Sisi Rondina-Rosales, Bernadeth Pons, and Bryan Bagunas shared center stage with the continent’s best and brightest at the first-ever Asian Volleyball Confederation Gala at the Seesarin Studio in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday night.
The three Philippine stars took home the Fans’ Choice Beach Volleyball and Men’s Volleyball Player awards at the gala organized by AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.
“This recognition has driven us to excel more and see what else we can do more for our country,” said Bagunas, a nine-year national team member who captained the Alas Pilipinas squad that secured a historic victory at the FIVB Men’s World Championship hosted by the Philippines last year.
“We are incredibly happy and proud,” said Bagunas, who looked dapper in an Avel Bacudio creation. “This is a great boost to our next competition—the Asian Games. I believe we can win,” added Bagunas, who currently plays for Japanese SV.League club Osaka Bluteon.
(C) AVC
“We are thrilled to be here along with Asia’s best,” said Rondina-Rosales, who wore a Filipiniana by Ryan Ablaza, the same designer who created her wedding gown when she married fellow beach volleyball national team member Ronniel Rosales.
Pons was equally grateful for the recognition.
“Grateful for the opportunity and it’s a great feeling when you’re with the best of the best of the sport you love,” Pons said. “Thankful to the AVC, FIVB and Sir Tats (Ramon Suzara) for organizing this kind of event and for the fans who recognized us.”
Asked about her gown, which, like Rondina-Rosales’s, was specially mentioned by the hosts, Pons simply replied: “Secret,” she said with a laugh.
“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.
FIVB president Fabio Azevedo was also full of praise for the gala.
“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 iş important to honor our athletes that inspire the next generation,” Azevedo said.
“Great event by the AVC for the volleyball fans,” he added.
Arabelle Dela Cruz was a star of the night herself, as the Sparkle GMA Artist Center artist, known as the “Laguna Diva,” impressed top officials and athletes representing all 65 AVC member associations.
Among those who presented the awards were Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Her Excellency Millicent Cruz Paredes, Candon City Councilor Eric Owen Singson Jr., representing Mayor Eric Singson, Rebisco’s Rolly Delfino, and Premier Volleyball League competition director Sherwin Malonzo.
