Greatness, glam celebrated in PVL Awards

A gathering of the brightest stars lit up an evening celebrating greatness in the highly successful first-ever Pilipinas Live Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Press Corps Awards Night Wednesday at the Novotel Manila.

The red carpet was rolled out to the who’s who of the country’s first and only women’s professional league in a glitzy and glamorous awards rites presented by ArenaPlus.

From the Rookie of the Year Thea Gagate of ZUS Coffee to special awardees to inaugural Season Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle of Petro Gazz, the grand event not only honored individual brilliance but also celebrated the passion, perseverance, and the league’s journey over the past years that have propelled Philippine volleyball to new heights.

Van Sickle, who’s with her family in Hawaii, expressed gratitude for the recognition she received in the formal gala night organized by Sports Vision Management Group Inc. and the year-old Press Corps.

“I can’t believe that I was named season MVP and Best Outside Hitter. I have no words. I am truly grateful for everyone recognizing me and you know I feel the love and support so, thank you to all,” the back-to-back All-Filipino Conference MVP said.

“I never expected it. I just play the sport that I love with as much passion as I can possibly give at all times, and I just want to continue to have fun and be grateful for the sport. So, it’s kind of like a cherry on top.”

The 27-year-old Filipino-American sensation attributed her awards to the Angels, who brought out the best in her and helped her lead the team to a historic 2024-25 AFC title — the franchise’s first after ruling two Reinforced tournaments in 2019 and 2022.

Creamline continued to be the most successful team, capturing the Team of the Year following a historic grand slam season.

Cool Smashers tactician Sherwin Meneses claimed his Coach of the Year trophy, Rebisco vice chairman and CEO Jonathan Ng brought home the Executive of the Year honor, while Bernadeth Pons and Bea de leon headlined the season’s mythical team as the Best Outside Spiker and Best Middle Blocker, respectively.

“Hopefully, the story and the journey of our team inspire all the aspiring athletes out there — not just in volleyball,” said Creamline captain Alyssa Valdez, who dazzled the red carpet in her soft pink two-piece set featuring a structured crop top with puff sleeves.

“We started not so good [eight years ago] but through hard work and passion and determination, you will reach your dreams, as well. If you enjoy and you’re really as one team, as one family, you’ll go to greater heights.”

Choco Mucho star Sisi Rondina, who wore a sleek, burgundy pantsuit featuring a sleeveless button-down vest, emerged as the Star of the Night, joining her setter and the Awards Night’s Fan Favorite Deanna Wong.

PLDT’s Majoy Baron, who stood out with her striking one-shoulder bodycon dress in an abstract, earthy-toned print, claimed the Best Middle Blocker award. Cignal’s Gel Cayuna bagged Best Setter. Farm Fresh rising star Trisha Tubu won the Best Opposite Spiker recognition, and Alyssa Eroa, who had a great season with Galeries and is set to open a new chapter with ZUS Coffee, was the league’s Best Libero and Comeback Player of the Year.

Petro Gazz veteran setter Chie Saet was named Miss Quality Minutes, and Akari’s Eli Soyud was hailed as the Most Improved Player. Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin and PLDT coach Rald Ricafort shared the stage for the Pilipinas Live Game of the Year after an epic quarterfinals Game 2 duel in the 2024-25 AFC.

The stars of Spikers’ Turf also turned heads with their dapper looks as Criss Cross main man Jude Garcia headlined the mythical team with the Season MVP and Best Outside Spiker honors.

His teammate and playmaker Ish Polvorosa caught attention with his blonde hair and a classic navy blue three-piece suit, paired with a mustard tie to receive his Best Setter award with fellow King Cruncher Gian Glorioso (Best Middle Blocker) and the rest of the Mythical members Savouge’s Giles Torres (Best Middle Blocker) and Sherwin Caritativo (Best Outside Spiker) as well as Cignal’s Best Opposite Spiker Steven Rotter and Best Libero Vince Lorenzo.

“We all know they deserve all these recognitions. They’ve been working so hard. They gave us quality games,” said Spikers’ Turf president Valdez, who handed the awards with Tournament Director Mozzy Ravena.