Eat Well. Travel Often: lifestyle

Ania na ang kapanahonan sa pasko, og tinood gyud ang pagdali-dali karon. Ang mga malls puno-puno og mga gapamalit; ang mga kabalayan nagdan-ag ang mga masadyaong suga, og puno sa kahinam ang palibot—og kapig-ot—sa pagpamalit sa perpektong regalo para sa atong mga gipangga. Sa kadaghan sa dealdine sa katapusan sa tuig, mga daghan na buhatonon, og mga tapok-tapok karong bulana, ma-presyur jud ka. Gadagan ang oras og pangita-onon pa ang pinakamaayo na ipangregalo.

Ang maayong balita? Dili kinahanglan lisod ang pinakalit na pagpamalit. Ginapadali sa Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), ang nag-una na consumer finance na kumpanya sa nasud, na ma-sorpresa ang mga gipangga og makahuluganon na mga regalo sa presyong musugod ra sa ₱19 kada adlaw. Sa The Great Double Zero Festival, maka-enjoy na ka og zerdownpayment, 0% na interes, og ma-adjust na hulugan na mahimo ang pagpalit sa dako, og makahuluganon na mga regalo dali og abot kaya.

Mugikan sa mga gamit na kinahanglan sa balay kutob sa mga pinakabag-o na gadgets, makahatag ka og regalo nga tinuod na mahinungdanon—og mapalit nimo na makaabot pa karong kapaskuhan. Kini ang ideya para sa ipang-regalo na mapalit nimo gamit ang Home Credit sa kapanahunan sa pasko:

Todo-todo na holideals sa mga gamit pambalay na musugod sa ubos nga presyong ₱569 kada bulan o ₱19 kada adlaw

Ang pagpangita og gipaghuna-hunaan jud na regalo para sa mga tiyo, tiya, og mga lolo og lola dili jud dali. Wa sila gapangayo og maski unsa pero ma-appreciate nila ang mga regalo na makapadali sa ilang mga pang-adlaw-adlaw na trabaho og makahimo sa panahon uban ang pamilya na mas makalingaw. Kung nangita ka og mapuslan og mu-dugay, kani ang mga pang-upgrade sa panimalay na maayo kapilian sa presyo na musugod sa ₱569 kada bulan o ₱19 kada adlaw.

Devant 43in Full HD Smart TV – Himoang mas lingaw og mayo ang pagtan-aw og salida gamit ning TV sa presyo na musugod sa ₱22 ra kada adlaw o ₱649 kada bulan sa sulod sa 18 ka bulan, na mu-retail sa ₱15,991.
Panasonic 9.5cu ft Two Door No Frost Inverter – ipapirmi ang pagkapresko sa pagkaon gamit ning masaligan na makatipid og kuryente na ref sa presyong musugod sa ₱30 kada adlaw o ₱909 kada bulan sa sulod sa 18 ka bulan, nga nag presyo sa ₱22,465.
TCL 32in S5K Full HD QLED Google TV – I-upgrade ang ilang setup sa pagpalingaw sa pagregalo aning compact QLED TV sa presyong musugod sa ₱19 kada adlaw or ₱569 kada bulan sa sulod sa 18 ka-bulan, nga nag presyo sa ₱13,990.

Presko og maanyag na mga ref na musugod sa ₱669 kada bulan o ₱22 kada adlaw

Gapanguna ang mga inahan sa pag andam sa pagkaon sa kapaskuhan—Gikan sa mga paborito sa Noche Buena kutob sa mga mabilin na pagkaon kutob sa Bag-ong Tuig. Praktikal na regalo ang masaligan na ref na mu-suporta sa ilang pang-adlaw-adlaw na buhatonon og mahimong mas dali ang pag-andam sa kapaskuhan. Kani ang mga mapilian na mapalit sa presyong musugod sa ₱669 kada bulan o ₱22 kada adlaw.

