Katrina Mae De Lara Tolentino, born on January 27, 1995, is a Filipino-Canadian volleyball standout known for her explosive presence on the court and unwavering resilience off it. Currently suiting up for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), Tolentino’s journey in the sport is marked not just by accolades but also by perseverance through adversity.Hailing from a sports-oriented Filipino-Canadian family in British Columbia, Tolentino grew up surrounded by athletic excellence. Her brother, Vince Tolentino, made waves in collegiate and professional basketball, playing for the Ateneo Blue Eagles and later the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA.

Ivy Keith Lacsina, born on October 21, 1999, firmly established herself as one of the standout figures in Philippine volleyball through a career that spanned both collegiate glory and professional growth.Known for her commanding presence as a middle blocker, Lacsina rose to prominence as a key player for the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). Her tenure with NU was marked by remarkable milestones, including an undefeated 16-0 season in UAAP Season 84, where she helped deliver the school’s second women’s volleyball championship title in 65 years. Lacsina’s efforts earned her a 5th place ranking in the Best Middle Blocker race of the season with an impressive 154 points.

Francisco “Django” Bustamante is now in his twilight years and ready to pass the torch to the country’s rising billiards talents, including Rubilen Amit and Chezka Centeno, with whom he shared the pool table in a friendly doubles match.Although he never completed his studies, his dedication, determination, and passion for the sport he loved brought him to the pinnacle of success. He helped his family earn a living to survive. His father made a living by building toilets and planting rice, and Bustamante also worked alongside him. He spent time in his sister's pool hall, racking and spotting balls on the tables, and practiced alone after the hall had closed.As one of the pioneers who helped elevate billiards to one of the most beloved sports in the Philippines, Bustamante has encouraged aspiring players to persevere, train diligently, and avoid vices that could derail their potential.“Many young people are playing now, especially in Cebu, where I think there are more young players than anywhere else. But they should finish their studies first before focusing on billiards. If they truly want to excel, they need to be disciplined, practice tirelessly, and stay away from drugs,” Bustamante said.He may no longer be at the peak of his playing days, but his legacy remains unparalleled. His passion for the sport is still strong, now channeled into mentoring the next generation of Filipino billiards stars.He has not lost his magic, effortlessly showcasing the trick shots that once made him a global icon of the sport—especially last February, when he continued to cement his status as one of the greatest players in billiards history.

In the continuation of our Profile Series, we shine the spotlight on the first-ever four-time Most Valuable Player in the Philippine Basketball Association — and arguably the league’s greatest of all time — the legendary “El Presidente,” Ramon Fernandez.Known for his elegant hook shot and unparalleled court vision, Fernandez took the league by storm with MVP wins in 1982, 1984, 1986, and 1988. Beyond individual accolades, he secured 19 championship titles in an illustrious career that spanned two decades.Born on October 3, 1953, in Maasin, Leyte, Fernandez stood 6-foot-4 and played the center/forward position, but his game defied traditional roles. With the ball-handling of a guard and the mind of a tactician, he was the prototype of the modern big man — long before the game evolved to demand it.

Aleona Denise "Dindin" Antonio Santiago-Manabat stands as one of Philippine volleyball’s most prominent and enduring figures.Born on September 26, 1993, Dindin carved her legacy through exceptional skill, unwavering resilience, and a decorated career that has spanned collegiate, professional, and international play.Hailing from a family of athletes—her brother, Axel Leonard, played for the National University (NU) Bulldogs and her sister Jaja Santiago is a standout in Japan’s V.League—Dindin's journey has been a blend of talent, determination, and passion for the game.She began her collegiate volleyball career with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses before transferring to the NU Lady Bulldogs, where she became team captain and led the squad with distinction.Dindin’s collegiate years also saw her rise in the Shakey’s V-League, where she served as a guest player for several teams, delivering crucial performances in championship and bronze medal matches.Notably, she helped Smart-Maynilad Net Spikers secure a runner-up finish in the 2013 SVL Open Conference and aided PLDT Home Telpad Turbo Boosters in clinching bronze during the 11th season.

