Rondina, Pons, Bagunas earn top honors at inaugural AVC Gala

Sisi Rondina-Rosales, Bernadeth Pons, and Bryan Bagunas represented Philippine volleyball among Asia’s elite after receiving top honors at the first-ever Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Gala held Saturday night at Seesarin Studio in Bangkok, Thailand.

The three Alas Pilipinas standouts were recognized with Fans’ Choice Beach Volleyball and Men’s Volleyball Player awards during the event organized by AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

Bagunas, who captained the Alas Pilipinas men’s team during its historic victory at the FIVB Men’s World Championship hosted by the Philippines last year, expressed gratitude for the recognition.

“This recognition has driven us to excel more and see what else we can do more for our country,” said Bagunas, a nine-year national team member who currently plays for Japanese SV.League club Osaka Bluteon.

“We are incredibly happy and proud. This is a great boost to our next competition—the Asian Games. I believe we can win,” he added.

Rondina-Rosales also shared her appreciation for being honored alongside the continent’s top players.

“We are thrilled to be here along with Asia’s best,” said Rondina-Rosales, who attended the gala wearing a Filipiniana by designer Ryan Ablaza.

Pons echoed the sentiment, saying the recognition was a meaningful moment in her career.

“Grateful for the opportunity and it’s a great feeling when you’re with the best of the best of the sport you love,” Pons said.

She also thanked the AVC, FIVB, Suzara, and the fans who supported the athletes.

Suzara said the inaugural gala highlighted the unity of volleyball across Asia despite cultural and language differences.

“This is a testament of how far we have come after 74 years of the AVC. I am incredibly grateful that we hosted our first ever AVC Gala as we showed respect with one another despite the different cultures, different languages, but we are one family under the AVC banner,” Suzara said.

FIVB president Fabio Azevedo also praised the event, saying it was an important celebration for athletes who inspire future generations.

The gala brought together representatives from all 65 AVC member associations, with Philippine performer Arabelle Dela Cruz also earning recognition for her performance during the evening.

Among those who presented awards were Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Millicent Cruz Paredes, Candon City Councilor Eric Owen Singson Jr., Rebisco’s Rolly Delfino, and PVL competition director Sherwin Malonzo.