Indonesian spiker grateful for Filipinos’ support, puts past behind

Aprilia Santini Manganang of Indonesia watches a serve against Philippines in the women’s volleyball preliminary match during the 28th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Singapore on June 10, 2015. AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA

BIÑAN—What’s done is done and for Indonesia’s April Manganang, she’s perfectly happy getting the support of the Filipinos.

Manganang is in the Philippines playing for Indonesia’s Jakarta Elektrik in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Asian Women’s Club Championship at Alonte Sports Arena.

“I’m happy they are cheering for me,” Manganang said with the help of an interpreter Sunday. “I’m very glad that the Filipino people are very friendly.”

It was just last year when Manganang was under fire after the Philippines questioned her gender during the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

That, however, is in the past and Manganang has been taking her time giving selfies and autographs to the Filipino fans.

“It’s okay, no problem. I feel the love and support of the people, I feel very good,” said Manganang after her team lost to Japan’s NEC Red Rockets in straight sets. “Jesus loves me, loves us, loves everyone.”

Manganang is not only grateful for the support of the Filipinos, she’s also enjoying the local food scene.

“I ate a lot of pork (adobo) and lots of rice.”

Her team, though, was eliminated in the group stages after they fell to Japan and Kazakhstan’s Altay VC.