Condura 6.3cu ft Inverter Two Door Top Mount Refrigerator – Pili-a ning maka dungag og lugar sa ref na mapalit sa ubos na presyo na ₱22 kada adlaw o ₱669 kada bulan sa sulod sa 18 na bulan, mupresyo og ₱16,578.
Samsung 7.4cu ft Inverter Two Door Top Mount Freezer Refrigerator – Hatagi pa sila og mas dakong lugar para sa pagkaon karong kapaskuhan sa ubos na presyo na ₱27 kada adlaw o ₱809 kada bulan sa sulod sa 18 na bulan, mapalit sa presyong ₱19,882.
LG 7.2cu ft Two Door Smart Inverter No Frost Refrigerator – Himuang mas dali ang pagbutang og mga pagkaon gamit ni nga ref na dili mu-frost sa presyong ₱23 kada adlaw o ₱679 kada bulan sa sulod sa 18 ka- bulan, mu-retail ni sa ₱16,713.

Dakong Mga TV Big screens para sa kapaskuhan sa ubos na presyong ₱849 kada bulan o ₱28 kada adlaw

Ganahan kayo ang mga amahan nga ma-upgrade ang screen sa telebisyon, para sa pagtan-aw og basketball, pagtan-aw sa ilang mga paboritong salida, og sa paghimo og gabiing tig-tan-aw og mga salida sa katapusan sa semana. Ang mas dako na TV makapa-nindot og mas makapalingaw og makadala sa tibook pamilya para magdungan sila og tan-aw. Kani ang mga mapilian na mapalit sa presyong musugod sa ₱849 kada bulan o ₱28 kada adlaw.

Samsung 55in Crystal 4K UHD Smart TV – Hatagi og mas klaro og mas ma-anyag na pagtan-aw gamit ang 4k na display nga makuha nimo sa ubos na presyong ₱30 kada adlaw o ₱889 kada bulan sa sulod sa 18 na bulan, mu-retail sa ₱21,999.
TCL 55in 4K HDR TV – Pili-a ning masaligan na TV para sa mas klaro og mas lingaw na kasinatian sa presyong ₱28 kada adaw o ₱849 kada bulan sa sulod sa 18 na bulan, mu-presyo sa ₱20,952.
Haier 55in 4K UHD Android TV – I-uli sa balay ning 4K Android TV na mahimong mas dali ang pag-stream sa salida og mas lingaw sa presyong ₱29 kada adlaw o ₱859 kada bulan sa sulod sa 18 na bulan, mapalit sa presyong ₱22,290.

Tugnaw holiday aircons sa ubos na presyong ₱769 kada bulan o ₱26 kada adlaw

Ang mga bata og ang mga tin-edyer naa ra sa balay kung kapaskuhan—ga-pahulay, ga-dula, ga-tuon, o ga-bonding uban ilang mga ig-agaw. Ma-enjoy nila ang kapanahonan kung tugnaw og kumportable ang kwarto, maong ang aircon kay praktikal og mahuna-hunaong regalo. Mao ni ang mga pwede nimo paliton sa presyong ₱769 kada bulan or ₱26 kada adlaw.

Haier 1.5HP Clean Cool Inverter Split Type Air Conditioner – Hatagi inyong mga tin-edyer og mas tugnaw og mas kumportable na lugar sa presyo na ₱26 per kada adlaw o ₱779 kada bulan sulod sa 18 na bulan, mu-retail sa ₱19,300.
Midea 1.5HP Celest Inverter Split Type Air Conditioner – Pili-a ning tipid sa kuryente na split-type unit na makatabang himoong mas kumportable ang mga kwarto sa tibuok kapaskuhan nga ang presyo sa ₱26 kada adlaw o ₱769 kada bulan sa sulod sa 18 na bulan, ang presyo kay ₱19,093.
Condura 1.0HP Inverter Window Type Air Conditioner – Pagkuha og maayo na masaligan pampabugnaw sa gamay na mga kwarto sa presyong ₱32 kada adlaw o ₱949 kada bulan sa sulod sa 18 na bulan, mapalit sa presyong ₱23,371.

