After a major offseason overhaul, the Galeries Tower Highrisers enter the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference hoping their revamp finally translates into relevance.
2025 proved to be another tough year for Galeries Tower.
After another PVL season spent at the bottom of the standings, the Highrisers committed to one of the most aggressive resets in the league.
From the coaching staff to nearly every position on the floor, Galeries Tower made it clear this offseason that the status quo was no longer acceptable.
A season that forced change
- All-Filipino Conference: 8th place
- PVL On Tour: 12th place
- Reinforced Conference: 12th place
While Galeries Tower managed a respectable All-Filipino showing, the sharp drop in the On Tour and Reinforced Conferences exposed limitations in depth and overall firepower.
The gap between competing and contending was evident—and simply demanded action.
A sweeping overhaul
Key additions: Ayin Esteban (coach), Blove Barbon, Erika Raagas, Julia Angeles, Lycha Ebon, Dolly Versoza, Cams Victoria, Erika Deloria, Sharya Ancheta, Shola Alvarez, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Jules Samonte, Gayle Pascual, Venice Puzon, Maji Mangulabnan
Galeries Tower responded with a near-total rebuild, starting at the top.
The additions of experienced attackers like Victoria, Ebon, Raagas, and Maizo-Pontillas aim to stabilize the offense, while Barbon strengthens floor defense and backcourt coverage.
[ALSO READ: Aiza Maizo-Pontillas excited for new PVL chapter with rebuilding Galeries Tower]
The rest of the incoming group provides lineup flexibility and competition across positions—something Galeries Tower previously lacked.
Talent is no longer the issue
On paper, Galeries Tower looks deeper and more versatile than in previous seasons.
With veterans and multiple additions capable of filling specialist roles, the Highrisers finally have pieces that resemble a complete roster behind its young stars in Julia Coronel and Jean Asis.
The challenge now shifts from roster construction to execution.
From reset to relevance?
Galeries Tower has made its boldest move yet.
Can this group settle quickly under a new coach? Can the Highrisers’ newfound depth translate into competitiveness across a full conference?
While it’s still a hard ask to see Galeries Tower compete for a semifinal spot, the new-look squad will definitely try their hardest to pull off a major upset each night as the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference unfolds starting this Saturday, January 31.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.