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Tag: Vanie Gandler

  • Alas Pilipinas dealt major blow as Vanie Gandler, Jennifer Nierva, Shaina Nitura miss Asian Games 

    Alas Pilipinas dealt major blow as Vanie Gandler, Jennifer Nierva, Shaina Nitura miss Asian Games 

    Alas Pilipinas Women will head into the 20th Asian Games with a different look than initially envisioned after injuries sidelined three important pieces of the national team’s plans.

     

    Instead of spending the coming months building chemistry with its full roster, the coaching staff will now have to navigate preparations without Vanessa “Vanie” Gandler, Jennifer Nierva, and Shaina Nitura, each unavailable for different injury-related reasons.

     

    The latest setback involves reigning 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference Most Valuable Player Vanie Gandler, who opted to step away from national team duties after an exhausting run of competition that culminated in the biggest individual honor of her career.

     

    Rather than risk aggravating lingering physical issues, the former Cignal star chose recovery, prioritizing long-term health before returning to competition.

     

    Alas Pilipinas will also miss one of its most dependable defensive anchors.

     

    Veteran libero Jennifer Nierva has likewise been ruled out as she continues to recover from an injury, depriving the national team of one of its most experienced backcourt leaders entering continental competition.

     

    The biggest blow, however, may be the loss of one of Philippine volleyball’s fastest-rising stars.

    The Philippine Olympic Committee earlier confirmed that Shaina Nitura will miss the Asian Games after undergoing surgery to address an ankle injury.

     

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    Initially named to the national team pool, the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player instead begins a rehabilitation process expected to last around three months, delaying what could have been her biggest international tournament to date.

     

    Nitura’s absence removes one of the country’s most explosive young scorers from the lineup and leaves Alas Pilipinas without a player many viewed as a cornerstone of its future.

     

    The trio’s unavailability significantly alters the complexion of the squad as preparations continue under head coach Taka Minowa, who now faces the challenge of assembling a competitive lineup despite losing three players expected to play major roles.

     

    While the setbacks are substantial, Alas Pilipinas will press on with the remaining members of its training pool as the national team continues preparations for the Asian Games, scheduled from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

     

    With less than three months before the continental showcase, the focus now shifts from assembling the strongest possible roster to ensuring the available group is ready to compete on Asia’s biggest stage.

     

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  • PVL teams’ offseason latest signings ahead of the 2026 On Tour 

    PVL teams’ offseason latest signings ahead of the 2026 On Tour 

    As the 2026 PVL On Tour approaches, teams are no longer waiting for the action to begin before making their statements. The offseason has become a battleground of its own as franchises reshape their rosters, bringing in proven veterans, and former rivals to create stronger title contenders.

     

    The biggest movement came after the Cignal Super Spikers stepped away from the league, opening the door for several of their key players to find new homes. Their former stars have become among the most sought-after names in the market, with teams hoping that experience from a silver medal campaign can immediately translate into success.

     

    Akari Chargers

     

    The Akari Chargers added former Cignal Super Spikers outside hitter Tin Tiamzon, who brings experience and offensive firepower from her previous PVL stint. They also secured libero Ann Monares from the Farm Fresh Foxies, giving Akari another defensive option, while middle blocker Sharya Ancheta joined from Galeries Tower to strengthen their frontline.

     

    The team also made bold roster decisions by parting ways with Dani Ravena, Max Juangco, Bea Bonafe, Joan Doguna, and Steph Bustrillo.

     

    Furthermore, Akari did not select any players in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft after skipping both rounds, meaning their offseason focus remained on veteran acquisitions and experienced players.

     

    Capital1 Solar Spikers

     

    Capital1 made one of the biggest moves of the offseason after adding two of the league’s most impactful players.

     

    The Solar Spikers landed former Cignal stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos. Gandler, an outside hitter known as one of the league’s top young talents and was recognized as the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference MVP.

     

    Santos, meanwhile, arrives with her own winning credentials after being named the 2025 PVL On Tour MVP. Her addition gives Capital1 another reliable scoring option.

    The team also welcomed veteran setter Jaja Maraguinot, who returns after a six-month break following her stint with Nxled.

     

    With three high-level additions, Capital1 is shaping up as one of the teams expected to make a major jump.

