MANILA — Once heavily criticized for her play, Vanie Gandler turned doubt into vindication, powering her way to an MVP award-clinching campaign in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.
Being at the center of the Cignal Super Spikers’ silver medal finish, Gandler was named MVP on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum, leading the league's elite team.
“It’s very meaningful to me because I fought really hard to be where I am today,” Gandler said. “I fought through so many failures. I fought through so much doubt. But I’m really grateful for those that were with me.”
Gandler tallied 209 points—built on 182 attacks, 17 kill blocks, and 10 service aces—through the end of the semifinals, the statistical cutoff for the league’s top individual honor.
READ: Vanie Gandler earns breakthrough PVL MVP nod
With the MVP honors in hand, the former Ateneo de Manila University standout proved she can shine and lead on her own terms.
“I really hold that purpose now. I want to show people that with hard work and dedication, you can reach your goals—that you can get to where you want,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter what people say, as long as you keep working and you bring the result.”
Despite falling short in the Finals against the Creamline Cool Smashers, Gandler remained proud of both her individual achievement and the team’s overall run.
READ: Creamline completes redemption, takes down Cignal for 11th PVL crown
“It doesn’t matter what people say. I have a great career. I have a great team. I’m blessed to have this career. I have a great family and a great support system. So that’s what matters to me.”
Among those who consoled her after the Finals loss was fellow Ateneo product Alyssa Valdez, whose words left a lasting impact.
Gandler added that she and Valdez grew closer with each other, crediting her inspiration and "idol."
“Ate Ly, she went up to me and said I deserve everything that I have now. She congratulated me and told me that there’s nothing to be ashamed of, and I super appreciate that,” Gandler shared.
“Ate Ly and I have gotten pretty close the past year. I’m really grateful for her. She’s always been an ate to me—and of course, she was once my idol. Hearing those words from her means so much.”