With the Akari Chargers’ trademark humor and playful antics, head coach Taka Minowa wasn’t immune to their jokes—he’s now been hilariously rebranded as Coach IshiTAKA!
The Akari Chargers are absolutely on cloud nine.
Their perfect 9-0 record is epic enough, but having the incredible Ran Takahashi as their latest brand ambassador has been the ultimate cherry on top.
Following their quarterfinals win over Farm Fresh in the PVL Reinforced Conference, Grethcel Soltones revealed how the cute Ryujin Nippons star has inspired her for an electrifying performance, helping lead Akari to the semis.
“Actually part si Ran sa inspiration ko kasi nakikita ko siya hindi lang siya cute, magaling din siya sa technique na sinasabi ni coach Taka [Minowa],” Soltones said.
But it wasn't just Grethcel who was inspired, all of the Chargers got a boost, with Faith Nisperos and Kamille Cal totally fangirling over their moments with Takahashi.
Faith scored the cutest photo and autograph with Ran at his Manila meet-and-greet, and she’s still buzzing with excitement.
Kamille, with her totally adorable kalog vibe, posted the cutest Instagram reel showing off her major kilig moment with her bebe boy Ran.
“Muntik mabading si Ran sakin. Buti nalang naunahan ko. Sorry mga beh! “I don’t make pila, I overtake” 🤪😂 HUUUY! HAHAHAHAHA,” she wrote.
Kal's partner, Chery Tiggo Crossovers’ kapitana Aby Maraño, was nothing but supportive.
“HAHAHAHA 😜🤪 SUPPORT AKO SAYO JAN MAREH,” Tyang commonted.
With the Akari Chargers’ signature fun and antics, even head coach Taka Minowa wasn’t spared from the jokes.
Ivy Lacsina and Cal teased coach Taka, saying that while they were super eager for a photo with Ran, they’d also love a snap with their coach "Ishitaka."
“IshiTAKA supremacy,” Ivy wrote on her Instagram story.
Coach Taka, always up for a laugh, just rolled with the punches as the Akari Chargers kept the jokes coming.
But on a more serious note, Minowa also took a moment to express his deep gratitude to his Ran for being a beacon of inspiration for the team.
“Thank you @ran.volleyball0902 for becoming an Akari ambassador and also inspiring the team. You're [a] lucky charm for us forever,” he posted on Instagram.
After a tough four-set battle with the spirited Farm Fresh Foxies, coach Taka was so overwhelmed with joy and exhaustion that he plopped down on the floor—talk about a floor nap to celebrate making it to the semifinals for the first time!
It’s a mix of sheer triumph and a well-deserved rest for the coach who’s finally seen his hard work pay off.
“What a team we are building! Totally this is a team effort from the players and the coaches,” he wrote on Instagram.
Instagram story | @taka08minowa
The Akari Chargers are bracing themselves for their semifinal challenge, as they await the outcome of another high-stakes quarterfinals clash between the tenacious PLDT High Speed Hitters and the driven Chery Tiggo Crossovers.