Changing colors

Nxled has continued bringing in battle-tested pieces with the addition of players with championship pedigrees ahead of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.

The Chameleons are taking full advantage of the disbandment of Chery Tiggo and last year’s tournament champion Petro Gazz’s leave of absence by opening their doors for the two clubs’ top guns.

Just a day after announcing the arrival of multi-titled middle blocker Aby Maraño and prolific scorer Jonah Sabete, Nxled welcomed four more former Angels and a young playmaker from the Crossovers on Wednesday.

Seasoned libero Bang Pineda and Jellie Tempiatura will fortify the Chameleons’ floor defense while bringing in a wealth of experience after coming off fresh from the 2025 Reinforced Conference conquest with Petro Gazz.

Pineda is back with Nxled after a short stint last year following her release from its sister team, Akari.

Adding firepower to Nxled’s wing spot are former Angels Nicole Tiamzon and AA Adolfo, the 10th pick overall in the 2024 Draft.

After taking in four-time champion setter Djanel Cheng, the Chameleons inked a deal with Joyme Cagande to add depth in the playmaking position.

The Italian coach Ettore Guidetti-mentored Nxled, which had a disappointing 11th place finish in the import-flavored conference, is looking to make the playoffs for only the second time since joining the league in 2023.

The Chameleons’ best finish was in fifth-place after reaching the quarterfinal of the inaugural PVL On Tour last year.

Despite the PVL rejecting its initial plans of a merger with Petro Gazz, Nxled still won the recruitment coup by securing the services of Cheng, Sabete and middle blocker Ranya Musa.

Also added into the Chameleons’ arsenal is another frontline muscle in Aduke Ogunsanya, who parted ways with Choco Mucho.

To give way to its new weapons, Nxled parted ways with Jaila Atienza, Maji Mangulabnan, Lycha Ebon, Rachel Jorvina and Jaja Maraguinot.

Atienza has since signed with Choco Mucho, Jorvina moved to Capital1, while Ebon found a new home with the revamped Galeries Tower.

Key holdovers for the Chameleons are team captain Chiara Permentilla, fourth overall pick in the last Draft Lyann de Guzman, EJ Laure, Jovelyn Fernandez, Lucille Almonte, Mayang Nuique, Jaycel delos Reyes and Krich Macaslang.

The Chameleons are expected to announce additional guns, which could include Petro Gazz aces three-time Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips.