PLDT Volleyball Stars Bring Fresh Energy to Naga as Peñafrancia Festival Lights Up the City

Fresh from a hard-earned bronze medal finish in the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference,

PLDT High Speed Hitters stars Alleiah Malaluan and Joan Monares traded the intensity of the volleyball court for the vibrant streets of Naga City as they joined thousands of Nagueños in celebrating the Peñafrancia Festival.

After weeks of demanding training, high-pressure matches, and long rallies, the Bicol visit offered the two athletes a welcome change of pace. Surrounded by music, culture, faith, and the unmistakable warmth of the Bicolano community, Malaluan and Monares found a different kind of energy waiting for them in the heart of Peñafrancia.

The annual celebration drew around 1.2 million devotees to Camarines Sur, turning the province into a lively gathering of faith, tradition, and Bicolano pride.

For the PLDT High Speed Hitters, the visit also marked a meaningful moment after another memorable PVL campaign.

From the Volleyball Court to the Heart of Peñafrancia

The bronze finish gave PLDT its second podium result in the league’s flagship conference, following the team’s championship run last year.

For Malaluan and Monares, however, the trip to Naga was about more than celebrating a medal.

It was a chance to pause.

Away from the pressure of competition, the two outside hitters spent time connecting with local fans, taking in the festival atmosphere, and enjoying the community spirit that makes Peñafrancia one of the country’s most anticipated religious and cultural celebrations.

Their visit included a courtesy call with Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and local government officials, as well as meet-and-greet activities that gave local sports fans an opportunity to interact with the athletes up close.

For Malaluan, a former De La Salle University Lady Spiker, the Bicol trip became a welcome emotional and spiritual reset before the team returns to competition.

“After such an intense Invitational Conference, our visit in Naga City became such a special breather for us,” Malaluan shared. “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.”

Joan Monares Finds a Different Kind of Team Energy

The Peñafrancia festivities were particularly meaningful for Monares, who recently celebrated her first professional volleyball medal after her collegiate career as captain of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

Having spent much of her career competing in packed gyms and high-stakes matches, Monares welcomed the opportunity to connect with supporters in a completely different setting.

“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.”

The moments offered a glimpse of the athletes beyond the competition floor. For players accustomed to constantly preparing for the next match, spending time with fans and teammates outside the court can be just as meaningful.

And in Naga, the welcome was unmistakably warm.

A Festival That Brings People Together

Across Camarines Sur, the Peñafrancia Festival once again filled streets and gathering places with celebrations that brought together devotees, families, performers, visitors, and local communities.

For Malaluan and Monares, becoming part of that atmosphere meant stepping into a celebration deeply rooted in Bicolano identity.

The experience also highlighted a familiar connection between sports and community. Just as volleyball brings people together through shared support for a team, Peñafrancia creates a space where people gather around faith, tradition, and local pride.

For the PLDT stars, the visit became an opportunity to give back to supporters while taking in the energy of one of the region’s biggest annual celebrations.

PLDT Home Keeps Nagueños Connected

While the PLDT High Speed Hitters were connecting with fans on the ground, PLDT Home continued bringing reliable connectivity closer to families throughout Naga City during the Peñafrancia celebrations.

With work, entertainment, communication, and sports increasingly becoming part of everyday digital life, dependable home connectivity has become an important part of keeping Filipino families connected.

For sports fans who want more from their home entertainment setup, PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1499 offers Fiber speeds of up to 200 Mbps, unlimited landline-to-landline calls, and landline-to-mobile calls to five nominated Smart or TNT numbers.

The plan also comes with entertainment inclusions such as Cignal TV, HBO Max Standard subscription, and 9GB of Smart Data, giving households more ways to stay entertained and connected.

A Special Fiber Offer for Naga City Residents

Naga City residents can also take advantage of a limited-time PLDT Home offer until December 31, 2026.

New subscribers who switch to PLDT Home Fiber can get 50% off their monthly bill for the first six months, along with free installation, offering savings of up to P3,600.

From the volleyball court to the streets of Naga, the Peñafrancia visit gave Malaluan and Monares a chance to reconnect with the people who continue to support them.

The medal may have marked the end of one chapter for the PLDT High Speed Hitters, but the energy they found in Naga is already carrying them toward the next one.

With another conference ahead, the team will return to the court with a bronze medal behind them, new memories from Bicol, and plenty of motivation for what comes next.