CANDON, Ilocos Sur — The 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Star event was not only limited to professional players— as linesmen, ball boys, and volunteers also had the opportunity to play along with the league stars.
In an unusual turn of events, Bea De Leon of Team Hustle and Alyssa Valdez of Team Heart invited a linesman and a ball boy to step onto the court and play alongside them.
With Team Heart just one point away from victory at 24-17, Valdez called on ball boy volunteer Jhyson Manzano to take the wing position.
Decorated playmaker Jia De Guzman then set the ball for Manzano, who converted the point. The match ended in celebration as the rest of Team Heart rushed toward him.
This tribute to the behind-the-scenes staff began earlier in the fourth set when De Leon called on volunteer Krisha Dulay Perilla.
At the time, Team Heart held a six-point lead, 16-10. Perilla delivered a solid reception, passing the ball to De Guzman to set up a successful score by Eya Laure.
For Valdez, she wants to make everybody feel that they are part of the volleyball community.
"Everyone here is part of the community. So, we want to give credit to all of them. We want to give that shoutout to those behind the camera right now—you guys are part of the community, too,” Valdez told the media.
"Thank you so much for coming up here to Candon. Again and again, thank you. I think at the end of the day, we’ll just celebrate volleyball today—everyone who is a part of it. Everyone is included, so it's really heartening for them to know that they are valued and that they are a part of Philippine volleyball,” she added.
Meanwhile, All-Star Most Valuable Player (MVP) Bella Belen also experienced being a linesman.
"Dream come true. Thank you to the All-Star [management/organizers]. Even if it was just for a short time. Dream come true. Maybe next time... One game? Or First referee?” she shared candidly.
"Ah, no, it's because during the technical timeout, I said, 'Big brother/Kuya, it's my turn.' He said he’d get scolded. I said, 'No, I've got your back.' So there, I'm just happy."
This is the first PVL All-Star event since the league turned professional in 2021.
