Sisi Rondina named as Volleyball Ambassador for World Balance

World Balance ambassador Sisi Rondina

World Balance has officially welcomed Sisi Rondina, one of Philippine volleyball’s brightest and most beloved stars, as its newest volleyball ambassador.

Known for her explosive energy, sharp instincts, and fearless style of play, Sisi embodies the spirit of determination both on and off the court. Her journey, from humble beginnings on local courts to shining on national and international stages, perfectly reflects the values that World Balance champions through its call to “Believe We Can”.

This belief is what connects Sisi and World Balance: the conviction that greatness begins with trusting yourself, your teammates, and the process no matter the odds.

Even off the court, Sisi Rondina’s grassroots story continues to inspire fans. She once shared how she used her hard-earned savings from volleyball to buy her parents a home in Compostela, Cebu, cementing her role not only as a daughter but also as a breadwinner. In 2019, the UST community and supporters helped bring her family to Manila so they could watch her play in the UAAP Finals, a gesture that showed just how much she meant to her school and its fans. To many, she is more than an MVP; she embodies the pride of being a probinsyana: grounded, resilient, and capable of rising to the top while carrying the hopes
of those who believe in her journey.

Over the years, Sisi has inspired countless fans with her spikes, gritty defense, and never-back-down attitude. From winning multiple UAAP Beach Volleyball MVP titles to winning the UAAP Season 81 Indoor Volleyball MVP, she has proven that success is built on preparation, determination, and heart. Beyond the collegiate stage, she has proudly represented the Philippines in international tournaments and, more recently, excelled in the professional league with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, where she earned the 2023 PVL Second All-Filipino Conference MVP. Her story continues to resonate with athletes who
dream big, work hard, and rise above expectations.

Barny Chong, President of World Balance emphasized, “Sisi embodies the grit of Filipino athletes... and with World Balance, she’s proof that belief and hard work can take you to the top.”

Through this partnership, World Balance seeks to bring Sisi’s competitive spirit and passion for the sport closer to the volleyball community. The brand’s performance footwear and apparel are built for athletes who want to move freely, play with confidence, and chase every point with purpose. With Sisi as its ambassador, World Balance reinforces the message that the right gear not only fuels performance but also strengthens belief in one’s limitless potential.

Now wearing the World Balance colors, Sisi Rondina is set to inspire athletes everywhere to step on the court ready to push their limits, face every challenge, and prove that with belief and hard work, victory is always within reach.

Jude Garcia claims back-to-back MVP titles

Jude Garcia (c/o Spikers' Turf)

For the second time in a row, Jude Garcia has been hailed as the Spikers’ Turf Most Valuable Player of the Conference. 

After winning the MVP in the 2024 Open Conference, the Criss Cross star followed it up with another spectacular Invitational Conference showing. 

Garcia, a 5-foot-11 outside spiker, led the country’s men’s premier league in scoring during the elimination round with 150 total points he made on 132 spikes, 14 kill blocks, and four service aces. 

The 26-year-old product of Far Eastern University was not just the highest pointer but he did it so efficiently, emerging as the top spiker with a 53.88 percent success rate while also excelling on floor defense, placing seventh in reception with a 47.28 percent efficiency rate. 

Meanwhile, King Crunchers’ newcomer Nico Almendras and Savouge Spin Doctors’ rising star Shawie Caritativo were named as the Best Outside Spikers - both their first recognition. 

Almendras ranked 11th in scoring with 85 points while also being second in service (0.27 per set), eighth in reception (45.40 percent), and ninth in spiking (40.59 percent). 

Caritativo, on the other hand, was eighth in scoring with 92 points, sixth in spiking with a 43.32 percent success rate, eighth in aces with 0.18 per set, and ninth in reception with a 42.53 efficiency rate. 

Gian Glorioso of Criss Cross and Giles Torres of Savouge bagged the Best Middle Blockers plum, both their first time. 

Glorioso and Torres were 1-2 in blocking department with 1.10 blocks and 0.74 per set, respectively, while also scoring well with the Spin Doctor making 97 points (seventh) and the King Cruncher tallying 83 points (12th). 

