Volleyball DNA: Recent Episodes
Volleyball DNA
Denden Lazaro and Anton Roxas examine the characteristics that make up some of the most intriguing personalities in the world of Volleyball.
Denden and Anton welcome one of the newest members of the Philippine National Team, Ernestine Tiamzon for Episode 33 of Volleyball DNA. Tin was a surprise addition to the Choco Mucho lineup that participated in the 2021 Asian Women's Club Volleyball Championship in Thailand. She hails from Koronadal, South Cotabato but ended up migrating to Canada until ultimately returning to the motherland to play for the DLSU Lady Spikers, where she won three-straight UAAP Championships from Season 78 to 80. Currently, she is member of the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers who are scheduled to make their highly-anticipated entry to the Premier Volleyball League early next year.
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One of the finest setters of her generation, Jem Ferrer drops in to share her story with Denden and Anton on Episode 32 of Volleyball DNA. The three-time UAAP Best Setter speaks about how she learned to play the game at Hope Christian High School before becoming a member of the "Fab Five" in Ateneo. She also talks about her professional career as well as gives her thoughts on the current situation of the Philippine National Team.
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The defensive dynamo of the Cherry Tiggo Crossovers, Buding Duremdes drops in to treat Denden and Anton with a ton of stories and a whole lot of laughs on Episode 31 of Volleyball DNA. Buding shares how she became the multi-awarded Libero from Dumangas, Iloilo who wound up in FEU before winning championships in the PSL with Petron and most recently, in the Premier Volleyball League with the Cherry Tiggo Crossovers. It's always a show when Buding is the subject. Enjoy!
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With the successful completion of the 2021 PVL Open Conference, it is only fitting that Denden and Anton feature the league's Most Valuable Player, Jaja Santiago on Episode 30 of Volleyball DNA. The 6'5" product of Tanza, Cavite provides a detailed account of the road the Cherry Tiggo Crossovers navigated through to arrive at their goal of winning their first championship as a professional team. She also reflects on her UAAP career which started at UST and ended in NU. Finally, Jaja shares what she's been praying for lately now that she's back in Japan to participate as an import in for the Saitama Ageo Medics in the 2021-2022 V.League.
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Denden and Anton are back with a flourish as they host their good friend Fille Cainglet Cayetano on Episode 29 of Volleyball DNA. Fille shares a bundle of stories about her life growing up in Bacolod, flying to Manila to pursue Volleyball, entering Ateneo with the "Fab 5" and becoming the leading scorer and Team Captain of the Lady Eagles. She goes on to speak about her pro career with the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors and current club team, the Creamline Cool Smashers in the Premier Volleyball League. Finally, the #MamAthlete opens up about her daily life as a proud mother of three and happy wife to husband, Lino in a one heartwarming sit-down In The Lab.
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Episode 28 of Volleyball DNA features another proud product of the University of the Philippines, Kathy Bersola. Kathy was the first Student-Athlete from the UP College of Human Kinetics to have graduated Summa Cum Laude. She candidly speaks with Denden and Anton about her upbringing and why sports was a major part of her life. The former UAAP Best Blocker also discusses her current situation as a Med Student and her desire to win that elusive Championship in the Premier Volleyball League.
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Joining Denden and Anton for Episode 27 of Volleyball DNA is former UP Lady Fighting Maroon, Nicole Tiamzon. Nicole talks about her UAAP career which included being converted into a Setter, becoming a Top 5 scorer in the league, Team Captain and ending UP's 12-year Final Four drought. She also shares her experiences with her current club team, the BanKo Perlas Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League. Finally, the native of Taytay, Rizal speaks about her advocacy, 'Spike and Serve' and how it aims to help the grassroots level of Volleyball around the country.
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Marck Espejo is arguably the best Men's Volleyball player in the Philippines right now and he joins Denden and Anton on Episode 26 of Volleyball DNA. The Phenom talks about finding a way to study in his dream school, Ateneo where he won five UAAP MVP's and three-straight UAAP titles. He also speaks about his National Team experiences and playing as an import abroad in Japan, Thailand, and Bahrain. It's an inspiring story about breaking barriers and soaring above your limits.
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One of the most iconic players to come out of the DLSU Lady Spikers' Volleyball program, Cha Cruz Behag spends her "Me Time" with Denden and Anton on Episode 25 of Volleyball DNA. The four-time UAAP Champion and two-time Finals MVP tells all about the ins and outs of her career from the time she spent in Taft Ave. to the moment she played for the National Team in the Asian Games. Now, a full-time Mom, "Ms. Everything" shares the secrets to living a happy, successful and meaningful life centered on Love for Family and God.
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Another UAAP Legend joins Denden and Anton on Volleyball DNA as UST's Angeli Tabaquero goes under the microscope for Episode 24. The two-time UAAP Champion tells some amazing stories about her journey in the sport including facing her fiercest competition and dealing with some old school trash talk from across the net. Angeli also talks about transitioning into coaching and her plans to further improve her craft and make an impact on the next generation of Volleyball players in the country.
