Philippine volleyball stars Sisi Rondina-Rosales, Bernadeth Pons, and Bryan Bagunas shared the spotlight with Asia’s top volleyball personalities at the inaugural Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Gala at Seesarin Studio in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday night.
The three Filipinos were among the awardees, taking home the Fans’ Choice Beach Volleyball Player and Fans’ Choice Men’s Volleyball Player honors at the event organized by AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.
Bryan Bagunas Gets Recognized
Bagunas, a nine-year member of the Philippine men’s national team, said the recognition motivates him to continue representing the country at the highest level.
“This recognition has driven us to excel more and see what else we can do more for our country,” said Bagunas, who captained Alas Pilipinas to a historic victory at the FIVB Men’s World Championship in the Philippines last year.
“We are incredibly happy and proud.”
The Osaka Bluteon player also sees the award as added motivation heading into the 2026 Asian Games.
“This is a great boost to our next competition — the Asian Games. I believe we can win.”
Rondina, Pons Make Their Mark… Again
Rondina-Rosales and Pons were likewise grateful to receive recognition from fans while sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in Asian volleyball.
“We are thrilled to be here along with Asia’s best,” said Rondina-Rosales, who attended the gala in a Filipiniana by Ryan Ablaza, the same designer behind her wedding gown.
Pons also welcomed the opportunity to be part of the historic event.
“Grateful for the opportunity, and it’s a great feeling when you’re with the best of the best of the sport you love,” she said.
“Thankful to the AVC, FIVB, and Sir Tats (Ramon Suzara) for organizing this kind of event and for the fans who recognized us.”
The gala brought together athletes, officials, and volleyball personalities from across the continent, with Suzara describing the event as a celebration of the sport’s growth and unity.
“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.
AVC Gala Poised to Become an Annual Tradition
FIVB president Fabio Azevedo also praised the inaugural gala and expressed hope that it would become an annual tradition.
“It was fantastic as we were all here together and overjoyed. This is the first night, but I am quite sure this will become a tradition because it is important to honor our athletes that inspire the next generation,” Azevedo said.
Filipino performers and personalities also took part in the celebration, with Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s Arabelle Dela Cruz, known as the “Laguna Diva,” among the night’s standouts.
Philippine representatives also played a role in the ceremony, with Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Millicent Cruz Paredes, Candon City Councilor Eric Owen Singson Jr. representing Mayor Eric Singson, Rebisco’s Rolly Delfino, and PVL competition director Sherwin Malonzo among those presenting awards.
