Aby Marano and Jaja Santiago pay tribute after Chery Tiggo’s shock PVL exit

The Chery Tiggo Crossovers, a mainstay in Philippine volleyball for more than a decade, stunned the local volleyball community on Tuesday, December 3, after officially announcing their withdrawal from the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and the disbandment of their franchise.

The organization, which began its journey 11 years ago, confirmed the news on Tuesday afternoon. With the announcement, the team immediately released its entire roster to free agency. In a heartfelt message, the franchise reflected on its storied run.

“With heavy hearts, we announce the closing of the Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers’ chapter, after 11 unforgettable years in professional volleyball. From our beginnings as the Foton Tornadoes to our journey as the Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers, we celebrate the milestones: the championships, the talent we developed, and representing the Philippines on the biggest stage,” the team said in a statement posted on social media.

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“To our leagues, sponsors, staff, and most especially, to our players past and present, thank you for your dedication and heart. To our incredible fans: you have been the soul of this team. Your unwavering support made this journey extraordinary. The legacy of resilience, teamwork, and the spirit of the Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers will endure. We are profoundly grateful for every moment.”

The sudden collapse of the franchise shocked many of its top players. Team captain Aby Maraño and former Chery Tiggo star Jaja Santiago were among those who took to social media to express their sadness while thanking the organization for its support.

A word from the higher-ups 🚗⚡️💨

This chapter may end, but what we built will echo far beyond today. 🍒

Thank you always for the support, #CHERYFam ❤️‍🔥#LoveYourJourney #CHERYonTOP pic.twitter.com/ForqYxSCUE

— CHERY Tiggo Crossovers (@CheryCrossovers) December 2, 2025

“I still can’t find the right words for the pain sitting in my chest. For two years, I lived and breathed this team. I walked into the court every day surrounded not just by teammates, but by a family I never knew I would find. It breaks my heart to know that our journey together has come to an end,” Maraño wrote.

She added: “To our team owner and management, thank you for believing in us, for giving us a home, for giving us a purpose. To our coaches, thank you for pushing us, guiding us, and never letting us settle for less than our best… And to my teammates, my heart hurts the most when I think of you. Thank you for every bruise, sweat, laugh, and tear we shared.”

Maraño—along with teammate Ara Galang—had previously been part of the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, another PVL franchise that folded in December 2023.

Meanwhile, Santiago, who launched her professional career with the franchise in the Philippine Super Liga in 2014 and led the squad to two Grand Prix championships, also paid tribute to the team.

“From Foton to Chery Tiggo, eight years of dreams, growth, and memories. Thank you for the ride. Chery will always hold a special place in my heart… my deepest thank you po for everything. I love you.”

While Chery Tiggo reached the finals of the exhibition-style PVL On Tour, where they fell to PLDT, their performance in official PVL conferences had dipped in recent seasons. They finished fourth in the Invitational Conference and most recently missed the playoffs in the Reinforced Conference, ending 10th with a 2–6 record.

With the franchise now dissolved, a significant wave of seasoned veterans and rising talents enters the PVL free-agent market—an offseason shift that is expected to reshape team rosters ahead of the next conference.

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