Philippine Volleyball Stars Shine in 2026 All-Star Showcase

CANDON, ILOCOS SUR – The 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase kicks off Friday at the Candon City Arena, bringing together the country’s top talents for a day of elite competition, entertainment, and camaraderie. Fans will witness an unprecedented gathering of the nation’s finest volleyball athletes from both the men’s and women’s leagues.

The action begins at 3 p.m. with the Spikers’ Turf All-Star Game, spotlighting the men’s division, followed by the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Star Game at 5:30 p.m., where Team Heart takes on Team Hustle in a star-studded clash.

Team Heart features Creamline stars Jia De Guzman, Jema Galanza, and Jeanette Panaga, alongside Bella Belen (Capital1), Majoy Baron (PLDT), Erika Santos (Cignal), and Justine Jazareno (Akari), guided by head coach Rald Ricafort of PLDT. Their bench adds even more firepower with Alyssa Valdez (Creamline), MVP Vanie Gandler, Dawn Catindig, Gel Cayuna (Cignal), Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips (Nxled), and Jean Asis (Galeries Tower), blending experience, versatility, and star power.

Team Hustle counters with PLDT’s Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy, and Mika Reyes, supported by Kath Arado (PLDT), Bernadeth Pons (Creamline), Eya Laure (Choco Mucho), and Fifi Sharma (Akari), under coach Rommel Abella. Their deep bench includes Brooke Van Sickle (Nxled), Tots Carlos (Creamline), Alohi Robins-Hardy (Farm Fresh), Ivy Lacsina (Akari), Jackie Acuña (Cignal), Alyssa Eroa (ZUS Coffee), and Bea De Leon (Creamline), ensuring relentless pace and high-level play.

Earlier, the men’s Spikers’ Turf All-Star Game features Team Power and Team Passion. Team Power, coached by Sydney Calderon, starts Jude Garcia, Adrian Villados, Noel Kampton, Lloyd Josafat, Menard Guerrero (Criss Cross), Louie Ramirez (Savouge), and Kim Malabunga (Criss Cross, replacing JP Bugaoan). Reserves include EJ Casaña, Vince Lorenzo (AEP-Cabstars), Billie Anima, JM Ronquillo (Alpha Insurance), Jaron Requinton (Criss Cross), Jayvee Sumagaysay (VNS Always Bright Laticrete), and Ysay Marasigan (Criss Cross, replacing Edward Camposano).

Team Passion, led by Criss Cross mentor Tai Bundit, starts Mark Calado, Vince Imperial, Giles Torres, Rikko Marmeto (Savouge), Alche Gupiteo, Poy Colinares (Criss Cross), and Jau Umandal (Alpha Insurance). Their reserves are Nico Almendras, John Philip Pepito, Gian Glorioso (Criss Cross), Mfena Gwaza, Jay Rack De La Noche (AEP-Cabstars), Cian Silang (Alpha Insurance), and Jared Schnake (AEP-Cabstars, replacing Shawie Caritativo).

Adding extra excitement is the “Premier Ball” rule: once per set, each team can activate it—signaled by the captain—to score two points instead of one on a successful rally. The Premier Ball cannot be used to close out a set and is capped at 22 points in sets one to four and 12 points in a deciding fifth set, guaranteeing drama without determining the outcome outright.

Fans will also enjoy skill challenges, including the Setter Challenge, Digging Challenge, and Serving Challenge, highlighting individual talent alongside team competition.

With the nation’s biggest volleyball stars in one arena, the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase promises an unforgettable celebration of the sport, blending elite talent, fierce competition, and top-notch entertainment.