Pinaka-kuyaw na pagpa-upgrade sa pasko sa ubos na presyong ₱1,842 kada bulan o ₱61 kada adlaw

Para sa makapahingangha na regalo sa Pasko, lisod malupig ang iPhone. Para ba sa isa ka ginikanan nga nanginahanglan og masaligan na gamit, para sa batan-on na naga-balanse sa iyang trabaho og pag-eskwela, o isa ka hawod sa tech na tin-edyer nga ganahan mamiktyur, o maski para sa imong kaugalingon na angayan makapa-upgrade, maayo kayo ning mga modelo mu-perform sa tibuok tuig. Ang pinaka-bag-o na henerasyon sa iPhone mapalit na sa ubos na presyong ₱1,842 kada bulan o ₱61 kada adlaw.

iPhone Air – Ihatag ning gaan pero pastang gwapuha na pang-adlaw-adlaw na phone sa presyong ₱76 kada adlaw o ₱2,279 kada bulan sa sulod sa 24 ka bulan, ang presyo musugod sa ₱72,990 depende sa klase.
iPhone 17 – Kuhaa ning masaligan na pang-upgrade nga naay hanoy na pagperform sa ubos na presyong ₱61 kada adlaw o ₱1,842 kada bulan sa sulod sa 24 na bulan, musugod sa ₱57,990 depende sa klase.
iPhone 17 Pro – Ipangregalo ning device na naay pang-propesyonal na camera na kalidad nga paspas mag-perform sa ubos na presyong ₱83 kada adlaw o ₱2,484 kada bulan, mu-retail sa ₱79,990 depende sa klase.
iPhone 17 Pro Max – Kuhaa ang labaw sa tanan na pinakakuyaw na pangregalo na mapalit sa presyong ₱90 kada adlaw o ₱2,688 kada bulan sulod sa 24 na bulan, naga-retail sa ₱86,990 depende sa klase.

Sa The Great Double Zero Festival, mas gipadali na jud ang pinakalit na pagpamalit. Hantod December 31, 2025, makauli na ka og makahuluganon na regalo para sa imong mga pinangga—o maskin para sa imong kaugalingon—nga wala ang kasagaran na kaping-ot sa kapaskohan.

Paspas og dali na lang ang pag-apply. Pakita ra og isa ka valid ID og makakuha kag approval sa isa ka minuto, depende kung kwalipikado. Gina-hatag ni sa sobra sa 18,000 Home Credit partner stores nationwide, kung asa naay mga representante na andam mutabang nimo sa proseso na pag-apply.

Para sa mas paspas og mas kombenyente na kasinatian, pag-apply para sa pre-approval pinaagi sa Home Credit App, na naa sa Google Play, sa App Store, o sa Huawei AppGallery.

Himoa ang paghatag og regalo karong kapanahonan na simple, mahunahunaon, og halandumon. Sa HomeCredit, ang makahuluganon na mga regalo pirmi dali makab-ot— og tama ra jud sa panahon sa kapaskohan.

Para sa mapilian na mga produkto og kung asa dapit ang mga tindahan, bisitaha ang Shoppingmall.ph.

Para makabalo ka unsa ang pinaka-bag-o sa Home Credit Philippines, bisitaha ang ilang opisyal na website, www.homecredit.ph, o kuhaa ang Home Credit App gikan sa Google Play, sa App Store, o sa Huawei AppGallery. Pwede pud ka mosunod sa ilang Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

Ang Home Credit Philippines kay usa ka financing company na lisensyado og gibantayan sa Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) og sa Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).   

If you’re a young professional or just starting out, you’ve probably heard the advice to "invest your money," but the how-to part is either left to the unknown or felt complicated. There is also this belief back in the day that you need a huge amount of money to start your first investment.

The good news is banks like Metrobank are making investing, especially for first-time investors, easier, more accessible, and most importantly, secure.

The Bank recently introduced Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF) Online, a feature in Metrobank Online–its internet banking platform– that enables clients to manage their accounts, make transactions, and explore investment options such as UITFs through a web browser on their computer or mobile device.

Metrobank UITF Online makes the intimidating process of investing into a simple, confidence-building experience available right at your fingertips.

Your Path to Investing Just Got Easier

Moving your hard-earned savings into a strategic investment is a sign of financial maturity. Metrobank developed this new platform to provide three powerful benefits designed specifically for beginners:

1. Expertise Takes the Lead

One of the biggest anxieties in investing is the fear of making a wrong move. With UITFs, that concern is handled for you. When you invest, your money is pooled with others and managed by multi-awarded and highly skilled Metrobank fund managers.

