflecting on the experience. She emphasized that while the criticism was initially difficult, it ultimately taught her to navigate public interactions with more awareness and care.

    For Laure, public scrutiny has been a different, yet equally valuable learning experience. The seasoned player reiterated that all forms of criticism have taught her to focus on what truly matters: self-improvement and maintaining perspective amidst external pressures.

     

    “Kung sino ‘yung nakakakita ng paghihirap mo, sila ‘yung parang may ano talaga, kung ano ‘yung kailangan ko pang i-improve sa sarili ko. Opinion niyo ‘yan. I-re-respect ko ‘yan, parang ganun na lang,” Laure said. Her reflection underscores a maturity that comes from balancing the demands of professional sports with the constant presence of social media and fan commentary.

     

    Both Rondina and Laure serve as examples of how top athletes in the Philippines handle the dual pressures of performance and public expectation. While the accolades and spotlight are often celebrated, the reality of being a professional athlete also includes navigating criticism, managing personal image, and maintaining focus on long-term goals.

     

    Their candid discussion on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” offers fans a rare glimpse into the human side of professional volleyball, showing that even the country’s most successful players encounter challenges off the court. By sharing their experiences, Rondina and Laure not only provide inspiration for young athletes but also highlight the importance of resilience, humility, and perspective in professional sports.

     

    As the PVL season continues, both stars remain focused on their teams and the next milestones in their careers. Yet, their experiences with public scrutiny will likely continue to inform how they engage with fans and handle the pressures that come with being among the Philippines’ most prominent athletes.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.