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On Episode 23 of Volleyball DNA, Denden and Anton chat with Bryan Bagunas who is all the way in Japan playing as an import for Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler. The two-time UAAP champion who won Finals MVP on both occasions for the NU Bulldogs recounts the steps he took in his long Volleyball journey which began in Balayan, Batangas. Bryan shares how he got into the sport and what he felt when he hit the historic game-winning spike against Thailand in the 30th SEA Games.
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The Team Captain of the Philippine Women's National Team, Aby Maraño speaks to Denden and Anton on Episode 22 of Volleyball DNA. Aby tells all about the many challenges she had to overcome in life such as leading the DLSU Lady Spikers to a THREE-PEAT, managing controversial issues on social media, Psoriasis and more. The former UAAP Best Blocker and two-time MVP also shares her thoughts on the newly formed PNVFI or Philippine National Volleyball Federation Inc. and how this will shape the future of the sport and its players in the country.
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Denden and Anton are back in a big way for the year 2021 as they welcome to the program the most fan requested guest: Bea De Leon. The 2-time UAAP Champion and former Team Captain of the Ateneo Lady Eagles gamely opens up about her family, Volleyball journey, and even a couple of controversial issues in a much awaited Episode 21 of Volleyball DNA.
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One of the most celebrated athletes of her generation, Gretchen Ho graciously accepts Denden and Anton's invitation to be the final guest on the show for the year 2020. The 'Woman In Action' gamely speaks about her journey post-UAAP, particularly in the Media and Entertainment industry. She shares her most unforgettable experiences working in front of the camera, taking us behind-the-scenes and all over the world in a jam-packed Episode 20 of Volleyball DNA.
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The primary setter of the famed DLSU Lady Spikers, Michelle Cobb drops in on the program to share her story with Denden and Anton for Episode 19 of Volleyball DNA. Michelle talks about how she shifted from being a competitive swimmer to Volleyball in Grade 5 and her arrival at Taft Avenue where she found an unusual path to making the prestigious lineup of Coach Ramil De Jesus. The 21 year old playmaker also explains her feelings regarding the sudden cancellation of UAAP Season 82 and the future of La Salle Volleyball.
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Family-oriented, multi-talented and fiercely loyal is just one of the many ways to describe Kianna Dy who reunites with her good friend Denden on Episode 18 of Volleyball DNA. The two athletes who come from rival schools talk about how they developed an instant friendship and bond during their stint with the National Team in 2017 plus many more unforgettable experiences shared together. It was such a fun conversation that Anton didn't feel left out at all, even affirming his impression on Kianna as one of the most entertaining athletes on social media.
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The beautiful soul known as Ponggay Gaston joins Denden and Anton for Episode 17 of Volleyball DNA. Ponggay shares what it was like for her to grow up as the youngest daughter of a former PBA player and beauty queen. She also talks about the influence her older sister, Therese had on her and how they made their journey from UST to Ateneo. In addition to that, the Team Captain of the Ateneo Lady Eagles and current member of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans explains the process that she had to go through to develop into the successful young lady that she is today. It's a story that will leave you inspired and ready to take on the many daunting challenges life has to offer.
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The winningest coach in NCAA Volleyball history, Roger Gorayeb joins Denden and Anton for Episode 16 of Volleyball DNA. Coach Roger candidly speaks about how he started his coaching career at the age of 23 while still being a student at San Sebastian College-Recoletos in 1984. The fiery mentor also shares some of his most memorable recruitment stories including those of Gretchen Ho, Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado in an effort to strengthen the Ateneo Lady Eagles' bid for a championship in the UAAP. So many eye-opening stories told by a man who dedicated his life to game and the players that he loves.
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The youngest of three children born from professional athletes, Bong and Mozzy Ravena, Dani Ravena has risen as one of the top libero's in the UAAP following the Ateneo Lady Eagles' title run in Season 81. Now, a certified champion just like her older brothers, basketball superstars, Kiefer and Thirdy, Dani is focused on building her own legacy while upholding the family name. Listen to her speak about her journey so far with Denden and Anton on Episode 15 of Volleyball DNA.
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Episode 14 of Volleyball DNA features the University of the Philippines' Tots Carlos. The former Lady Maroons Team Captain tells the story of how she ended up in UP after being hailed as the Palarong Pambansa Best Blocker in 2015. Tots also talks about how the Lady Maroons ended their 12-year Final Four drought in the UAAP along with her experiences playing for three different club teams.
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For everything she's done on and off the court and the millions of lives she's touched, Alyssa Valdez may seem like a supernatural being. But, like everyone else, she is human and will be the first one to admit it. She's been through a lot of hardships in life but through hard-work, sacrifice and prayer, was able to rise above all obstacles and spread love to everyone around her. On Episode 13 of Volleyball DNA, Alyssa sits down with Denden and Anton to share the stories closest to her heart in a way she's never done before.
