JG Sports

Sherwin Meneses saw more than just a victory in Creamline’s PVL On Tour debut. He saw new players beginning to understand what it takes to become part of the league’s most successful franchise.

With several key veterans unavailable, the Cool Smashers turned to their newcomers, who immediately embraced the team’s championship system and delivered in their first major opportunity wearing the Creamline uniform.

The young-laden squad defeated Nxled, 25-18, 25-23, 16-25, 25-19, on Wednesday night at the Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela, with Meneses pleased by how quickly his new recruits adjusted to the team’s expectations.

Former Cignal standout Ishie Lalongisip made an impressive debut with nine points, while rookie setter Donna Paralejas was trusted with the starting role before veteran Kyle Negrito took over the setting duties in the latter sets.

Rookie Barbie Jamili and Erin Pangilinan also showed flashes of potential, giving Meneses more reasons to be optimistic about Creamline’s future.

For Meneses, the biggest takeaway was not just their performance but their willingness to embrace the culture that has produced multiple championships for the Cool Smashers.

Creamline’s opening victory in the PVL on Tour may have lacked four of its biggest stars, but it only increased the anticipation among fans waiting to see them back on the court.

The Cool Smashers defeated Nxled in four sets at Capital Arena, but the spotlight quickly shifted to Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Bea de Leon and Pangs Panaga, who all watched the match from the sidelines.

Their absence did little to hurt Creamline’s performance, as the team leaned on its deep roster and allowed other players to take center stage during the preseason showcase.

The approach highlighted the balance of a franchise that has dominated the PVL for years, proving that its success is not dependent on only a handful of stars.

Still, supporters will not have to wait long to see the familiar faces return to action as Meneses revealed that the team plans to field different combinations throughout the PVL on Tour.

With the caravan designed to bring volleyball closer to fans nationwide, Creamline’s next appearances could become one of the most anticipated stops of the preseason.

WALA. kasi hindi ka sini-setan😆

The anticipation continues to grow around Alas Pilipinas Women as fans eagerly wait for Fifi Sharma to finally join the national team training pool under new head coach Taka Minowa.

While the Akari middle blocker has yet to appear in the team’s early preparations, her expected arrival has become one of the most talked-about developments surrounding the squad as it builds toward the SEA V.Cup and the 2026 Asian Games.

Sharma’s inclusion is expected to add more depth to an already talented Alas lineup, with supporters looking forward to seeing how the reliable middle blocker fits into Minowa’s system alongside the country’s top volleyball stars.

The former De La Salle University standout has established herself as one of the most consistent front-row players in the PVL, known for her blocking ability, quick attacks and defensive presence at the net.

Her arrival will strengthen a middle blocker group that already features national team veterans Dell Palomata and Thea Gagate, as well as AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup standouts Alyssa Solomon and Niña Ytang.

With Alas Pilipinas entering a new era under Minowa, Sharma’s eventual entry into the training pool could become another major boost as the team aims to form the strongest possible lineup for its international campaign.

The new chapter of Alas Pilipinas Women has officially begun as Japanese head coach Taka Minowa started working with the national team ahead of its campaign in the SEA V.Cup and its bigger mission in the 2026 Asian Games.

Alas Pilipinas on Wednesday shared photos of its training sessions under Minowa, marking the first major preparations of the squad following the restructuring of the national team program.

The training featured a blend of familiar veterans, AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup holdovers and promising young talents as Alas begins building chemistry for a crucial stretch of international competitions.

Also present during the session was former national team star Jaja Santiago, now known as Sachi Minowa, who joined the practice to support her husband as he begins his coaching stint with the Philippine squad.

Santiago, who is married to Minowa, previously shared that one of her plans was to assist her husband in his national team duties before she begins her new professional chapter in the United States with League One Volleyball in January.

The 6-foot-5 middle blocker remains one of the Philippines’ most successful volleyball exports after a decorated nine-year stint in Japan, where she became one of the top blockers in the country’s professional league.

Before establishing herself overseas and acquiring Japanese citizenship, Santiago was a key figure for the Philippine national team, representing the country in the 2018 Asian Games and making her final national team appearance during the 2022 Southeast Asian Games.