This means your portfolio is constantly monitored, strategically grown, and backed by professional expertise—giving you the peace of mind of knowing your money is in good hands without requiring you to become a full-time market analyst overnight.

2. Convenience, Wherever You Are

Your time is valuable. Metrobank UITF Online is built to give you the convenience of technology, allowing you to start your investment journey with your device whenever and wherever you are.

24/7 Access: With Metrobank UITF Online, which you can access through your Metrobank Online account, you can start investing in UITFs, top up on your investments, and track your portfolio’s performance anytime, anywhere.

In good, secure hands: Metrobank’s digital platform is built with global security standards, ensuring your transactions are safe and giving you peace of mind as you grow your wealth.

3. A Practical Starting Point

Investing should feel accessible, not exclusive.

Affordable initial capital to invest: To help you take that crucial first step, you can begin your investment journey with a minimum amount of just PHP 10,000. This makes getting started in investing highly practical.

Plenty of options: You’ll have access to an extensive lineup of over 25 different UITF products through the platform, allowing you to choose an investment that best fits your comfort level and financial goals.

By simplifying the entry point and pairing digital convenience with professional management, Metrobank is ensuring that your journey from saving to investing is both secure and straightforward. Moving beyond traditional savings is a significant step, and now it's one you can take confidently with Metrobank UITF Online.

Ready to start growing your money? Learn more about Metrobank UITFs: https://www.metrobank.com.ph/investments/uitf

Start investing easily on Metrobank Online by visiting https://onlinebanking.metrobank.com.ph/

Following its successful legs in Metro Manila and Iloilo, Vista Land concluded Lifescapes Expo2025 in Cagayan de Oro on October 24 to 25, 2025. The two-day event gathered homebuyers, investors, and business partners for immersive experiences into the modern lifescapes that Vista Land continues to build across the country.

Festivities began with a cultural motorcade around Cagayan de Oro, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by executives and event partners. Group Head for Vista Manors, Eduardo T. Aguilar emphasized the enduring mission of creating communities that reflect progress, prosperity, and Filipino pride, sharing, "Our goal is to power every participant's pursuit—whether they are finding their first homes, fortifying their real estate investments, or forging personal and professional relationships that lead toward shared success."

To honor its heritage and hope, performances showcased the culture and community in Mindanao. Mark Kenneth Jalapadan, Head of City Tourism, and Cinderella Obeñita, Provincial Tourism Officer, shared insights on how sustainable tourism and suburban real estate can go hand in hand in driving the continued development of the island.

Regional real estate growth

A discussion on ‘Real Estate Mindanao’ by Officer-in-Charge for North Mindanao Rey Montoya, followed, examining the region's rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and rising reputation as a property destination. Rey Montoya continued with a data-driven 'Investment Talk,' showcasing economic indicators, and the role of real estate in sustaining prosperity in the Mindanao Region.

Event partners from AllBank, BDO, ChinaBank, RCBC, and UnionBank complemented these conversations with ownership solutions tailored to the needs of homebuyers and investors. Their participation underscored the strong collaboration between Vista Land and banking institutions in supporting real estate opportunities.

Smart development and design

Officer-in-Charge for Lessandra North Mindanao Kaye Jumangit presented 'The Technology of Smart Development,' emphasizing the vision of building more innovative and sustainable communities. From digital integration to home automation, Vista Land continues to shape modern lifescapes designed for livability and long-term value.

Homes and holiday traditions

Adding a creative flourish to the event, Ar. Princess Lambiguit of AllHome led a 'Home Interior Design and Christmas Table Setting Workshop,' inspiring participants to reimagine their living spaces for the festive season.

The spotlight then shone on Vista Land Home for the Holidays, the Christmas program celebrating homecoming and homeownership. Crown Asia, Camella, and Lessandra, featured house-and-lot communities tailored to every life stage and financial objective. Vista Residences and Vista Manors introduced high-rise living through condominium properties near business districts, transportation networks, and educational districts. Vista Land Commercial Assets also showcased land and spaces for sale or lease that complement residential communities, creating cohesive environments for lifestyle and livelihood.