Cherry Rose Nunag, born on October 22, 1992, in the quiet town of Floridablanca, Pampanga, has become a compelling figure in Philippine volleyball—largely because she didn’t follow the traditional route.In a sporting landscape where most stars emerge from the UAAP or NCAA, Nunag’s rise to prominence has defied expectations and proved that relentless dedication, resilience, and heart can chart a path just as luminous as any mainstream route.Nunag’s journey began not in front of the spotlight but in relative obscurity. She first took up volleyball in high school, eventually finding her collegiate footing at De La Salle University–Dasmariñas. While many aspiring athletes aim for the prestige of UAAP or NCAA schools, Nunag made her mark in the V-League in 2013 as a member of the De La Salle Lady Patriots.Her early performances had already hinted at her potential—posting 17 points in a five-set thriller against the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) Lady Engineers and following it up with 11 points versus the powerhouse University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigresses.Despite these standout performances, her team struggled with back-to-back losses, a tough stretch for a squad that had previously dominated the NCRAA with three championships in four years.What set Nunag apart was her sheer athleticism and hunger to improve. A 5-foot-10 middle blocker with long arms and explosive lateral movement, she quickly gained a reputation as a net-front force—both offensively and defensively. Her skills blossomed further when she transitioned into the professional scene. 

Alex Pagulayan began his billiards journey in 2002 when he made a stunning run to the finals of the US Open Nine-ball Championship, only to fall short against Ralf Souquet, 11–13. Three years later, he returned to the same stage with renewed fire and captured the title, defeating fellow Filipino Jose Parica, 11–6.Though raised in Canada, Pagulayan represented the Philippines in the mid-2000s and again in 2012. In recent years, however, he has returned to carrying the Canadian flag in international tournaments.His biggest career breakthrough came in 2004 when he won the World Pool Championship in Taipei. After his victory, he paid a courtesy call to the Philippine president, accompanied by his close family friend Andrew Lee, who recalled the moment with a hint of surprise. “We didn’t know what was inside the envelope,” Lee said, referring to a modest incentive from the government for winning the world title.Later that year, Pagulayan helped the Filipino team secure the Snooker gold medal at the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in Manila, alongside Joven Alba and Leonardo Andam. After a 3–2 win over Thailand at the Makati Coliseum, he emerged as a triple gold medalist — a testament to his skill and his dedication to the flag he once proudly bore.

The NLEX Road Warriors and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters came out victorious at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, May 8, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, to boost their campaign in PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.NLEX stretched its winning streak to four games with a hard-fought 89-86 win over Barangay Ginebra, surviving a fourth-quarter scare led by Gin Kings guard Stephen Holt.Despite playing with a bruised quadriceps, Robert Bolick still led the Road Warriors with 28 points on an efficient 3-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc, while adding seven rebounds and four assists. He even delivered timely baskets in the last two minutes of the game to secure their 89-86 victory against the Kings.Xyrus Torres hit the go-ahead triple to give NLEX an 87-86 lead with under a minute remaining. Brandon Ramirez and Kevin Alas also scored in double figures with 11 and 10 points respectively, although Ramirez exited early due to a suspected dislocated jaw after an accidental hit from Jamie Malonzo.The Road Warriors improved to 4-1, while Ginebra dropped to an even 2-2 record.Holt finished with 21 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter alone to pace Ginebra, while Scottie Thompson added 20. Ginebra had a chance to win it in the closing seconds, but missed its final two attempts from the field.