Dryx Saavedra of Far Eastern University-DN Steel copped the Best Opposite Spiker distinction after a standout performance, getting the second-most points with 133 and being third-most efficient in spiking with a 47.93 percent success rate. 

Completing the Spikers’ Turf Elite Team are Cignal’s Vince Lorenzo and Criss Cross’ Ish Polvorosa. 

Lorenzo was the Best Libero for topping the reception category with a 62.59 percent efficiency rate while also placing seventh in digs with 1.34 per set. 

Polvorosa, meanwhile, was second in setting with a 4.70 average per set. This is his second time getting the award after winning it in the 2016 Collegiate Conference when he was still with Ateneo de Manila University. 

Statistics used were only up to the end of the preliminary round.

High Speed Hitters to showcase ‘Pusong PLDT’ more, come back stronger in new PVL season

With the start of the current 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, the PLDT High Speed Hitters seek to uphold the "Pusong PLDT" theme.

So far, this has been affirmed early on, with consecutive wins against NXLED and Galeries to kickoff their campaign.

Mika Reyes shares about their outlook for this conference, "We are all still proud and motivated. When we talk, it’s mostly about how we can improve our game from the previous conference."

Team captain Kath Arado adds, "After nung nangyari sa amin last conference, siguro mas masasabi ko na mas tumibay yung bond namin as a team. Ang mindset ko kasi palagi, dapat every training lagi kong ibigay yung 100% ko para pagdating sa actual games, sanay yung katawan at isip ko sa fan pressure at hirap dahil alam kong lahat ng team, pinaghahandaan palagi ang bawat game."

Volleyball fans would recall about the manner of the High Speed Hitters' exit in the previous conference, and the team has moved on from it and has exerted its focus towards being one of the best in the current stint. Such resilience would be considered as an affirmation of the Pusong PLDT philosophy.

Reyes notes about this, "We’ve got a solid team, and we’re putting in the work every day. We’re focused on one game at a time, but we believe we can go far if we keep improving and stick to our game plan."

One cannot go with just the heart alone, but when steered with a system, it can help get you further. In PLDT's case, it rests on the shoulders of Rald Ricafort, who will be marking his second anniversary with the team this coming January.

About their staff, Savi Davison says, "Coach Rald and the rest of the staff have created a system that works for us... As athletes, we must trust that system and fully commit to the process to perfect it. The coaches work to identify aspects of our game that can be improved and show us how to apply those improvements by simulating game-time situations and creating pressure."

Davison, an University of Oklahoma alumna, has returned to action after sitting out the last conference due to an issue with her left knee.

Arado adds, "Sa mga coaches namin, sobrang thankful ako kasi ang lawak nila mag-isip, na every training mapapaisip ka na ‘Ang dami ko pa palan gdapat matutunan. Happy ako kasi nagbubunga lahat ng paghihirap namin sa training. Yung tiwala namin sa isa’t-isa, hindi nawawala kasi yung mga nagtuturo ngasa amin, may tiwalasa amin."

The Speed Hitters are very much appreciative of the support they have been receiving from both management and especially from the fans.

Reyes notes about the former, "Management has been great in supporting our training and making sure we have what we need."

As for the latter, their loyalty and passion from the game is what lifts the team's spirit.

"To the fans, no words can express my gratitude and happiness tuwing nakakasama namin kayo sa games namin. Hindi man tayo kasing dami nila pero para sa amin, kayo ang the best fans," said Arado.

"Thank you for always supporting us! Your energy and belief in us make a huge difference, and we feel it every time we play. Keep cheering us on, and we’ll keep pushing to make you proud," said Reyes.

"I believe that PLDT is capable of winning it all. Overall, we have all the support needed to win, we just need to ensure that we continue to play with intention, grit, and maybe a little bit of attitude. I am super excited to see how this conference turns out for us, hopefully in our favor! We cannot wait to see you all in our games and show you what we have been working on!,” shares Davison.

PLDT rejoins Premier Volleyball League

PLDT made it official on Wednesday, rejoining the Premier Volleyball League, the lone professional league for the sport in the country.

In making the move, Chief Revenue Officer Al Panlilio shares, "We are very deeply engaged in Philippine sports, supporting various sports-- including volleyball -- for a long time through the MVP Sports Foundation. We have always believed in the power of sports to make the lives of Filipinos better. The values that we learn in volleyball – such as teamwork, mindfulness, patience, grace under pressure, and discipline, among others – are important elements to the formula of success."

