Beauty Meets Bravery: Leila Cruz, Vanie Gandler Named Ms. VTV Volleyball Rose Candidates at 2025 VTV Cup

by Misha Cruz

Cignal's Vanie Gandler. Photo: PVL Media Bureau.

The Philippines’ rising volleyball queens are making waves on and off the court.

Leila Cruz and Vanie Gandler, the dynamic duo powering Alas Pilipinas through an electrifying campaign at the 2025 VTV International Women’s Volleyball Cup, have just added another honor to their growing list of accolades — they’ve been officially named as candidates for the coveted Ms. VTV Volleyball Rose title.

The annual pageant-style honor isn’t just about beauty — it celebrates grace, charm, and the charisma of athletes who win fans’ hearts far beyond the scoreboard. And with their poise, presence, and personality, Cruz and Gandler are capturing attention from volleyball fans across Asia.

Leila Cruz. Photo: PVL Images.

The two join a proud lineage of Filipina icons who’ve been nominated in previous editions, including Bella Belen, Caitlin Viray, and Des Cheng. Now it’s Cruz and Gandler’s moment to shine — not just with powerful spikes and picture-perfect digs, but with quiet confidence and radiant spirit.

And they’ve earned it. On the court, the two have helped fuel a fiery start for Alas Pilipinas — sweeping Vietnam in the opener and dismantling Australia in straight sets (25-13, 25-15, 25-20) to punch a ticket to the quarterfinals. They’ve become cornerstones of a team that’s proving the Philippines belongs among the best in Asia.

QF-BOUND 🇵🇭

Alas Pilipinas Women showed all its cards to deliver a commanding 25-13, 25-15, 25-20 win against Australia and remain hot in the 2025 VTV Cup on Tuesday in Vietnam.

FULL STORY: https://t.co/rdW8R3FJKe pic.twitter.com/MT6pvsjVn7

— GMA Sports (@gmasportsph) July 2, 2025

In a post-game interview after a dominant win over Chinese squad Sichuan Wuliangchun, Cruz showed her usual mix of focus and flair.

“We studied their hitters and defensive schemes hard,” she said. Then, when asked about the Ms. VTV Rose nomination, her eyes lit up. “Wait—me? Really?” she laughed. “I’m just happy the fans see me that way. It means a lot.”

Gandler, always cool and composed, rounds out the country’s bet for the title. With her elegance and quiet strength, she embodies the new generation of Filipina athletes — warriors on the court, icons off it.

“Our goal is still to win the championship,” Cruz added. “But being recognized like this? It’s inspiring.”

As the tournament heats up, Leila Cruz and Vanie Gandler are showing the world exactly what it means to be a Filipina athlete — powerful, passionate, and proud. And whether it’s the Ms. VTV Rose title or a gold medal, one thing’s for sure:

They’re both already winners in the eyes of the nation.