Bernadeth Pons and Sisi Rondina will make their way back to the sands as they join Alas Pilipinas in beach volleyball for the upcoming 2025 Southeast Asian Games.
Bernadeth Pons and Sisi Rondina are officially making their long-awaited return to the sand, as the decorated beach volleyball tandem gears up for another campaign in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.
After spending the last few seasons focusing on indoor volleyball, the dynamic "SiPons" duo, who captured back-to-back SEA Games bronze medals in 2019 and 2022, are reuniting with the national beach volleyball program now bolstered by young talent and promising Filipino-American recruits.
Rondina and Pons were noticeably absent from the recently-announced 33-player pool for Alas Pilipinas’ indoor team, as the two shift their full attention back to the sport where they made their mark on the international stage.
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For Pons, the decision to return was fueled by unfinished business, especially after a disappointing SEA Games outing last time out, where the pair fell short of the podium.
The tandem of Pons and Dij Rodriguez, as well as Rondina and Jovelyn Gonzaga failed to make it to the semifinal round of the tournament in Cambodia.
“Personally, medyo disappointed kami sa naging resulta nung last SEA Games,” Pons admitted. “Coming from bronze, tapos biglang wala kaming nakuha. Kaya simula pa lang, gusto naming bumawi sa darating na SEA Games.”
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Now back in their element, both players are embracing the challenge of transitioning from indoor back to beach, with the national coaching staff giving them time to adjust before the real battles begin.
“Syempre sobrang happy and excited na din kasi matagal-tagal na rin. Noong last SEA Games, hindi kami mag-partner, tapos nagbalik pa kami sa indoor,” Pons added. “Ngayon, ‘yung pagbabalik namin, alam namin na hindi madali — may transition phase talaga, lalo na galing kami sa indoor—pero handa naman kami para doon.”
Aside from the seasoned pair, the beach volleyball program is also counting on the likes of Khylem Progella, Sofiah Pagara, Genesa Eslapor, Mary Orillaneda, Alexa Polidario, and Jenny Gaviola to strengthen the country’s medal bid in the upcoming biennial meet.