PLDT hits reset ahead of PVL On Tour title defense

Slowing down is sometimes the best way to speed up.

Fresh off the franchise’s first-ever podium finish in a regular PVL season—a breakthrough bronze-medal campaign—the PLDT High Speed Hitters stepped away for a moment to rest before heading to the 2026 PVL On Tour as defending champions.

For head coach Rald Ricafort, the downtime was just as important as the work put in during the season.

“We highly prioritize the balance between the work that we put in since the pre-season and the rest needed after every conference,” Ricafort said.

That philosophy extends beyond the coaching staff, with the players embracing the offseason as an opportunity to recover not only physically, but mentally and emotionally before returning to competition.

For veteran setter Kim Fajardo, recovery begins with taking care of her mental and emotional well-being. She said the offseason gives her time for self-reflection, allowing her to recharge before another demanding campaign. Away from volleyball, she enjoys spending time with her family or unwinding by watching the travel series Somebody Feed Phil.

That same mindset is shared across the roster, with each player finding different ways to disconnect from volleyball and return refreshed.

Outside hitter Kiesha Bedonia approaches the break as a chance for a complete reset—physically, mentally, and personally. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing sleep and staying active through light activities such as walking and stretching. During her downtime, she also enjoys rewatching the anime One Piece, drawing inspiration from the loyalty and personalities of its characters.

For others, recovery comes through creative pursuits that help them reconnect with life beyond the court.

Opposite hitter Jessey De Leon, who also works as an architect, turns to creative projects whenever inspiration strikes, saying they help her reset and rediscover herself outside volleyball. When she’s not working on architectural designs or spending time with her nieces and nephews, De Leon jokingly embraces “bedrotting” while binge-watching the legal drama Better Call Saul.

With the team returning from a well-earned break both physically and mentally refreshed, PLDT also heads into the 2026 PVL On Tour with several new faces expected to strengthen its title defense.

Former Galeries Tower Highrisers player Winnie Bedaña joins the High Speed Hitters after establishing herself as a reliable contributor in the PVL, while former University of the Philippines captain Joan Monares brings leadership and added depth on the wings.

The team also welcomed rookie setter Fianne Ariola, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, adding another young playmaker to the mix.

The newcomers strengthen a veteran core led by Kath Arado, Kim Fajardo, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, Savi Davison, and Kim Kianna Dy, as PLDT looks to build on its bronze finish and defend the PVL On Tour crown it won with an undefeated run last year.

For PLDT, the road to defending its PVL On Tour crown began not with another grueling training session, but with the decision to pause, recharge, and return ready for the challenges ahead.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters open their 2026 PVL On Tour campaign on July 25 against Choco Mucho in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.