Sisi Rondina-Rosales, Bernadeth Pons and Bryan Bagunas dazzle at the first-ever Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Gala in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday. Handout/AVCSisi Rondina-Rosales, Bernadeth Pons and Bryan Bagunas led the Philippine contingent at the first-ever Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Gala in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday.
The volleyball stars from the Philippines were respectively feted as the Fans’ Choice Beach Volleyball Players and Men’s Volleyball Player during the Gala, where the continent's brightest stars converged to celebrate excellence.
“This recognition has driven us to excel more and see what else we can do more for our country,” said Bagunas in a statement made available to the media,
Bagunas is a nine-year national team member who was captain of the Alas Pilipinas Men's squad that made history in the Philippine-hosted FIVB Men’s World Championship last year.
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“We are incredibly happy and proud,” added Bagunas, who is presently playing for the Japanese SV League club Osaka Bluteon.
Wearing a Filipiniana by Ryan Ablaza, Rondina-Rosales expressed pride in representing the Philippines in the event. “We are thrilled to be here along with Asia’s best,” she said in the Gala organized by AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.
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Pons was likewise grateful for the award. "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.
The star duo were part of the Southeast Asian Games squad that toppled Thailand for the country's maiden gold in beach volleyball at the biennial sporting meet.