As we continue our Player Profile Series featuring former PBA Most Valuable Players, let’s take a closer look at the storied career of Philip Cezar—widely regarded as the league’s “Tapal King.”Cezar began his PBA journey in the league’s inaugural season in 1975, suiting up for the iconic Crispa Redmanizers. He stayed with the team until it disbanded in 1984. After his Crispa years, he went on to play for Shell (1985–1986), Great Taste/Presto (1987–1988), and eventually wrapped up his 17-season career with Añejo/Ginebra (1989–1991).Over nearly two decades in Asia’s pioneering professional basketball league, Cezar compiled career averages of 13.16 points, 6.36 rebounds, 3.41 assists, 0.65 steals, and 1.49 blocks per game. Along with those solid numbers came 15 PBA championships, highlighted by two Grand Slams in 1976 and 1983.Standing at 6’3”, Cezar wasn’t the tallest big man on the floor—but he more than made up for it with his elite shot-blocking instincts, high basketball IQ, and natural leadership. His trademark “umbrella defense,” where he used both arms to disrupt and alter shots, became one of the most iconic defensive moves in league history.

Johann Gonzales Chua was born and raised in Bacolod, in the central Philippines, on May 31, 1992. He began playing pool at the age of nine, often accompanied to the local pool hall by his father, who gave him the nickname “Bubwit” or “little mouse,” because he was too small to be seen behind the pool table.At 13, Chua quit school to pursue his passion for billiards and turned professional at 19. He is also known by the nickname “Bad Koi.” A 2023 World Cup of Pool champion alongside James Aranas, Chua is a two-time All Japan Championship winner, having claimed the title in 2015 and 2017.Chua placed ninth overall in the 2011 BSCP National Open Pool Championships. That same year, he finished 17th at the Manny Pacquiao International Ten-ball Championship held in General Santos. In November 2012, he achieved his first major international breakthrough, placing third at the Japan Open.In 2013, he placed 17th at the China Open and returned to third place at the Japan Open. The following year, he reached the top 16 in the China Open before falling to Taiwan’s Chang Jung-Lin. At the 2014 WPA World Nine-ball Championship days later, he made it to the quarterfinals for the first time but lost to fellow Filipino Elmer Haya. In September 2014, he placed seventh in the Manny Pacquiao Cup.Chua made his Southeast Asian (SEA) Games debut in 2017, capturing a bronze medal in Malaysia after losing to Vietnam’s Duong Quoc Hoang in the semifinals.He remained active in international competition. In September 2017, he and partner Warren Kiamco brought home a bronze medal at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Before the year ended, Chua clinched his second All Japan Championship title, dominating Jundel Mazon, 11–2, in the final. He is currently ranked 13th in the world by the World Pool-Billiard Association.

Zoren James Aranas, a native of Cavite, Philippines, is a Filipino professional pool player known by his nickname "Dodong Diamond."He made his debut on the Action Pool Tour (APT) in 2017, going undefeated through a strong field of 48 entrants. He began his six-match run to the winner’s circle with an opening-round shutout and capped it off with victories over the APT's top-ranked player, Shaun Wilkie, in the hot seat match, and Reymart Lim in the finals. The event was hosted by Q Master Billiards in Virginia Beach, VA.In 2018, Aranas secured his first international title after defeating Chris Melling twice at the first Annual Asian Culture Day, held at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. This event marked the opening of the Efren Reyes retirement tour. In 2019, Aranas claimed the ten-ball title at the Super Billiards Expo Diamond Open, defeating Oscar Dominguez 13–10 in the final.In 2022, he reached the finals of the APP Asian 9-Ball Open in Singapore but fell short against Taiwan's Ko Pin-yi, 11–13.On February 3, Aranas was detained and deported back to the Philippines. He was held in a room alongside several athletes and artists from outside the United States who were on tourist visas, most of whom were from Europe.

When it comes to grace under pressure, sharp court vision, and consistency in execution, Maria Deanna Izabella Alvizo Wong—known to fans simply as Deanna Wong—stands tall as one of the Philippines’ most recognized volleyball setters.Born on July 18, 1998, Wong hails from Cebu, where her volleyball journey began not on a grand court but in a humble sixth-grade intramural game, all thanks to a best friend’s invitation. That small moment would eventually lead to a stellar collegiate and professional volleyball career.She first studied at Saint Theresa’s College of Cebu and later attended the University of San Jose–Recoletos for high school. Her early promise in volleyball soon caught the attention of university scouts, leading to training invitations from San Sebastian College–Recoletos and eventually Ateneo de Manila University, where her collegiate career truly blossomed.