     

    Choco Mucho Flying Titans

     

    Choco Mucho strengthened its defensive identity by adding one of the most decorated liberos in Philippine volleyball.

     

    The Flying Titans acquired Dawn Macandili-Catindig from Cignal, a veteran defensive specialist and former national team player known for her elite floor defense.

     

    They also added Jewel Encarnacion, another former Cignal player who brings youth and power to the lineup, along with veteran spiker Ivy Perez, who is set to join her seventh PVL team.

    The additions are expected to give Choco Mucho a deeper defensive structure as they continue building around their core.

     

    The team also parted ways with Tia Andaya, who decided to step away from volleyball after one season with the Flying Titans.

     

    Creamline Cool Smashers


    The defending champions, Creamline added former Cignal opposite hitter Erin Pangilinan, who gives the team another attacking option, along with outside hitter Ishie Lalongisip, another former Cignal player known for her scoring ability. The Cool Smashers also secured setter Donna Paralejas to add depth in the playmaking.

     

    With its championship core intact, Creamline’s additions provide more flexibility as the team looks to remain among the league’s elite.

     

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    Farm Fresh Foxies

     

    Farm Fresh focused on adding experience to its roster by acquiring two former Cignal players.

    The Foxies signed veteran middle blocker Roselyn Doria-Aquino, who brings years of experience and net presence. They also added libero Buding Duremdes, giving Farm Fresh another defensive weapon as they aim to continue their rise in the league.

     

    Nxled Chameleons

     

    Nxled landed two major names that immediately upgraded its lineup.

     

    The Chameleons acquired veteran setter Gel Cayuna, a multiple-time PVL award winner who brings leadership and playmaking experience. They also added middle blocker Jacqueline Acuña, who provides size and blocking strength at the net.

     

    Both players came from Cignal’s successful run, where they helped the team secure a silver medal finish before the franchise made a leave of absence from the league. Their arrival gives Nxled more stability as the young franchise continues to build.

     

    PLDT High Speed Hitters

     

    PLDT also took advantage of the offseason movement by adding multiple pieces.

     

    The High Speed Hitters acquired free agent outside hitter Joan Monares, middle blocker Winnie Bedana from Galeries Tower, and former Cignal middle blocker Jessa Ordiales.

     

    The new additions add more depth to PLDT’s rotation and give the team additional options heading into the 2026 PVL on Tour.

     

    Galeries Tower Highrisers and Zus Coffee Thunderbelles

     

    Unlike other teams making major changes, Galeries Tower Highrisers and Zus Coffee Thunderbelles have yet to announce new signings.

     

    Both teams will enter the next phase of preparation with their current rosters while monitoring possible additions.

     

    With the PVL becoming more competitive every season, the 2026 On Tour will showcase more than just new faces — it will feature new identities. Teams are no longer relying only on established stars, they are building deeper lineups designed to survive the long grind of professional volleyball.

     

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  • “This is our new era”: Mandy Romero optimistic after Capital1 lands No. 2 pick in PVL Rookie Draft

    “This is our new era”: Mandy Romero optimistic after Capital1 lands No. 2 pick in PVL Rookie Draft

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers have positioned themselves for another significant roster upgrade ahead of the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season after securing the second overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft during the lottery held on Monday, May 25, at the TV5 Media Center.

     

    Despite entering the lottery with the highest probability of landing the top selection at 40 percent, the Solar Spikers ultimately fell just short as the Galeries Tower Highrisers claimed the first overall pick. Still, Capital1 remains firmly in an advantageous position heading into the draft, holding a high-value selection that could further accelerate the franchise’s rapid rise in the PVL.

     

    The result, however, did little to dampen the optimism within the Capital1 camp, as co-owner Mandy Romero expressed confidence that the organization is steadily entering what she described as a “new era” for the franchise.

     

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    Romero pointed to the team’s aggressive off-season moves as evidence of its evolving identity, highlighted by the addition of PVL star power in former Most Valuable Player winners Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, who are set to join emerging cornerstone Bella Belen in a rapidly reshaped roster.

