Cignal strengthens lineup with Tiamzon, Guino-o, and Arce

The Cignal HD Spikers are ramping up their rebuild ahead of the next Premier Volleyball League (PVL) conference, adding three key players: Tin Tiamzon, Heather Guino-o, and Ethan Arce.

Following a season plagued by injuries and a missed quarterfinals berth, Cignal is retooling under coach Shaq Delos Santos to get back in title contention.

After nearly two years away from the sport, the 27-year-old Tiamzon is making a surprise comeback. She last played in 2022 before retiring and moving to Vancouver, Canada.

“Actually, playing in the PVL again was not in my bingo card for 2025,” Tiamzon told One Sports. “I did not know that I would still be given a chance to play pro again, but it has been given to me, so I took it. I realized that I won't be as young as I am right now. I feel like when I last left the league, I haven't really reached my full potential.”

“It started when I was approached by Ate Dawn,” said Tiamzon. “From there, I have been in communication with coach Shaq and coach Yani [Fernandez]. They were willing to take me on, despite being away from professional volleyball for two years. I am very grateful that they have full trust in me as I do in them.”

“I have always seen Cignal as a very competitive team, and I think at this point as well, they are somewhat rebuilding, which is aligned to me starting anew with my career,” she added.

Tiamzon will join fellow open hitters Vanie Gandler, Ishie Lalongisip, and Judith Abil.

Veteran outside hitter Heather Guino-o and middle blocker Ethan Arce are also joining Cignal, both reuniting with their former college coach.

“Team Awesome is thrilled to welcome Heather Guino-o, a reliable scorer and steady presence on the wing, as she’s ready to make a significant impact with the Cignal HD Spikers in the next conference,” the team said.

Guino-o brings experience from stints with multiple PVL teams, most recently Capital1. She also reunites with former FEU teammates Gel Cayuna and Buding Duremdes.

Meanwhile, Arce moves from Petro Gazz—where she saw limited action—to join Cignal’s middle rotation alongside Rose Doria-Aquino and Jackie Acuña.

“Ethan Arce brings her strength, grit, and passion to the Cignal HD Spikers as we set our sights even higher next conference,” Cignal said.

The new signings come after the departures of Ces Molina and Riri Meneses. With the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft approaching—where Cignal holds the No. 6 pick—the team is aiming to rebuild with experience and chemistry.

With training already underway, Cignal looks to open a new chapter and improve on its early playoff exit from the last All-Filipino Conference.