The Cignal HD Spikers. Photo from PVL Media Bureau/file

MANILA, Philippines -- Cignal underwent a training camp before the commencement of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Friday, February 21, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The HD Spikers are off to a title-retention campaign--and surely, this preparation boosts their odds coming into the upcoming volleyball tiff.

“This was the best training camp for us,” coach Dexter Clamor explained in Filipino. “We had tune-up matches with two Division 1 teams, a Division 2 squad, and the best universities in Nagoya. The experience of facing such strong opponents gave us plenty of lessons to bring back to Spikers’ Turf.”

They channeled their Japan losses into extra motivation and lessons that should be applied into real-life tests.

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“Back here, we’re used to winning, usually in straight sets. But in Japan, we experienced getting beaten, getting overwhelmed. It was a good experience because we learned a lot, and we’ll bring those lessons with us into Spikers’ Turf,” said Clamor.

The champions of the last five of seven conferences retained their powerhouse roster from last season, led by team captain Wendel Miguel and game skipper JP Bugaoan.

READ: Spikers' Turf: HD Spikers make quick work of Criss Cross for Invitational crown

For Miguel, their dynastic reign in men's volleyball is far from over.

“Every time a season ends, our motivation resets to zero,” said Miguel in Filipino. “We know that after each championship we win, all the teams are watching us, waiting for their chance to beat us. That’s why we work even harder in training.”