Following their podium finish at the PVL Invitational Conference, volleyball stars Alleiah Malaluan and Joan Monares headed to Naga City to unwind and celebrate with locals at its biggest festival.
On the heels of clinching bronze at the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference, PLDT High Speed Hitters outside hitters Alleiah Malaluan and Joan Monares brought their star power to Naga City, immersing themselves in the grand cultural and spiritual celebrations of the Peñafrancia Festival.
An estimated 1.2 million pilgrims flocked to the region for the iconic cultural and religious celebration. The festive environment served as a great way to unwind for Malaluan and Monares, who had just come off a grueling campaign where PLDT powered through to claim a milestone bronze medal. This achievement marks the squad’s second podium appearance in the league’s centerpiece conference, building on their gold-medal run the previous year.
Stepping away from powerful spikes and high-stakes volleyball matches, Malaluan and Monares embraced the welcoming atmosphere of Naga City. The trip allowed them to unwind, enjoy the annual festival, and interact directly with the passionate fans who support the franchise.
A major highlight of their itinerary was an official meeting with Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and local authorities. Following the courtesy call, Malaluan and Monares hosted lively meet-and-greet events, giving the enthusiastic local sports community a chance to interact closely with their volleyball idols.
The Bicol getaway provided an important emotional and spiritual reset for former De La Salle University Lady Spiker Malaluan, giving her the perfect opportunity to clear her mind before diving into her next competitive tournament.
“After such an intense Invitational Conference, our visit in Naga City became such a special breather for us,” shared Malaluan. “Feeling the love of the Nagueño fans at Peñafrancia reminded us why we play the game. Seeing everyone united in celebration gives us a whole new wave of energy as we reset and get ready to fight even harder in the next conference.”
Fresh off claiming her first-ever podium finish as a professional athlete, the former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons skipper Monares took a moment to reflect on the inspiring energy and spiritual depth of the festival.
“The energy in Naga was amazing – it was so full of life!” Monares said. “Connecting with the community during Peñafrancia was an incredible experience. Off the court, downtime with the team and connecting with fans who support us from afar is what keeps us grounded.”
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