People and partnerships

The occasion saw the launch of VLink, Vista Land sales recruitment and accreditation program for real estate professionals. The initiative aims to reinforce the nationwide network of the company by equipping business partners with access to residential developments, resources, and rewards, empowering them to grow alongside the real estate developer.

The Lifescapes Expo2025 in Mindanao concluded the inter-city series that began in Metro Manila and Iloilo, uniting the trusted housing brands under one platform that celebrates innovation, connection, and opportunity. Through the multi-leg event, Vista Land reaffirmed its leadership in Philippine real estate, shaping modern lifescapes that empower homebuyers and investors, elevate business partners, and expand possibilities for real estate professionals.

Learn more about Vista Land developments nationwide. Visit www.vistaland.com.ph and follow @VistaLandAndLifescapesOfficial.

Century Tuna, the Philippines’ No. 1 tuna brand, returns for the 3rd year of its award-winning “Saving Our Seas” campaign, championing cleaner seas with greater impact. 2025 marks a turning point as the movement expands to six sites nationwide, further driving plastic circular economy and marine conservation across the country.

The Saving Our Seas campaign gained new momentum this year during the fan meet of brand ambassador Park Seo Joon, where fans from across the Philippines took part by donating plastic bottles to support the campaign. Building on this inspiring start, Century Tuna is expanding the campaign nationwide by rallying communities, fostering volunteerism, and empowering more Filipinos to take part in protecting our seas and marine life.

To celebrate this year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day, Century Tuna revitalized their campaign initiatives with a more ambitious goal.

Started as a single coastal cleanup in Batangas in 2023, it quickly grew into a nationwide movement. This year, the campaign expanded its reach, organizing and supporting coastal cleanup drives across Manila, Batangas, Subic, Davao, Zamboanga, and General Santos City. To cap it off, the campaign attracted over 8,200 volunteers, a significant jump from last year’s 205 volunteers. The volunteers came from various groups such as the local government units, Porto Novo, The Asri, and Pier Uno group of divers, the Philippine Marine Corps, Century Tuna Superbods, employees of Century Pacific Food Inc. (CPFI), and like-minded friends.

“Our product comes from the sea, and without healthy oceans, we have nothing,” said Mr. Carlo Endaya, Century Pacific Food Inc.’s Vice President and General Manager of the Branded Tuna Division. “This isn’t just about a one-day cleanup, but about raising awareness and creating something sustainable through Aling Tindera and the plastic circular economy. Each piece of plastic collected can be transformed into livelihood opportunities, while keeping it out of the ocean,” he added.

The campaign targets a 33% increase in plastic collection this year, powered by Century Tuna’s strength in partnerships. From its roots with HOPE’s Aling Tindera waste-to-cash program, the initiative has expanded to more like-minded organizations and individuals, reinforcing its commitment to the plastic circular economy and marine conservation.

“We are truly thankful because Century Tuna is one of HOPE’s biggest sponsors here. Their support is a huge help to our agri-fishery sector and to the livelihood of our communities. With 29 sites across Mabini, from resorts to local communities, this partnership creates a real impact for our people,” said Ms. Caroline Beloso, Friends of HOPE Inc.’s Field Coordinator in Mabini, Batangas.

Century Tuna also took part in new partner initiatives, including joining the cleanup activities of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Public Services of the City of Manila, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). The campaign also partnered with other brands such as Shakey’s, Vita Coco, Beach Hut, and Peri-Peri to further strengthen the initiative.

All these combined efforts resulted in collecting 1,386 kilograms of plastic waste, a significant growth from last year’s 357 kilograms of plastic waste.

"In just three years, Saving Our Seas has collected over 100 metric tons of waste, growing from one site to six and becoming a nationwide movement. More than a cleanup, this is about building community, creating livelihoods, and working together for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. With everyone’s commitment, we are confident this will be our most impactful International Coastal Cleanup yet,” shared Mr. Ray Guinoo, Century Pacific Food Inc.’s Assistant Vice President and Marketing Director for Local Tuna Operations.

