By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Champions of the Beach Volleyball Republic (BVR) Nuvali Open will receive more than just top honors this Saturday, March 28, as gold medalists in each division will earn outright qualification to the Sipalay Open set at Poblacion Beach in Negros Occidental from May 9 to 10.

The Nuvali leg, to be held at the Nuvali Sand Courts, serves as the qualifier for the 2026 BVR On Tour season, drawing a total of 40 teams — 16 in the men’s division, 16 in the women’s division, and eight in the newly introduced girls’ under-18 category.

The Sipalay Open will mark BVR’s return to Negros, featuring a mix of the country’s top beach volleyball players from the national team, clubs and collegiate ranks, alongside international entries, local squads and provincial contenders.

Registration for the Sipalay tournament is ongoing, with a maximum of 12 teams per division.

Organizers said the Sipalay leg aims to showcase emerging talent while highlighting the scenic coastline, blending high-level competition with the promotion of Philippine beach culture.

Admission to the event will be free to the public.

The tour will also feature members of Alas Pilipinas, including a special meet-and-greet session, honoring the women’s national team, which captured the country’s first-ever beach volleyball gold medal at last year’s Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

In the previous Sipalay Open held two years ago, University of Santo Tomas standouts Sofiah Pagara and Khy Progella swept the women’s division, while Australia’s New South Wales Phoenix pair Killian Donovan and Jett Graham ruled the men’s side.

More updates on upcoming BVR On Tour stops will be announced through the league’s official social media channels./ASC, WDJ