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Fresh off announcing her engagement to long-time Boyfriend, Miguel de Guzman, Jia Morado drops in to catch up with Denden and Anton on Episode 12 of Volleyball DNA. The multi-awarded setter spoke about a myriad of topics such as winning back-to-back UAAP titles with the Ateneo Lady Eagles, learning from mentors like Alyssa Valdez and imparting wisdom to the younger generation of players including Deanna Wong. She also shared a wonderful story about meeting her idol, Nootsara Tomkom and provided her personal take on the future of Philippine Volleyball.
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One of the most accomplished young stars in the sport shares her remarkable story with Denden and Anton on Episode 11 of Volleyball DNA. The multi-awarded Eya Laure speaks about her UAAP career with UST and her immediate entry to the Philippine National Team at the age of 20. She also shares the most important lessons learned from her family, idols and coaches plus her thoughts on the future of the game.
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Denden and Anton catch-up with UAAP Season 72 Men's Volleyball MVP, AJ Pareja on Episode 10 of Volleyball DNA. The former Ateneo Team Captain who is also referred to by many as 'Doc Volleyball', speaks about how much the game has changed from his time to today, how he balances his medical career and his beach volleyball exploits, plus his take on the state of the sport in the country.
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2020 PSL Ambassadress, Majoy Baron steps into the spotlight on Episode 9 of Volleyball DNA where she is quizzed by Denden and Anton about her life in Concepcion, Tarlac and her road to becoming the top middle blocker in the land. The former UAAP MVP and three-time champion from the famed DLSU Lady Spikers also reveals her other passions such as modelling, cooking and where she sees herself in the near future.
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For Episode 8 of Volleyball DNA, Coach Oliver Almadro goes under the microscope! Denden and Anton trace the origin of his journey and pick his brains to identify the different methods behind the success of his teams. There's always a lot to take in when Coach O speaks so please, sit back, relax and enjoy!
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On Episode 7 of Volleyball DNA, Denden and Anton talk to Kat Tolentino who uprooted herself from Richmond, Canada for a new life in the Philippines. Here, she was able to pursue a career in Volleyball by becoming a student-athlete at Ateneo De Manila University before joining the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the Premier Volleyball League. It's an inspiring tale about taking a leap of faith and realizing impossible dreams.
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The starting Libero of the Philippine Women's National Team, Dawn Macandili joins Denden and Anton for Episode 6 of Volleyball DNA. "Ms. Everywhere" reveals everything about her life growing up in Batangas, getting introduced to the sport at De La Salle Lipa, moving to De La Salle-Zobel and finally making it to Taft Avenue to become a Lady Spiker. She also speaks about her experiences playing in the PSL and internationally where she was recognized by Japanese Coach Akoyoshi Kawamoto as a "world-class" volleyball player.
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For the first time ever on Volleyball DNA, Denden and Anton welcome a Men's Volleyball player and it is none other than charismatic middle blocker, Rex Intal. The three-time UAAP Champion opens up about his life growing up in the Intal household with four older brothers and younger sister as well as studying and playing volleyball at Ateneo. Rex also gives us an inside look at his unforgettable experience as a member of the National Team that competed in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
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Episode 4 of Volleyball DNA features UAAP Season 80 Best Setter, Deanna Wong. Denden and Anton chronicle Deanna's life starting from her hometown of Minglanilla, Cebu all the way up to the day she won a UAAP Championship with the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The 5-foot-8 playmaker also sheds some light on the struggles she had to go through in her career plus her excitement to play for her new team in the Premier Volleyball League, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
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Three-time Premier Volleyball League Champion and former Adamson Queen Falcon, Jema Galanza joins Denden and Anton for Episode 3 of Volleyball DNA. The reigning PVL Open Conference MVP opens up about her life growing up in San Pedro, Laguna, the ups and downs of her UAAP career plus her rise to stardom as a member of the Creamline Cool Smashers.
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For the second installment of Volleyball DNA, Denden and Anton welcome the one and only Manilla Santos-Ng to the program. Illa recalls how she fell in love with the La Salle campus from the moment she set foot inside the school as well as how she earned the trust of the legendary Coach Ramil De Jesus. The four-time UAAP champion also opens up about her life after becoming the first player in UAAP Volleyball history to have her jersey retired to the time she decided to make a comeback in the Premier Volleyball League. All that and more straight from the legend herself.
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On the very first episode of Volleyball DNA, Denden and Anton are joined by two-time UAAP Women's Volleyball Champion, National Team member and Team Captain of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, Maddie Madayag. The middle blocker who is popularly known as "Madzilla" talks about taking her leap of faith from Davao to Ateneo De Manila University, overcoming homesickness and injury en route to becoming a champion, representing the country in the 2019 SEA Games and her future in the Premier Volleyball League.
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Volleyball superstar Denden Lazaro and Sportscasting veteran Anton Roxas partner up and look into the microscope to examine some of the most complex characters in the world of Volleyball. Every week, the life and journey of a new subject is chronicled and immortalized online. The video format of this program is available on the YouTube channel: Volleyball DNA.
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