The campaign entered its 3rd year with a huge success, amassing a huge number of volunteers and raising its partnership initiatives. The “Saving Our Seas” campaign is a testament toCentury Tuna’s strong commitment to becoming the torchbearer of marine protection in the country.

Launched in 2023, Century Tuna’s “Saving Our Seas” campaign aims to put into the spotlight the problems of plastic pollution in marine biodiversity by reinforcing the idea of Plastic Circular Economy through coastal and reef cleanup activities together with an environmental education program in schools.

For more information, please visit https://savingourseas.centurytuna.ph or visit Century Tuna on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna or @centurytunasuperbods on Instagram for more updates.

With the aim to spark conversations on saving, Metrobank posed the question: “Para saan ang ipon mo?” among Filipinos in key lifestyle and business hubs in the metro.

Printed on bold statement shirts, oversized tote bags, oversized newspapers, and cookies—Metrobank ambassadors asked Filipinos to scan a QR code that led to a survey seeking to uncover the many reasons Filipinos save.

Hundreds of Filipinos shared their aspirations on the survey, which spilled over to their social media accounts – from planning that long-awaited barkada trip, to building an emergency fund, to launching a small online business. The message was clear: every Filipino has a goal worth saving for.

Riding this conversation is the launch of Metrobank’s eSavings account. Now, Filipinos can easily and securely kick-off their savings journey with Metrobank.

Go from goal-setting to goal-getting with Metrobank eSavings

Forget the long lines and paperwork— Metrobank now allows new accountholders to easily and securely open a savings account in 10 minutes through the Metrobank app.

Metrobank eSavings is a secure digital account that allows first-time Metrobank deposit clients to save, manage, and grow their money. More than that, with just a PHP2,000 minimum deposit balance, accountholders get access to a suite of benefits to save smarter and achieve their long-term goals with ease.

Enjoy these perks when you open a Metrobank eSavings account:

Interest of up to 4.5% p.a.* on your savings when you avail of Online Time Deposit:
By placing your funds on Metrobank’s online time deposit feature, you’re giving your savings an extra boost. Metrobank offers flexible holding periods for your funds – ranging from one month, so you can access your funds easily, to one year, so your funds can yield higher interest. For more details, visit https://www.metrobank.com.ph/accounts/time-deposit

InstaPay fee rebates of up to 4x a month: Everyday transactions are made lighter on your wallet as you get rebates on the fees for four InstaPay transfers each month.

Free 1 year AXA Life Insurance: If you open a Metrobank eSavings account today until December 31, 2025, you get a one-year life insurance coverage that’s worth double the average amount of your average daily balance (ADB) in the past three months, giving you peace of mind from life’s uncertainties.

Your Metrobank eSavings account not only allows you to get closer to your savings goals – it also serves as the first step towards having a trusted financial partner in achieving your long-term goals. Now that you’re a Metrobank client, it’s easier for you to secure your first credit card, a home loan for your first condo, or an investment to grow your money to new heights.

With Metrobank, you have a reliable growth partner, helping you save not just for today's goals, but for your future self.

Make the move your future self will thank you for. Open a Metrobank eSavings account now via the Metrobank App— download it today on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

* interest rate depends on the chosen term and investment amount

Watch the international tournament wrap up hot this weekend – only on Cignal TV that comes with your PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1399!

For the star athletes playing at the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, a life of competition means immense sacrifice – especially when it comes to family life. The way to provide for their families is often through the rigorous and intense sports schedules far away from the ones they love most.

What gives them the strength to play at the highest level? More often than not, it's that same love that awaits them off the court. Their home – not a physical place, but a feeling – is wherever their family is.

Here, we list down some of these men’s volleyball idols wearing their hero hat both on and off the court. We also pay tribute to their partners, children, and more supporters cheering them on from the sidelines.

Benjamin Toniutti (France)

As the 10-year veteran setter and captain of the French national team, as well as a professional player in the PlusLiga league in Poland, Toniutti is the quiet orchestrator of one of the world's best squads. He's also the proud father of three daughters with his wife, Emilie.

