PVL season opener: Choco Mucho vs Akari highlights 2026 All-Filipino Conference

The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2026 All-Filipino Conference will open on January 31 at the FilOil EcoOil Center, featuring a double-header. The opening match at 4 p.m. will be between the Galeries High Towers and the Cignal Super Spikers, followed by the main event at 6:30 p.m. between the Choco Mucho Flying Titans and the Akari Chargers.

The Choco Mucho versus Akari match is anticipated to be highly competitive, reflecting the overall balanced and exciting nature of the season's lone conference, which is scheduled to conclude on April 28. The league's competitive balance improved after the exit of the Chery Tiggo and Petro Gazz teams, as their players were distributed among the remaining ten clubs.

PVL control committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo and President Ricky Palou both emphasized this point at the league's kick-off press conference. They stated that the redistribution of talent means no team will have an easy path, predicting more exciting matches and longer games for a highly competitive conference.

In terms of team preparations, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, coached by Dante Alinsunurin, have strengthened their roster. Key additions include the return of Sisi Rondina, who missed previous conferences due to national beach volleyball commitments, and the signing of Eya Laure, who is returning to the league after a year away following her departure from Chery Tiggo.

Their opening opponents, the Akari Chargers under coach Tina Salak, have also bolstered their lineup. New signings include former Chery Tiggo players Cza Carandang and Jyne Soreno, as well as Mary Rhose Dapol.

#PVL2026 #PVLJan31#PVLApr28#PVLTalentRedistribution #PVLRosterStrengthen