Under Minowa, Alas welcomed back several members of the previous national team core that helped the Philippines achieve historic finishes in recent international competitions.

Among those who returned to training were setter Jia De Guzman, Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, Mars Alba, Eya Laure, Dell Palomata, Jen Nierva, Justine Jazareno and Dawn Macandili-Catindig.

The group was joined by players from the most recent AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup campaign, including Thea Gagate, Alyssa Solomon and Niña Ytang, who gained valuable experience during the continental tournament.

New faces also entered the national team pool as Erika Santos, National University standouts Vange Alinsug and Shaira Jardio, along with Celine Marsh and Arah Panique, joined the preparations.

The return of the previous Alas core comes as the program looks to regain stability after a turbulent AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup campaign where a hastily assembled squad finished eighth after dealing with several challenges leading into the tournament.

With the Asian Games scheduled in September, Minowa faces the task of quickly developing chemistry among players from different teams while maximizing the talent available in the pool.

Several players, however, have yet to join the training sessions. Akari’s Fifi Sharma, De La Salle stars Angel Canino and Amie Provido, and PLDT’s Alleiah Malaluan remain unavailable for different reasons. Malaluan continues to recover from a knee injury, while Adamson’s Shaira Shaina Marie Nitura is also sidelined after undergoing surgery.

Two-time PVL Best Setter Gel Cayuna has already informed the national team that she will not be available for the campaign.
Despite the absences, Alas Pilipinas now begins its preparations with a stronger foundation and a more experienced group, hoping that the combination of Minowa’s international expertise and the return of its veteran core can help the country compete at a higher level in the SEA V.Cup and the Asian Games.

Gel Cayuna has officially opted to withdraw from the Alas Pilipinas women’s national volleyball team training pool, triggering widespread disappointment and a heavy wave of "sayang" (what a waste) sentiment across the local volleyball community. Fans were eagerly anticipating her international stint, believing her elite, multi-awarded playmaking would create a lethal tandem with the country's top attackers on the continental stage. Her precision, veteran court vision, and proven championship experience made her a highly coveted anchor for the national team's roster ahead of major campaigns like the Asian Games.

The primary reason behind the five-time Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Best Setter's departure is her need to focus entirely on her new club team, the Nxled Chameleons. Following the sudden disbandment of her former squad, the Cignal HD Spikers, Cayuna signed a highly anticipated free-agent deal with Nxled. According to Chameleons head coach Ettore Guidetti, Cayuna chose to skip the national pool duties to prioritize building chemistry and integrating smoothly with her new teammates during the PVL on Tour and offseason preparations. While fans mourn the missed opportunity to see her don the national colors, Cayuna's commitment ensures she will be fully primed to lead her new professional club to greater heights.

The Alas Pilipinas women's national volleyball team is getting a massive injection of collegiate talent as several key players from the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs have officially joined the training pool. UAAP standouts Vange Alinsug, Shaira Jardio, Celine Marsh, and Arah Panique are all hard at work with the national squad, adding depth and championship experience to the country's premier volleyball program.

The inclusion of these young stars comes at a crucial time as Alas Pilipinas prepares for major upcoming international tournaments. The newly integrated Lady Bulldogs are expected to play pivotal roles in fortifying the national roster for both the SEA V.League and the highly anticipated Asian Games, bringing their signature grit from the collegiate ranks onto the grand continental stage.

Dell Palomata’s unblemished dedication to the national flag has made her an invaluable constant for the Philippine women’s volleyball program. Always ready to answer the call for Alas Pilipinas, the 6-foot-2 middle blocker brings her elite defensive prowess and international experience. After earning the prestigious Best Middle Blocker honor at the AVC Nations Cup, her presence remains a lynchpin for the country's collective goals.

Her steady hand in the middle solidifies the Alas Pilipinas roster as they take on heavy continental challenges. Palomata's proven track record is vital for the squad's championship aspirations in the upcoming SEA V Cup and the highly anticipated Asian Games, providing the vital height and veteran poise necessary to elevate Philippine volleyball on the global stage.