PLDT and SMART Head of Sports Jude Turcuato adds, "It definitely feels like a revival for our team since it feels good to be back home. With our campaign in PLDT which is 'the strongest connections are at home', it was about time that we go back to our roots which is the PVL. It's just refreshing to have a new beginning."

Team Manager Badjie Del Rosario also adds. "This is special because this is where it all started for the PLDT team. PLDT won multiple championships here and we’re hoping to add more. We’re excited to be part of the growing PVL family."

PLDT was a powerhouse in the PVL's previous iteration, the V-League. Then known as the Ultra Fast Hitters, they claimed the Season 12 Open and Reinforced Conference titles in 2015.

Roger Gorayeb was at the helm then, and still is holding that capacity now, this time in its current composition as the PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters.

The coaching legend and eight-time champion is looking forward to their homecoming. He says, "Labing-apat na taon ako sa V-League. Umpisa pa lang niyan, kasama ko na sina Sir Ricky [Palou] kaya sobrang nakakatuwa na makakabalik na kami. Sana matuloy namin yung magandang legacy ng PLDT sa PVL."

From the PVL's end, league president Ricky Palou welcomed the club back with open arms, acknowledging the increased competition the Power Hitters will bring in the seventeen-year-old league. The Philippine National Volleyball Federation, Inc. board member says, "We at the PVL are really glad to have PLDT back. This move of PLDT to the PVL will definitely provide more competition to the other teams and make the league more exciting."

PLDT is fielding these players for their upcoming campaign: Rhea Dimaculangan, Isa Molde, Eli Soyud, Marist Layug, Chin Basas, Iza Viray, Yeye Gabarda, Shola Alvarez, Aiko Urdas, Joyce Sta. Rita, Alyssa Eroa, Vira Guillema, Jorelle Singh, and Kat Villegas

The move is the latest in the Philippine volleyball scene, with sister team Cignal HD Spikers also formalizing their move to the PVL earlier Wednesday.

Aside from the joining the PVL, PLDT is also set to commit in aiding the assembly of the national team. League commissioner Tony Boy Liao also serves in the PNVFI as the chairman of the National Team Committee.

On that aspect, Turcuato shares, "The main thrust of the new volleyball federation is to look for the talent, get proper coaching, and compete on the world stage. Because of our PLDT Power Hitters being able to join the PVL, which is tied to the PNVF, we will be able to contribute to building the national team program."

PetroGazz set to return for third PVL season

See you in the PVL, Angels.

The Angels will be back later this year, as PetroGazz Ventures Philippines and Homegrown Olympic Management Enterprises have agreed with the renewal of their sponsorship deal for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League season.

Deal was formalized earlier this month with a contract signing at the Filoil Flying V Centre, with Ricky Villavicencio, Retchel Gabales, Maribel Villavicencio-Serrano, and Dave Dichupa representing Petro Gazz and Diana Layug representing HOME Inc.

Coverage of the agreement will span both the Reinforced and Open Conference that will take place later this year after the conclusion of the UAAP collegiate season.

Most of the Angels were present during the contract signing, including their latest acquisitions Jeanette Panaga and Jovielyn Prado. The former's move from Pocari Sweat-Air Force was made official late last year, while the latter made her first public appearance with her new team after spending last season with Tacloban.

Prado is best known for helping Arellano claim the NCAA Women's Volleyball title in Season 92, becoming the Finals MVP. Her abilities on both ends of the floor will be a welcome addition to the Angels, as she was top five in the league in scoring, digging, and receiving for the Fighting Warays in the Open Conference. She shared that her familiarity with some of the players played a role in making the move to join the team, noting that a couple of the Angels were her former teammates.

Here are the Jerry Yee-coached Petro Gazz Angels as currently constituted

Kai Baloaloa
Djanel Cheng
Cienne Cruz
Jessey de Leon
Rica Enclona
Alyssa Gayle Layug
Stephanie Mercado
Cherry Rose Nunag
Jeanette Panaga
Jovy Prado
Jonah Sabete
Chie Saet