For Toniutti, finding balance between a high-stakes career and his family is paramount. His unwavering focus on the court is often fueled by the knowledge that he's playing for more than just a medal – he’s playing to make his family proud. Every set is a testament to the support system that gives him the strength to lead on the world stage.

“My wife and three children are in France on a daily basis, so I spend more time alone between training and matches,” Toniutti said in an interview with PLS earlier this year, speaking on the decision to keep his family in France.

“(My eldest daughter) has close friends in France and also plays volleyball, so we wanted to provide her with more stability and joy in her social life. As soon as there are some breaks in school, my family visits me in Poland, so we see each other quite often, on average once every six weeks. When my family comes to visit me, we spend as much time as possible with each other.”

Photo courtesy: Benjamin Toniutti’s Instagram

Earvin N’Gapeth (France)

Nicknamed "Magic" for his explosive and unpredictable style (as well as after his namesake, NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson), the French outside hitter, Turkish league pro player, and two-time Olympic champ is a force to be reckoned with. But beyond the court, N’Gapeth is a dedicated father to his two sons, Mathys and Dany.

Last year, following the French national team’s gold in Paris, N’Gapeth signed with local club Stade Poitevin Poitiers – a move that gave him some much-needed quality time with his brood.

“(Playing for Poitiers) gave me the opportunity to be home for four months with my family, something I hadn’t done for a long time, so it gave me a lot of strength to come back and say I’m able to go until (the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics),” he said in a recent interview.

N’Gapeth's journey highlights the profound sacrifices athletes make to be away from their loved ones while competing. He has spoken about his close bond with his boys, showing that love and connection remains a powerful motivator, propelling him to new heights in his career.

Photo courtesy: Earvin N’Gapheth’s Instagram

Micah Christenson (USA)

Team USA’s captain and Olympic bronze medalist Christenson has a deeply personal way of keeping his family close and loving, even when he's thousands of miles away. His wife Brooke and their three children – Ezekiel, Quinn, and Finley – doodle heartfelt messages of support on his volleyball shoes before every tournament, he told a local publication recently as he was in the thick of the FIVB Men’s World Championship in Manila.

For Christenson, 32, those colorful scribbles are a reminder that home is always with him. They represent his core purpose: the people who matter most. "It’s a piece of family and home that I have with me when I’m on the court," the star setter said, showing that even in the toughest moments, he is never alone.

Photo courtesy: Micah Christenson’s Instagram

Wilfredo Leon (Poland)

The Cuban-Polish outside hitter who’s part of the highly acclaimed “Generation of Miracle” in Cuban volleyball is also a well-known family man, as evidenced by his many social media posts featuring his wife and three children.

In fact, Leon, 32, has even gone on to declare that his children are his greatest achievements. “No other achievement can compare to (the birth of his child),” he said in an Instagram post when he welcomed his first daughter back in 2017.

One of his biggest life decisions, however, was to secure a Polish citizenship not only to get better treatment as an athlete outside of Cuba, but also to honor and be closer to his journalist-wife Małgorzata. The two connected back in 2011 in a heartwarming love story that sprouted from their work.

“(One of the reasons I left Cuba is) the fact that my wife – my girlfriend at that time – is Polish and I couldn’t see her outside of Cuba,” he said in a 2020 interview with Olympics.com. “I love everything about (Poland). My life here is nice, I've never had any kind of problems.”

Photo courtesy: Wilfredo Leon’s Instagram

Bryan Bagunas (Philippines)

Alas Pilipinas’ power hitter is a true testament to finding strength from home. Bagunas, who plays internationally in Taiwan, married his long-time partner Nicole Tracy Tan last year. The couple welcomed their first child last May.

“A single moment that changed my life forever,” Bagunas wrote on Instagram, honoring his wife. “You are beyond amazing. Watching you bring our son into this world was the strongest and most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed. (I’m so proud of you), and so thankful I get to walk this new journey with you.”

Bryan's story is particularly inspiring as he navigates a career that often takes him away from the Philippines. His family is his main inspiration and motivation, proving that no matter the distance, the connection remains strong, serving as a powerful reminder of what he is playing for.

Photo courtesy: Bryan Bagunas’ Instagram

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