Choco Mucho, Akari clash in opener

MANILA, Philippines —  The arrival of Eya Laure, the biggest off-season acquisition of the year, and the return of Sisi Rondina are focal points when Choco Mucho tackles Akari Premier at the start of the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Jan. 31 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Laure chose Choco Mucho as her new home after the disbandment of Chery Tiggo late last year. Her entry plus the return of Rondina, who took a break to vie and win the beach volley gold in the Thailand SEA Games last month, should install the Rebisco franchise as among the title favorites.

It will also be a reunion of sorts for Laure and Rodina, who played UAAP college ball together at Santo Tomas.

Gametime is set at 6:30 p.m. with Akari unveiling its own key recruits in Cza Carandang, Judith Abil and Jyne Soreño.

New-look Galeries Tower and Cignal, which kept its core of Vannie Gandler, Erika Santos, Roselyn Doria, Dawn Catindig, Gel Cayuna and Ishie Lalongisip, collide at 4 p.m.

The Highrisers have undergone a complete rebuild, tapping 14 new players and installing a new coach in Clarence Esteban.