     

    “We are very, very happy. I think it’s really meant to be that we are entering this new year of Capital1, and we really hope that everyone joins us in all of our ride. We have had a lot of changes in the off-season, and hopefully, this next draft will bring together all the passion, the grit, and the fire that we need to be a champion contender. That’s our dream,” Romero said.

     

    Even with the No. 2 pick, Capital1 is widely expected to target another impact player capable of immediately contributing to a roster that is increasingly being built for championship contention. While Romero did not disclose specific names, she emphasized that the franchise is prioritizing a player who can provide both leadership and offensive firepower.

    “We are looking for someone who will play in the court, they are ready to be part of this team, they are ready and very determined to achieve our new heights together. On behalf of my sister and I, we are praying that we enter this 2026 as a completely ‘new era,’” she added.

     

    Capital1’s trajectory has been one of the most closely watched developments in recent PVL seasons. The franchise previously held the first overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, selecting Belen, who was widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in Philippine volleyball history. The former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout quickly validated that reputation, delivering a standout rookie campaign capped by Rookie of the Year honors and a Best Outside Spiker award.

     

    With Belen continuing to anchor the team’s core and the arrivals of Gandler and Santos significantly strengthening the supporting cast, Capital1 is beginning to form a more balanced and competitive lineup. The added depth is expected to reduce pressure on Belen while giving the Solar Spikers multiple scoring options as they aim to transition from rebuilding side to legitimate title contender.

     

    Romero emphasized that beyond talent acquisition, the organization’s growth has also been driven by culture-building and continuity within the locker room. She noted that the team’s young core has embraced the franchise’s long-term vision and is committed to developing together as a cohesive unit.

     

    “It’s all a matter of, again, prayers, chance, but at the same time having the culture that we are building here at Capital1. I’m very proud, my sister is very proud to say that the players we have feel like they are part of the team here, feeling like we are building a franchise together, and they are excited to be part of the still the youngest team here in the PVL. We hope to sustain that and that we will continue to again reach this new chapter together,” Romero concluded.

     

    With the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, at the Novotel Manila Araneta City, Capital1 now enters the event with high expectations and a clear direction—armed with a strong young core, veteran reinforcements, and another opportunity to secure a player who could shape the next phase of the franchise’s rise in the PVL.

     

     

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  • Vanie Gandler embraces pressure of leading Capital1’s new era 

    Vanie Gandler embraces pressure of leading Capital1’s new era 

    For Vanie Gandler, the move to Capital1 Solar Spikers was never simply about transferring teams.

    It was about choosing to start over after finally finding success.

     

    Just weeks removed from helping Cignal Super Spikers reach its breakthrough Finals appearance in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Gandler suddenly found herself facing a reality few players expected — the team she helped elevate was stepping away from the league.

     

    For many stars, that kind of uncertainty could have stalled momentum. Instead, the reigning PVL MVP chose to view it differently.

     

    “It wasn’t easy, especially with the season that we came out of. We finally reached the Finals for the first time in the All-Filipino Conference, so it was really heartbreaking,” she told reporters.

    “But you know, in life you always have to move forward. So I took this as a new challenge for me,” she added.

     

    That mindset ultimately led her to Capital1, a franchise still trying to establish itself among the PVL’s elite.

     

    The Solar Spikers already made headlines after securing top rookie Bella Belen, but despite flashes of promise, the team continued to struggle for consistency in recent conferences.

    Now, the pressure shifts.

     

    Gandler arrives not only as the league’s reigning MVP, but also as one of the faces expected to accelerate Capital1’s climb from rebuilding squad into legitimate contender.

     

    And she understands exactly what the challenge demands.

     

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    “Coming into the pros was a challenge, choosing a team was a challenge, and it ended up working. So I really just balanced where I could see I could grow, and I see that in Capital1 with everyone’s willingness to build a team,” said Gandler.

     

    “It’s my new challenge to help the team also build and write a new story.”

     

    That “new story” suddenly looks far more ambitious with Gandler and fellow former Cignal star Erika Santos joining forces with Belen.

     

    On paper, the trio instantly gives Capital1 one of the most intriguing offensive cores in the league — a blend of proven star power, rising talent, and fresh chemistry still waiting to fully unfold.

     

    But beyond the roster moves, the transfer also reflects something bigger for Gandler personally.

