SANTA ROSA, Laguna – After delivering the Philippines’ first-ever beach volleyball gold medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games last December, Alas Pilipinas standouts Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons are now turning their attention to an even bigger international stage.
Fresh off their historic triumph, the celebrated “SiPons” tandem has opted to skip the 2026 Premier Volleyball League On Tour, choosing instead to fully focus on their buildup for their Asian Games campaign in Nagoya, Japan.
Both Rondina and Pons confirmed that their respective clubs have given them the green light—Choco Mucho and Creamline—to prioritize their preparations for the continental meet.
They are expected to return to their club duties after the Asian Games, in time for the Reinforced Conference of the Premier Volleyball League.
“Asian Games naman talaga ang pinakagoal,” Rondina told reporters following their elimination at the hands of Switzerland in the pool phase of the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge last Thursday.
“On Tour lang. Kaya thank you po sa management namin kasi ang gusto lang talaga nilang mangyari is kung ano ‘yung gusto ng mga players, and super supportive talaga sila kaya thank you po,” added the former PVL All-Filipino Conference MVP.
(C) SAVA Zone
The Asian Games are set from September 19 to October 4, giving the “SiPons” duo a packed schedule of international tournaments and training camps in the lead-up to the competition.
Pons emphasized the importance of maximizing their time together on the sand, noting that every training session and tournament will be crucial in building chemistry against elite international competition.
“Siyempre, sobrang looking forward kami dun sa mga tournaments na sasalihan namin outside the country na magbibigay pa sa amin ng more exposure and experience para mas mapaganda pa namin ‘yung laro namin as preparation for the Asian Games,” said the former PVL Invitational Conference MVP.
“And ‘yun, sana matuloy ‘yung mga tournaments na ‘yun at sana mas marami pa kaming matutunan at tatrabahuhin talaga namin everyday sa training kasi ang goal talaga is ‘yung Asian Games,” she added.
Anthony “Tony Boy” Liao earlier said the federation is already working on an extensive international buildup program for Rondina and Pons ahead of the Asian Games.
Rondina welcomed the planned buildup, saying she looks forward to gaining more international experience and using the upcoming tournaments to further strengthen her partnership with Pons.
“Nilu-look forward pa rin namin ‘yung mga positive and ‘yung mga mag-ge-gain naming experience sa mga sasalihan naming mga liga international and ayun, magti-training pa rin kami and paghahandaan namin ‘yung mga kailangan naming paghandaan. Sana matuloy nga ‘yung mga tournaments na sinabi nila. We’re waiting, and we’re praying na matuloy,” said Rondina.
#WATCH: GOAL IS ASIAD MEDAL 🇵🇭
With clearance from Rebisco, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons will skip the #PVL2026 on Tour as they begin a long build-up for the #AsianGames2026 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/RoeLNTF1Xy
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/fGReNFYhC4
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 22, 2026
