Rondina’s parents nothing but grateful as they get to watch daughter live for UAAP Finals

Sisi Rondina’s parents Arnold and Alona. Photo by Bong Lozada

MANILA, Philippines—It was an unexpected gesture, but it was still a present Arnold and Alona Rondina, parents of University of Santo Tomas’ star Cherry Rondina, humbly accepted.

The combined efforts of University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo communities helped bring Rondina’s parents from Cebu to Manila to watch the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball finals live.

Arnold said they were contented with watching Game 2 from their home in Cebu but thanks to the joint effort from the supporters of the two schools, they get a chance to watch their daughter get a shot at the UAAP crown on Wednesday.

“It was unexpected and I also told Sisi that it was okay for us just to watch in Cebu from the television screen,” said Arnold in Filipino Tuesday at UST. “I thank the UST community for bringing us here.”

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The graduating Rondina could claim her first indoor volleyball title if the Golden Tigresses beat the Lady Eagles on Wednesday after a 25-17, 25-16, 25-20 Game 1 win last Sunday put them on the brink of the championship.

Mother Alona said Rondina has been nothing but a blessing for them not only as a daughter but also as a breadwinner.

Rondina has played in both in the indoor and beach volleyball circuits for much of her career even representing the Philippines in the two sports.

READ: UST, Ateneo team up to bring parents of Rondina, Bicar, Pacres to Manila

UST’s skipper is a four-time UAAP beach volleyball champion, two-time Philippine Super Liga beach volleyball champion with Petron, and a one-time PSL All-Filipino champion also with the Blaze Spikers.

It was these several titles with Petron that allowed Rondina to build a house for her parents in her hometown of Compostela in Cebu.

“It’s a huge thing for us that at her age she was able to save up and build a house for her family,” said Alona of her 22-year-old daughter. “I really thank her for that.”

READ: Breadwinner Cherry Rondina buys home for family in Cebu

Arnold, who mainly raised Rondina while Alona was working as an overseas Filipino worker in Brunei, said that it’s always been Cherry’s promise to build them a house.

“She told me ‘Pa I will work so I can build a house for you,’” said Arnold. “Our house before had just nipa for a roof and when it rains it leaks but now that won’t happen.”

Rondina has two older sisters, Maria Kristina, 26, Karen Mae 24, and a younger sibling in Criselda, 19.

“She’s worked hard in her volleyball career, and her dream was fulfilled because of the sport,” said Alona. “I thank her for everything.”