While much of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) offseason conversation revolved around teams that pursued sweeping roster overhauls, several squads quietly chose a different path – doubling down on continuity, chemistry and internal growth.
As the 2026 All-Filipino Conference fires off this weekend in San Juan, these teams believe familiarity and cohesion can be just as decisive as headline-grabbing acquisitions in a tightly contested, all-local battle.
Rather than reinventing themselves, these squads focused on preserving the foundation that has already proven competitive, trusting that another year together will translate into sharper execution, better communication and more consistent results.
Akari enters the season-ending conference with a lineup largely intact from the group that secured two bronze medals across three conferences last season.
While the exits of middle blocker Ezra Madrigal and reserves Cams Victoria and Erika Raagas created minor gaps, the Chargers’ core remains seasoned and battle-tested.
To reinforce depth without disrupting chemistry, Akari added Cza Carandang, Jyne Sorreno, Judith Abil and Rhose Dapol – role players who offer flexibility across multiple positions.
With Ivy Lacsina, Ced Domingo, Fifi Sharma, Eli Soyud, Justine Jazareno and Mars Alba now more comfortable within head coach Tina Salak’s system, the Chargers appear poised not just to contend, but to deliver the consistency needed to take the next step toward a championship breakthrough.
Choco Mucho, on the other hand, blended continuity with star power after a frustrating 2025 campaign that saw the Flying Titans miss the semifinals in all conferences. Their boldest move came with the signing of star outside hitter Eya Laure, whose scoring prowess and big-game experience instantly elevate the team’s ceiling.
With Sisi Rondina returning to full spotlight and Laure anchoring the opposite wing, Choco Mucho now boasts one of the league’s most dangerous perimeter attacks.
Supported by Maddie Madayag in the middle, veteran hitters Isa Molde and Dindin Santiago-Manabat, and defensive stalwart Thang Ponce, the Flying Titans gained firepower without sacrificing balance.
Additional acquisitions Caitlin Viray, Jaila Atienza and Alina Bicar helped offset the departures of Royse Tubino, Cherry Nunag, Bia General and Aduke Ogunsanya. The key question now lies in chemistry: if Choco Mucho can seamlessly integrate Laure into an already tight-knit core, the crowd favorites could quickly reemerge as legitimate title threats.
Cignal took perhaps the most conservative approach among the contenders, making only a minor tweak after a podium-less season. While other teams chased headline moves, the Super Spikers’ management clearly signaled confidence in a core they believe remains capable of competing at the highest level.
Led by Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos, Ishie Lalongisip, Rose Doria-Aquino, Jackie Acuña, multi-awarded playmaker Gel Cayuna and libero Dawn Catindig, Cignal’s strength lies in its cohesion and depth. With experience on their side, the Super Spikers may not command offseason buzz, but they possess the tools to quietly climb from challenger to full-fledged contender if everything clicks.
Creamline, meanwhile, enters the new conference eager to silence talk of a changing of the guard after an uncharacteristically difficult 2025 season. Injuries and setbacks prevented the Cool Smashers from defending any of their three titles, but the adversity appears to have only reinforced their hunger.
With Tots Carlos and Bea De Leon now fully reintegrated after a complete offseason, and former MVPs Bernadeth Pons and Jema Galanza returning, Creamline once again fields one of the league’s most formidable cores. The additions of libero Jennifer Nierva and the highly anticipated return of setter Jia De Guzman further strengthen a roster already brimming with championship pedigree under head coach Sherwin Meneses.
PLDT rounds out the group of continuity-driven contenders after capturing titles in the PVL On Tour and Invitational last season. The High Speed Hitters made just one notable addition in middle blocker Seth Rodriguez, reinforcing an already elite frontcourt featuring Kim Dy, Majoy Baron and Mika Reyes.
With chemistry preserved and head coach Rald Ricafort’s system firmly in place, PLDT’s success will once again hinge on the explosiveness and leadership of Savannah Davison. If the High Speed Hitters sustain their momentum, they remain one of the most complete teams in the field.
As the All-Filipino Conference unfolds, the clash between aggressive rebuilds and continuity-driven squads will define the narrative. Teams that opted for sweeping changes bring promise and hunger, but those who stayed the course carry something equally dangerous – trust, timing and shared experience.
In a league where margins are razor-thin, the battle may ultimately be decided not by who made the loudest moves, but by who understands each other best when the pressure peaks.
When the dust settles, the All-Filipino Conference may prove that while new faces can spark hope, championships are still built on chemistry – refined not overnight, but through time, trust and togetherness.