To volleyball fans across the Philippines, the name “Cherry Bomb” ignites instant recognition and admiration. It is not just a nickname—it is a brand of power, resilience, and fire on the court.The woman behind it is none other than Cherry Ann “Sisi” Rondina, the small but mighty spiker from Compostela, Cebu.Born on September 4, 1996, Rondina has built a remarkable career in both indoor and beach volleyball, marked by sheer determination and an unmatched work ethic. Now 28, she stands as one of the country’s most accomplished volleyball players, with her journey inspiring a new generation of athletes.Rondina’s sporting journey began not with volleyball, but with track and field, sprinting barefoot across the beach near her home. Her first real connection with volleyball came in third grade during a simple game with her mother. Coincidentally, a tryout was held the following day, and Rondina, driven by curiosity and natural athleticism, decided to attend.From there, her path was set. She joined her high school’s varsity volleyball team and soon represented Central Visayas in multiple editions of the Palarong Pambansa, where she first gained national attention. In 2013, she earned the Palarong Pambansa Best Attacker individual award—an early sign of the powerhouse she would become.

Lee Vann Corteza is a Filipino professional pool player. Nicknamed "The Slayer," he began playing pool in 1993. He is the oldest of five brothers, and his parents named him after American actor Lee Van Cleef.Corteza first took up pool at the age of thirteen, after a friend brought him to a pool parlor. He was subsequently blacklisted from the establishment after accidentally damaging a table.He has won four gold medals and one silver medal at the Southeast Asian Games and was the winner of the 2004 WPA Asian Nine-ball Tour tournament in the Philippines, defeating fellow countryman Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 13–11, in the final.On March 31, 2007, Corteza won the Philippine National Championship by defeating Marlon Manalo with a score of 13–11.In 2009, Corteza finished as runner-up in the WPA World Ten-ball Championship, losing to Mika Immonen of Finland, 11–6, in Quezon City, Philippines.In 2010, Corteza beat Taiwanese player Lo Li-Wen, 13–12, in the final to win the U.S. Open Ten-ball Championship in Las Vegas. He avenged an earlier loss to Lo, who had sent him to the one-loss side with a 9–6 victory. Corteza then defeated Shane Van Boening, 9–8, to earn another shot at Lo and ultimately captured the title along with $20,000 in prize money.

Kamille Angelica Cal decided to end her collegiate journey and transition to the professional stage, beginning with the Nxled Chameleons before moving to the Akari Chargers in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).The 170 cm-tall setter was once a key piece of the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs’ historic UAAP Season 84 championship run, where the team completed a dominant sweep to capture the title. Despite the success, Cal made a surprising move and transferred to the University of the Philippines (UP), where she was expected to suit up for the Fighting Maroons in Season 86.However, the 24-year-old never took the floor for UP. Amid reported internal concerns within the program, she opted to forgo her remaining UAAP eligibility and focus fully on a professional career.

Cathrine Almazan has officially taken her talents to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), suiting up for the Akari Chargers during the 2024 Reinforced Conference. Making her professional debut on July 18 against the Capital1 Solar Spikers, the 25-year-old outside hitter is one of the league’s intriguing new faces to watch.Before stepping onto the pro stage, Almazan made waves as a standout scorer for Emilio Aguinaldo College in the NCAA women's volleyball tournament. Known for her explosive attacks and relentless energy, she carried the Lady Generals through several memorable runs during her collegiate career.