     

    For years, much of her journey revolved around proving she belonged among the PVL’s top names. She accomplished that with Cignal, transforming from promising prospect into league MVP and Finals centerpiece.

     

    Now comes a different responsibility: helping build a winning culture from the ground up.

    Capital1 owner Milka Romero made it clear the franchise is aiming far beyond simply becoming competitive.

     

    “And welcoming now experienced veterans is, I think, what we need to put an exclamation point to what the purpose of the team is, which is, of course, to win, to hopefully may a championship along the line,” Romero said.

     

    For Gandler, the challenge ahead may be unfamiliar. But after already navigating heartbreak, uncertainty, and major career decisions in just a matter of weeks, starting over no longer feels quite as intimidating.

     

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  • From Alas roommates to Capital1 teammates: Bella Belen and Vanie Gandler’s friendship comes full circle 

    From Alas roommates to Capital1 teammates: Bella Belen and Vanie Gandler’s friendship comes full circle 

    Before Capital1 assembled what now looks like one of the most dangerous duos in the PVL, Bella Belen had already started planting the seeds — not in a boardroom, but in casual conversations with a friend.

     

    Long before Vanie Gandler officially joined the Solar Spikers, Belen was already half-jokingly trying to recruit her.

     

    “Minsan nga, before pa, niloloko ko na siya na bigyan niya ng chance si Capital1 if ever na maisipan niyang lumipat ng team,” Belen said.

     

    At the time, it sounded like playful banter between national teammates.Now, it feels strangely prophetic.

     

    The newly formed Belen-Gandler pairing at Capital1 did not begin with free agency headlines or blockbuster PVL moves. Their connection actually started quietly inside the Alas Pilipinas program, where two stars from rival schools unexpectedly found comfort in each other’s company.

     

    For Belen, it was a friendship she never anticipated developing.

     

    “‘Yung closeness namin ni Ate Vanie is very unexpected for me since hindi naman kami nag-abot. I mean, nag-abot kami [ilang] season lang sa college. Magkaiba kami na magkaiba. Magkaiba kami ng personalities,” Belen shared.

     

    They came from different volleyball worlds.

     

    Belen built her name as National University’s relentless centerpiece and eventual collegiate icon. Gandler, meanwhile, carved her own path at Ateneo before blossoming into one of the PVL’s premier scorers and eventually an MVP.

     

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    On paper, they were simply two elite outside hitters representing the same flag. But national team duty has a way of speeding up relationships.

     

    Between overseas trips, long training camps, and countless hours spent together during Alas Pilipinas assignments, the two gradually developed a friendship that stretched beyond volleyball itself. At times, they even became roommates during international competitions — moments that allowed their bond to deepen away from the pressure of matches and expectations.

     

    What began as small talk eventually became genuine closeness. “I’m very happy na nagkaroon ako ng bagong friends, na dumating si Ate Vanie. Everytime, kapag outside volleyball, nagchi-chikahan kami and all,” Belen said.

     

    That familiarity now gives Capital1 something far more valuable than just star power.

     

    The Solar Spikers are not simply bringing together two MVP-level talents. They are adding players who already understand each other beyond the court — personalities, habits, energy, even silence.

     

    And after years of building chemistry in the national team setup, the transition to becoming club teammates suddenly feels less like a new partnership and more like the continuation of an old one.

     

    Earlier this month, fans already got a glimpse of that dynamic when Belen, Gandler, and Erika Santos briefly played together for Team Heart during the PVL All-Star festivities.

     

    Soon, it becomes official business. For Capital1, Gandler’s arrival signals another massive leap toward contention. But for Belen, the move carries a more personal meaning.

     

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  • “I want to help build the team”: Vanie Gandler explains decision to join Capital1 Solar Spikers 

    “I want to help build the team”: Vanie Gandler explains decision to join Capital1 Solar Spikers 

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers made one of the most significant roster shake-ups in recent Premier Volleyball League (PVL) history on Thursday, May 14, dramatically reshaping their lineup and signaling a clear shift from a developing squad into a win-now contender ahead of the upcoming season.

