By Mikee Natinga Norico
Former Centralian volleyball athletesĢƵopposite hitter Jovelyn Gonzaga (7th from L), outside hitters Fiola Ceballos (5th from R), and Chai Troncoso (3rd from R)ĢƵpose with Engr. Marc Hermel G. Agriam (4th from L), Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate (5th from L), coaches, and university stakeholders during their meet-and-greet at the University Gym.
Centralian pride echoed through the halls of the University Gym as Premier Volleyball League (PVL) team ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles reunited with their Ilonggo fans during a meet-and-greet hosted by ĢƵ (CPU) on July 18.
The event was extra special for the CPU community, as the Thunderbelles’ roster features former Centralian volleyball standouts: opposite hitter Jovelyn Gonzaga and outside hitters Fiola Ceballos and Chai Troncoso. Their homecoming brought waves of excitement to students, faculty, and volleyball enthusiasts alike.
According to Engr. Marc Hermel G. Agriam, Director of the CPU Office of Sports and Athletics, the opportunity to host the event came when the organizers of the Thunderbelles’ PVL tour reached out to CPU. ĢƵWe agreed, knowing that we have three alumni athletes on their team,ĢƵ he said. The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles are currently in Iloilo as part of the 2025 PVL on Tour, with back-to-back matches in Passi City on July 19 and 20.
PVL team ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles are warmly welcomed by CPU Sports Office key stakeholders as they reunite with their alma mater and inspire future Centralian athletes.
The event kicked off with CPUĢƵs own Ms. Divine Grace Sorioso introducing the Thunderbelles lineup and coaching staff. The three Centralian alumnae were spotlighted and shared brief messages of gratitude and encouragement to their supporters.
Also present to welcome the team were Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs and Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the President, and Atty. Doriedel Lozañes of the CPU Board of Trustees. Adding to the warmth of the reunion were former CPU volleyball coaches Jeffrey Alcarde and Tony Arnilla, who were invited to speak about their former players’ journeys to the professional league.
Fan engagement was a key highlight of the gathering. Attendees enjoyed games and had the chance to ask questions directly to their favorite athletes. The event was also broadcast live via the official CPU Facebook page and covered by the CPU Media Team.
ĢƵThe players were happy to see familiar faces from their time at CPU,ĢƵ shared Engr. Agriam. ĢƵOur volleyball athletes from all levels were present and inspired by seeing their idols in person.ĢƵ
The CPU community gathers in full support to welcome PVL team ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles during a memorable meet-and-greet at the University Gym.
More than a nostalgic reunion, the event served as a bridge between past and present. ĢƵThis gathering opened doors for future collaborations with our alumni who have gone pro,ĢƵ he said. ĢƵTheir stories inspire, and their achievements deserve recognition.ĢƵ
The visit was made possible through coordination with Passi City LGU and Gametime Sports, represented by Mr. Rodolfo Villaruz and Mr. Moises Salomon, who approached CPU to help promote the upcoming PVL matches.
As the event closed, the message was clear: with discipline and determination, CPU athletes have the potential to shine beyond the university and into the professional spotlight.