Representatives of Team of the Year awardee Creamline Cool Smashers during the PVL Press Corps Awards NIght. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Creamline emerged as the biggest winner of the inaugural Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night, taking home multiple accolades that further cement its legacy in Philippine volleyball.
The Cool Smashers were named Team of the Year after completing a historic grand slam last season, despite falling short of a five-peat in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals against Petro Gazz.
READ: PVL Awards: Sherwin Meneses-led Creamline is Team of the Year
Sherwin Meneses earned Coach of the Year honors, Rebisco Vice Chairman and CEO Jonathan Ng was recognized as Executive of the Year, while Bernadeth Pons and Bea De Leon led the season’s Mythical Team as Best Outside Spiker and Best Middle Blocker, respectively.
“These awards are truly special, especially since we didn’t win the championship last conference,” said Creamline captain Alyssa Valdez, speaking in Filipino. “It reflects our team’s long and meaningful journey. We’re so grateful that our hard work was recognized.”
Alyssa Valdez after Creamline bagged multiple awards in the #PVLPCAwards. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/VjCfcsVXWY
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 29, 2025
Valdez, who attended the ceremony in a soft pink two-piece ensemble featuring a structured crop top with puff sleeves, also handed out awards to the Spikers’ Turf top performers in her role as league president.
She credited Creamline’s consistency to Meneses’ leadership and Ng’s steadfast support.
“One thing we really appreciate about Coach Sherwin is how generous he is with his knowledge. He always shares what he knows with us, and that’s something we truly value. He absolutely deserves this award,” Valdez said. “I’m also very proud to be part of the Rebisco family. This recognition is another source of motivation for us all.”
PVL Press Corps’ Coach of the Year Sherwin Meneses of the Creamline Cool Smashers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Valdez, a three-time conference MVP, hopes Creamline’s journey from an expansion team in 2017 to a 10-time champion inspires the broader sports community.
“Hopefully, our story motivates aspiring athletes, not just in volleyball,” she said. “We started not so good [eight years ago], but through hard work, passion, and determination, you’ll reach your dreams. If you play as one team, as one family, you’ll go to greater heights.”
Looking ahead, Valdez said the team is eager to welcome new talent from the PVL rookie draft. Creamline holds the 12th pick for the second straight year among 60 hopefuls participating in the Draft Combine this weekend at Paco Arena.
“It’s exciting. We’ve been watching them in the UAAP and other leagues,” Valdez said. “Whoever gets picked will definitely bring something valuable to the team.”
She also offered words of encouragement to the draft pool.
“Good luck to all the draftees. And to those who might not get picked, remember there are opportunities beyond volleyball, too. Wishing you all the best!”