     

    The franchise secured the services of former Cignal Super Spikers standouts Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, while also reinforcing its playmaking department with veteran setter Jaja Santiago. The aggressive recruitment drive underlines Capital1’s intent to immediately compete with the league’s elite after previously operating as a rebuilding team.

     

    At the center of the transformation is Gandler, who arrives at Capital1 fresh off the most productive conference of her professional career. The 25-year-old broke out as one of the PVL’s premier attackers, guiding Cignal to its first-ever All-Filipino Finals appearance and nearly steering the squad to a championship upset against perennial powerhouse Creamline. Her standout campaign was capped by the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference Most Valuable Player award, the first major individual honor of her career.

     

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    Gandler spoke candidly about her decision to join Capital1, citing the team’s steady growth and organizational direction as key factors in her move.

     

    “When I was thinking of a team to join, I always felt that I fit best in Capital1 for some reason. Playing on the other side of the court against them, I saw the growth of the team in the two years that Capital1 has been in the PVL. I saw the potential that the team has because I can see it in the way the team owners handled the team, with how supportive they are with the way they communicate with their players,” Gandler said in her welcome press conference.

    “I wanted to join a team where I’m not just a missing piece, I wanted to be there to build a team with them, to help them write a story,” she added.

     

    Her arrival also creates a formidable attacking duo alongside fellow Alas Pilipinas standout Bella Belen, forming one of the most promising wing combinations in the PVL. The pairing gives Capital1 a rare blend of explosiveness and versatility, featuring two of the league’s most decorated young stars in the reigning MVP and Rookie of the Conference.

     

    Despite the heightened expectations, Gandler emphasized her commitment to growth and process over immediate pressure.

     

    “There may be high expectations but like always, my focus is just on today. What I have to do today, the process of what I need to do next, so I’m definitely gonna take what I learned over the past years and try to share it with the team, but not put too much pressure on myself that I have this expectation. I know that I still have so much to learn. And I know that I can learn so much from this new team, new people, new perspectives, so I’m very excited to still keep improving,” she continued.

     

    Capital1’s aggressive roster overhaul signals a clear change in trajectory, opting to accelerate its competitive timeline by surrounding its young core with proven talent capable of contending immediately. After acquiring two of the most sought-after players in the league following Cignal’s leave of absence, the Solar Spikers have positioned themselves as a legitimate threat in the PVL hierarchy.

     

    “Our goal is to focus on the process and I have no doubt that this team will really focus on the process and get there one step at a time. In my recent years of volleyball, I really fell in love with the process and everything I learned getting to that championship. The timeline to that championship, I’m not sure, but I know one day we will get there, but for now we are just gonna enjoy what we are doing and enjoy building this team together,” Gandler concluded.

     

    With the arrival of Gandler and Santos alongside a strengthened core led by Belen, Capital1 has transformed from a rebuilding side into one of the PVL’s most intriguing dark horses. While chemistry will take time to develop, the Solar Spikers now possess the star power, depth, and potential firepower to challenge established contenders—setting the stage for a season that could redefine the franchise’s direction in Philippine volleyball.

     

     

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  • “I really manifested and prayed for it talaga na may makuha kami from Cignal”: Bella Belen on Capital1 signing two key Cignal players 

    “I really manifested and prayed for it talaga na may makuha kami from Cignal”: Bella Belen on Capital1 signing two key Cignal players 

    What started as playful talk during All-Star festivities has now turned into one of the biggest offseason storylines in the PVL, as Capital1 Solar Spikers officially secured the services of former Cignal players, Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos.


    At the center of the moment is rookie star Bella Belen, who once jokingly expressed her desire to bring in Cignal players—and now finds herself not only playing alongside them again but also reuniting with familiar faces.

     

    Belen, along with Santos and Gandler, previously shared the court as teammates during the 2026 PVL All-Star, while the PVL star rookie and Gandler were also once teammates under Alas Pilipinas, making the Capital1 move feel more like a reunion than a fresh start.

     

    For Belen, what began as lighthearted “recruitment” during the All-Star break in Candon, Ilocos Sur has now evolved into a defining roster upgrade for Capital1 after Cignal’s leave of absence.

     

    “Ako talaga, I really manifested and prayed for it talaga na may makuha kami from Cignal with the likes of Ate Vanie and Ate Erika,” Belen said after the team’s press conference.