Ysa Bakabak defied the usual path taken by many sports journalists.While others often turned to reporting after unfulfilled dreams of becoming professional athletes, Bakabak managed to pursue both—breaking into the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) as middle blocker for the Akari Chargers while she continued her role as a sports writer for The Lasallian, De La Salle University’s official student publication.The 22-year-old stood out not just for her height and skill on the court but for her ability to balance athletics, journalism, and academics.Bakabak had been part of the DLSU Lady Spikers’ training pool but was never officially fielded in collegiate leagues. Despite the limited exposure and absence of high-profile playing experience, she took a bold step by joining the inaugural PVL draft.Her name was not called during the draft, but she remained undeterred. She later reflected that she wasn’t discouraged, understanding that teams might have prioritized players with greater public visibility. She believed that her lack of collegiate play limited her exposure, but not her potential. Confident in her abilities, she trusted that she could succeed at the professional level and expressed gratitude that Akari recognized that and signed her as a free agent.Her signing with Akari marked a significant turning point, especially after overcoming challenges in her athletic journey. 

Stephanie Bustrillo transitioned from a standout player at the University of the Philippines to a promising rookie with Akari in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference. Drafted as the sixth overall pick in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft, Bustrillo wasted no time making an impact in her professional debut.Known for her scoring ability and unshakable determination, Bustrillo was determined to bring more than just volleyball skills to Akari’s lineup. Drawing from her experiences at UP, she was ready to apply the lessons learned both on and off the court.Joining a revamped Akari roster with players like Ivy Lacsina, Kamille Cal, and Dani Ravena, Bustrillo embraced the challenge of filling the void left by Faith Nisperos and Fifi Sharma, who were away with Alas Pilipinas.

When you talk about pioneers and pure scorers in Philippine basketball, one name always comes up—Fortunato "Atoy" Co, also known as "The Fortune Cookie."The nickname, a play on his first name “Fortunato,” was popularized by PBA commentators and fans not just because it sounded catchy—but because he delivered results, night in and night out, like a sweet fortune waiting to happen. When Crispa needed a bucket, Co was the guy who cracked the code.Born on October 15, 1951, in Pasig City, Atoy Co was already making noise before the PBA even existed. But it was in 1975, during the PBA’s inaugural season, that he formally entered the pro scene as part of the Crispa Redmanizers. And he didn’t disappoint. On April 22, in his first-ever pro game, Co dropped 34 points, leading Crispa to its first franchise win after starting 0-3.He would go on to become a vital part of Crispa’s dynasty, playing from 1975 to 1984 and helping steer the team to two Grand Slams. In 1976, he was honored with the All-Filipino Sports Award for Basketball, further cementing his place among the league’s elite.When Crispa disbanded, Co played briefly for Manila Beer (1985) and later joined Great Taste/Presto Ice Cream in 1987 and 1988, before calling it a career.Across 13 PBA seasons, Atoy Co racked up 15 championships, one MVP award (1979), and a scoring title in the same year. He was a 9-time Mythical First Team member, known for his smooth jumpers, crowd-pleasing style, and unshakable confidence on the floor.

Among the biggest surprises in the off-season is the return of 27-year-old Tin Tiamzon, who last played in 2022 before announcing her retirement and relocating to Vancouver, Canada. Now, she is back in pro volleyball—signing with Cignal for what she sees as a second chance.“Actually, playing in the PVL again was not in my bingo card for 2025,” Tiamzon told One Sports. “I did not know that I would still be given a chance to play pro again, but it has been given to me, so I took it. I realized that I won't be as young as I am right now. I feel like when I last left the league, I haven't really reached my full potential.”“At this age, I think that I still have a chance to do so and I don't want to look back at my volleyball career and be filled with questions of 'what ifs'.” The move was sparked during a trip home in January, when former teammate and F2 Logistics libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig approached her about a possible return.“It started when I was approached by Ate Dawn,” said Tiamzon. “From there, I have been in communication with coach Shaq and coach Yani [Fernandez]. They were willing to take me on, despite being away from professional volleyball for two years. I am very grateful that they have full trust in me as I do in them.”“I have always seen Cignal as a very competitive team, and I think at this point as well, they are somewhat rebuilding, which is aligned to me starting anew with my career,” she added.Tiamzon joins an outside hitter rotation that includes Vanie Gandler, Ishie Lalongisip, and Judith Abil.