From the Rookie of the Year Thea Gagate of ZUS Coffee to special awardees to first-ever Season MVP Brooke Van Sickle of Petro Gazz, the formal awards rites presented by ArenaPlus honored not just individual brilliance, but the passion, perseverance, and the league’s journey over the past years that have propelled Philippine volleyball to new heights.
Van Sickle may not be able to personally claim her Season MVP due to her vacation with her family in Hawaii, but she celebrated in spirit with her fellow awardees, PVL, and Spikers’ Turf athletes in the formal awards rites 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,” said Van Sickle. “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.”
“You guys are all phenomenal players and it’s really awesome to be able to be surrounded by greatness and seeing how everyone’s so dedicated and the passion and everything you guys put into your work,” she added.
The 27-year-old Filipino-American sensation attributed her awards to the Petro Gazz Angels, who brought out the best in her and helped her lead the team to a historic 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference title — the franchise’s first after ruling two Reinforced tournaments in 2019 and 2022.
“I would like to thank my teammates, my Petro Gazz family and my coaches. Thank you so much for always believing in me and trusting me, supporting me. You guys have been amazing and you guys welcome me with open arms and I can’t be more thankful and grateful for all of you. So, thank you for all your hard work and passion and dedication you put into the team,” she said.
“Thank you so much management for making everything work. You’re a backbone to the team, so thank you for trusting and believing in all the players and making the team work and building our team to be how it is today, a family. We’re able to play freely and open-heartedly and with passion because we know with ownership that we have, it’s truly grateful and you guys mean the best for us.”
The Creamline Cool Smashers 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.”
“This award will keep us inspired and stronger talaga and maraming, maraming salamat talaga sa inyong lahat and sa lahat ng patuloy na sumusuporta sa amin.”
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. Sobrang quality games din yung mga pinapakita nila,” said Spikers’ Turf president Alyssa Valdez, who handed the awards with Tournament Director Mozzy Ravena.
“I’m really, really hoping and encouraging everyone to support men’s volleyball, Spikers’ Turf kasi po napakagaling nila and they really deserve the support galing sa volleyball community.”