     

    She admitted she had already been pitching Capital1’s direction and long-term vision to the Cignal stars even during the All-Star festivities.

     

    “Like ano ‘yung platform, direction namin as a team, at sabihin sa kanila ano ‘yung gusto naming marating,” she said. 

     

    At the time, she even playfully pointed out how the All-Star jerseys suited the Cignal duo—an early hint of what would eventually become reality in the offseason.

     

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    Now, that moment has turned into one of the most impactful roster moves of the PVL break, immediately boosting Capital1’s competitiveness after a tough 2026 All-Filipino Conference campaign.

     

    Beyond the reunion narrative, Belen believes the arrivals of Gandler and Santos bring valuable playoff experience and leadership that the young franchise can build on.

     

    “Marami silang experience, nakapag-Finals na sila. So, I believe, marami silang pwedeng madala sa Capital1—and ganun din naman kami, marami kaming pwedeng matutunan sa kanila,” the 23-year-old Outside Hitter said.

     

    With a refreshed lineup and familiar chemistry already in place, Capital1 now heads into the new PVL season with renewed confidence, hoping that this blend of reunited teammates and rising stars can finally push the franchise into serious contention. 

     

     

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  • Capital1 fast-tracks title ambitions with blockbuster Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos signing

    Capital1 fast-tracks title ambitions with blockbuster Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos signing

    Capital1 is no longer building quietly.

     

    After spending its early PVL years trying to establish an identity, the young franchise has suddenly accelerated its timeline — and the rest of the league may now have to take the Solar Spikers far more seriously.

     

    In what instantly became one of the biggest offseason moves in recent PVL memory, Capital1 secured the services of former Cignal stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, dramatically reshaping both its roster and championship outlook heading into the new season.

     

    The franchise also strengthened its playmaking department by adding veteran setter Jaja Maraguinot, further signaling that Capital1 is shifting from a developmental team into a squad aiming to contend immediately.

     

    The centerpiece of the transformation, of course, is Gandler.

     

    Fresh off the best conference of her professional career, the 25-year-old arrives in Capital1 carrying the momentum of a breakthrough season that saw her evolve from rising talent into full-fledged league star.

     

    Gandler powered Cignal to its first-ever All-Filipino Finals appearance earlier this year and nearly helped push Creamline to the brink during a fiercely contested championship series.

     

    Her stellar run ultimately earned her the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference MVP award — the first individual accolade of her PVL career.

     

    But perhaps more importantly, Gandler now enters a situation where expectations immediately become much bigger.

     

    At Capital1, she joins forces with fellow Alas Pilipinas standout Bella Belen, creating what could become one of the league’s most dangerous wing tandems.

     

    The partnership also gives the PVL a rare combination: the reigning MVP alongside the reigning Rookie of the Conference.

     

    Just as significant is Gandler’s reunion with former Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza De Brito, who once again gets the opportunity to maximize one of the country’s premier outside hitters.

     

    While Gandler headlines the move, Santos may end up becoming equally important to Capital1’s rise.

     

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    After years of searching for consistency early in her career, Santos finally found her rhythm with Cignal and blossomed into one of the PVL’s fastest-rising scorers.

     

    Her lone season with the Super Spikers became a breakout campaign, highlighted by a PVL on Tour MVP award and recognition as one of the league’s top opposite spikers.

     

    Now joining her third PVL team, Santos gives Capital1 another reliable offensive weapon while reuniting with fellow La Salle product Leila Cruz.

     

    The additions arrive at a crucial point for the Solar Spikers.

     

    Despite flashes of promise last season — particularly behind Belen’s emergence as Rookie of the Conference and Best Outside Spiker — Capital1 still struggled to consistently compete with the league’s elite.

     

    The team reached the Reinforced Conference quarterfinals but eventually finished eighth in the All-Filipino Conference after falling short in the Play-In stage.

     

    That reality appears to have fueled the franchise’s aggressive offseason approach.

     

    Instead of waiting years for gradual growth, Capital1 has chosen to accelerate the process by surrounding Belen with proven stars already capable of competing deep into the playoffs.

     

    And after landing two of the biggest names available following Cignal’s leave of absence, the Solar Spikers may have officially announced themselves as a legitimate threat to the PVL hierarchy.

