PLDT and Akari renew their rivalry on Saturday, Jan. 18, when they clash at the resumption of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Match is at 6:30 p.m. with the memory of their last encounter in the Reinforced Conference still hovering around.

It can be recounted that the Chargers won a dramatic five-set thriller after a controversial challenge awarded them a decisive point against the High Speed Hitters before eventually earning a spot in the finals.

Tension is expected between the two teams this time, with PLDT seeking to hike its 3-2 win-loss tally to remain inside the Top 5 and Akari hoping to improve its 3-3 card.

“I think rivalries are so interesting. I love being part of them. It just makes everything so much better and so much heavier. You know what I mean? It makes the win sweeter, makes the losses harder,” said Savi Davison, who remains PLDT’s top gun.

"In that case, like, of course I'm excited to play Akari because we have that chip on our shoulder. Like it's something to come back for, right? We owe them one, right? So of course I'm excited, but there's intent from the whole team, right? So I'm just trying to add to that," she added.

For Akari, coach Taka Minowa chose to downplay the recent challenges as he shifts his focus on strengthening his crew.

"We analyzed every game from last season, looking at all teams to pinpoint our own areas for improvement. Since then, we’ve been consistently working to enhance those aspects through training," said Minowa, who relies on Grethcel Soltones, Fifi Sharma and Ivy Lacsina.

Meanwhile, Nxled and Farm Fresh raise the curtain in their 1:30 p.m. tussle, with the Chameleons seeking their elusive first win after yielding in their first five assignments, and the Foxies trying to get back into the winning column to improve their 2-3 card after bowing their last match against the Flying Titans before the break last year.

Choco Mucho (3-3) clashes with ZUS Coffee (2-3) at 4 p.m.