Sisi Rondina: The Cherry Bomb of Cebu 

In Philippine volleyball, few athletes embody passion and resilience like Cherry Ann “Sisi” Rondina. Rising from humble beginnings in Compostela, Cebu, she has grown into one of the country’s most electrifying and beloved volleyball stars — a player who defies expectations, elevates every team she joins, and continues to inspire a new generation of athletes.

Rondina’s career is a masterclass in refusing to let size dictate destiny. Standing only 1.66 meters, she carved out a path in a sport dominated by taller athletes, relying instead on world-class athleticism, explosive leaping ability, tireless work ethic, and an unshakeable competitive fire.

 

Early Beginnings: The Cebuana Flame

 

Sisi’s story began on the beaches and small courts of Cebu, where she first learned volleyball under modest conditions. Her talent was undeniable early on, and it was this raw athleticism that eventually brought her to the attention of scouts from the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

 

Moving to Manila was a leap of faith — but one that changed her life. At UST, Rondina found both a platform and a family that allowed her to flourish.

 

UST Stardom: A Rare Two-Sport Dominance

 

Rondina’s college career was nothing short of historic. She became a superstar not only in indoor volleyball but also in beach volleyball, making her one of the most unique athletes in UAAP history.

 

Beach Volleyball Greatness

 

Together with longtime partner Khim Gendront, Rondina built an almost unmatched legacy:

• 4-time UAAP Beach Volleyball MVP  
• 4-time UAAP Beach Volleyball Champion  
• One of the most dominant players the UAAP sand courts have ever seen 

Her explosiveness, court coverage, and hustle made her virtually unstoppable on the sand.

 

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The UST community is reportedly in talks to finalize the jersey retirement of Sisi Rondina.

Honoring the Golden Tigresses legend for her incredible legacy on and off the court. pic.twitter.com/caijotV7eq

— Camille Fats (@queensleya_) November 12, 2025

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Indoor Volleyball Brilliance

 

In the indoor game, Rondina shined brightest in UAAP Season 81, where she carried UST to the Finals and earned:

• UAAP Season 81 Women’s Volleyball MVP  
• UAAP Athlete of the Year (Team Sports)  

She ended her collegiate career as one of the most beloved Tigresses ever — a captain whose grit and leadership rekindled the spirit of the UST community. Even fans from rival schools admired her emotional honesty and all-out hustle every game.

 

Transition to the Pros: A Star in the PVL

 

After her collegiate run, Rondina entered the professional ranks through the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), joining the Choco Mucho Flying Titans. Despite being undersized for an outside hitter, she quickly became one of the league’s most feared scorers.

Her breakthrough came in 2023, where she claimed:

• 2023 PVL Second All-Filipino Conference MVP  

Rondina led Choco Mucho to the finals and delivered some of the most electrifying performances of the season. Her ability to score against taller blockers and her unmatched floor defense made her a complete weapon on both ends of the court.

Even as imports arrived in various conferences, she consistently proved she could outscore and outwork bigger, more physically advantaged opponents.

 

International Stage: Rising Beyond Philippine Shores

 

VTV Cup Heroics

In 2023, Rondina shined at the VTV International Women’s Volleyball Cup in Vietnam, earning:

• Best Outside Spiker Award  

Her all-around performance helped the Philippines and Choco Mucho capture a bronze medal — a crucial boost to Philippine volleyball’s international standing at the time.

 

Alas Pilipinas and Indoor National Team Debut

 

In 2024, Sisi joined the Philippine indoor team Alas Pilipinas for the AVC Challenge Cup, where the squad achieved a historic podium finish, marking the country’s first indoor medal in an AVC-sanctioned event.

 

Rondina’s energy and competitiveness were key in this breakthrough, proving that she wasn’t just a domestic star — she could thrive against Asia’s top teams.

 

Beach Volleyball Representation

 

Before her indoor stints, she also represented the Philippines internationally in beach volleyball, including appearances in the Southeast Asian Games, where she and partner Bernadeth Pons became one of the region’s most formidable duos.

 

Her versatility — starring in two disciplines — remains rare even across the global volleyball community.

 

Impact and Legacy

 

Sisi Rondina’s influence goes far beyond points and trophies.

• She’s one of the most inspirational athletes of her generation. 
• She’s become a symbol of possibility for undersized athletes. 
• She’s earned admiration for her humility, fierce work ethic, and emotional authenticity. 
• She continues to raise the standard for Filipino volleyball on the international stage. 

Her feature on the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) website is a testament to her growing global reputation — a recognition reserved only for athletes whose stories transcend the court.

 

Where She Stands Today

 

As of the latest volleyball seasons, Rondina remains:

• A core star in the PVL 
• A vital member of Alas Pilipinas 
• One of the Philippines’ most marketable, recognizable, and beloved volleyball icons 

Her journey is still being written — and with every spike, every dig, and every fearless leap, she continues to prove that heart can outshine height.    

  

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