PH volleyball stars hailed in AVC Gala Awards Night in Thailand

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino volleyball stars Bryan Bagunas, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons were recognized in the first-ever Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Gala Awards Night on Saturday in Bangkok, Thailand.

Bagunas received his Fans’ Choice Men’s Volleyball Player award with 36,528 public votes, following his historic 2025 with Alas Pilipinas men in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship and a bronze medal finish in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

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The Philippine men’s national volleyball team captain also won his first Japan SV.League with Osaka Bluteon early this year.

“I’m truly honored to receive this award. Thank you to all the members of the AVC, especially Mr Ramon Tats Suzara, for making this event possible. And to the FIVB, Mr. Fabio (Azevedo), thank you for making sure that our beloved volleyball is getting bigger every year,” said Bagunas. “And most importantly, thank you, everyone, who took the time to vote for me, and I really appreciate this award.”

Bagunas, accompanied by his wife, was seated beside Japan star Yuki Ishikawa, the Outstanding Men’s Volleyball Player.

FIVB president Fabio Azevedo, he acknowledged Bagunas and the Alas men in his opening remarks, recalling their inspiring run in the World Championship at Mall of Asia Arena last year.

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“These guys, they wrote history last year in the World Championship in the Philippines. Well done, Bryan,” Azevedo said. “You guys be assured that many kids in the Philippines today are playing volleyball because of you guys. What you did in that match against Iran, I myself was sweating my hands, man, and you cannot believe. So well done. Congratulations.”

SEA Games gold medalists Rondina and Pons claimed their Fans’ Choice Beach Volleyball award, as they continue to take the Alas beach volleyball program to greater heights. The pair received 43,905 public votes.

“We are also incredibly thankful to our families, beach volleyball coaches, teammates, management, and our sponsor, Rebisco, for their unwavering love and support they have shown throughout this journey,” said Rondina.

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“And lastly, to everyone, who voted for us to have this award, we are very grateful from the bottom of our hearts. We are truly honored to be here, representing our country, the Philippines, and making every Filipino proud,” Pons added.

The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) also received recognition after a successful hosting of the AVC Women’s Champions League at Philsports Arena last year. The league’s chairman of the control committee, Sherwin Malonzo, graced the Gala Night.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) was also honored for hosting the FIVB Volleyball World Championship last year.