     

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  • PVL moves quickly to prevent player stacking after Cignal exit

    PVL moves quickly to prevent player stacking after Cignal exit

    The Premier Volleyball League is wasting little time protecting competitive balance following Cignal HD Spikers’ leave of absence.

     

    Amid growing movement surrounding the futures of several former Cignal players, the league has circulated an internal memorandum placing immediate limits on how teams can rebuild using talent from the disbanded squad.

     

    Under the directive sent to the league’s remaining nine member teams, clubs are only allowed to acquire a maximum of two players from the former Cignal roster.

     

    The memorandum also requires teams to formally notify the league in writing before finalizing agreements or publicly announcing any signing involving former Super Spikers players.

     

    One provision in the memo further emphasized that the league reserves the right to determine which players may transfer to specific teams in an effort to avoid disrupting the PVL’s competitive landscape.

     

    League officials explained that the restrictions were implemented to “ensure fairness and prevent disproportionate roster consolidation.”

     

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    The move comes as interest around Cignal’s players rapidly intensified following the franchise’s leave of absence, with multiple teams reportedly exploring ways to strengthen their lineups ahead of the next conference.

     

    Sources indicated that at least one team had already secured verbal commitments from three former Cignal players before the memorandum was issued, prompting concerns over a possible concentration of talent within a single roster.

     

    The league’s intervention now effectively slows down what had become an aggressive recruitment race across the PVL.

     

    The memo also carried a warning for teams that fail to comply with the directive, stating that sanctions may include penalties such as the forfeiture of rookie draft picks.

     

    With one of the league’s longtime contenders suddenly out of the picture, the PVL now finds itself managing not only player movement, but also the delicate balance of keeping the competition from tilting too heavily toward a select few teams.

     

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  • Reminiscing Cignal’s steady rise in the PVL following the team’s departure from the league 

    Reminiscing Cignal’s steady rise in the PVL following the team’s departure from the league 

    The journey of the Cignal Super Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League was never about instant success. Instead, it was built on steady improvement, patience, and a group that kept finding ways to stay competitive year after year.

     

    Cignal entered the league in 2021 as the HD Spikers, bringing in a mix of veterans and emerging players under head coach Shaq Delos Santos. Led by experienced names like Rachel Anne Daquis and Jheck Dionela, the team quickly showed it could keep up with more established squads. While they did not contend for a title right away, they laid down a solid foundation.

     

    That foundation paid off in 2022 when Cignal reached its first Finals appearance in the Reinforced Conference. Behind import Tai Bierria, the team made a strong run before finishing as runner-up to Petro Gazz. Even in defeat, it was a sign that the team was moving in the right direction.

     

    In 2023, the spotlight shifted to individual excellence as Ces Molina stepped up with an MVP performance in the Invitational Conference. Her scoring surge showed that Cignal had players capable of leading the way in big moments.

     

    From 2023 to 2024, the HD Spikers became a regular presence near the top of the standings. They consistently finished on the podium and remained a tough team to beat, regardless of roster changes. Different combinations came and went, but the team’s identity stayed the same, guided by its “Happiness, Cignal!” culture.

     

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    New faces also emerged during this stretch. Erika Santos made an immediate impact after joining the team, showing her scoring ability in the PVL on Tour. At the same time, the team transitioned into a new era, rebranding as the Super Spikers ahead of the 2025 season.

     

    Despite the changes, Cignal remained steady. Gel Cayuna continued to lead the offense as one of the league’s top setters, while Dawn Macandili-Catindig anchored the defense. Jackie Acuña also added strength at the net, helping the team stay competitive in every conference.

     

    The biggest breakthrough came in 2026 when Cignal reached its first PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals. The team earned its spot by beating strong opponents like Farm Fresh and Creamline in the semifinals. Although they fell short in the championship series, the Finals appearance marked an important step forward.

     

    Leading that run was Vanie Gandler, who delivered an MVP season and became one of the league’s top players. Her all-around performance reflected how far both she and the team had come.

     

    In just five years, Cignal grew from a new team into a consistent contender. While their leave of absence puts that progress on hold, their run showed what steady development and a strong core can achieve in the PVL.

     

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