Bernadeth Pons is soaking all the time in her beach volleyball return with Sisi Rondina as they gear up for a Southeast Asian Games comeback.
After nearly two years away from the sand, Bernadeth Pons is back where she feels most at home—on the beach volleyball court.
Fresh off a dominant run alongside longtime partner Sisi Rondina at the PNVF Beach Volleyball National Open, Pons confirmed that her focus has fully shifted.
“Focus na ulit sa beach din talaga kasi may goal kami this coming SEA Games,” Pons told reporters after taking home the Best Outside Hitter honors during the 2025 Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night at the Novotel Manila in Quezon City.
[ALSO READ: Bernadeth Pons, Sisi Rondina set for beach volleyball return in 2025 SEA Games]
The PNVF title was a reunion and a reaffirmation for the tandem known as “SiPons,” who reclaimed their rhythm with a 5-0 sweep and a thrilling comeback win in the Finals over fellow Filipina beach volleyball players Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez.
“Unang-una, masaya ako na magkasama na kami ulit,” Pons said of her reunion with Rondina. “Alam namin parehas kung gaano namin ka-gusto na makuha ‘tong SEA Games ulit.”
[ALSO READ: Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons reign supreme at 2025 PNVF Nuvali National Open]
Transitioning back to beach volleyball hasn’t been seamless, especially after competing with the Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL, but familiarity with Rondina has made the adjustment smoother.
“Hindi naging mahirap 'yung transition din talaga in terms of chemistry,” she explained. “Pero yung transition from indoor to sands, hindi siya ganun kadali. Wino-workout namin everyday.”
Pons, though, admitted they’re still working back into peak beach form.
“Ngayon, pang-isang buwan pa lang namin na nag-eensayo sa beach so ang dami pa naming kailangan ulit na ayusin,” she said.
Despite the short preparation time, the SEA Games goal keeps them motivated.
The former PVL MVP and Finals MVP also plans on bringing valuable lessons from her grand slam stint with Creamline.
“Unang-una siguro 'yung good vibes na mantra ng team,” she noted. “Mainit ‘yung pinaglalaruan namin so kailangan din talaga na ine-enjoy namin bawat ensayo namin kasi sobrang napapagod din talaga kami sa sands and yung araw pa.”
[ALSO READ: Teary-eyed Pons grateful for AVC stint with Creamline, takes on beach volley duties next]
“‘Yung mentality din talaga ng team sa Creamline, ‘yun din ‘yung isang baon ko sa beach na kailangan ‘yung mindset talaga every game is ‘yung winning mindset,” she added.