Ced Domingo aims to make PH proud in Thailand stint

FILE – Creamline’s Celine Domingo.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Ced Domingo hopes to make the country proud as she becomes the eighth homegrown Filipino volleyball player to see action overseas.

Domingo is honored to join the list of former and active Filipino imports as she takes her act to the Volleyball Thailand League as import of Nakhon Ratchasima, which ruled last season’s tournament under former Creamline coach Tai Bundit.

The two-time Premier Volleyball League Best Middle Blocker will be playing for a club that tapped Mylene Paat and Dindin Santiago-Manabat as its two imports last year. 

Domingo is thrilled for her upcoming first overseas stint as she joins teammates Alyssa Valdez and Jia De Guzman. Valdez was the first player to see action in Thailand with 3BB Nakornnont in 2016 while Jia De Guzman is set to make her debut in Japan with the Denso Airybees next week. 

She also attributed the emergence of Filipino imports in the foreign leagues to long-time V.League import Jaja Santiago, who is now with the JT Marvelous after five seasons with Ageo Medics, and current Korean V-League imports MJ Phillips and Iris Tolenada.

“Looking at my ates who have set the standard [Ate Ly, Jaja, Jia, Dindin, Mylene, MJ, and Iris], (I am proud) that I also got presented with this honor and opportunity to be the 8th women’s volleyball import from the Philippines,” Domingo said in a statement. “I pray that more and more dreams turn into reality as we elevate Philippine Volleyball.”

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Ced Domingo. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The 24-year-old Domingo hopes to make her contribution to Philippine volleyball as she shows her talent to the Thais, who have dominated the Southeast Asian Games for the past 14 editions.

“Thailand has always been one of the famous Volleyball countries and to be part of (Nakhonratchasima), I know I’ll grow more and be able to give back to Philippine Volleyball when I get back as a more mature and better player,” said the Philippine women’s volleyball team middle blocker.

Last year’s PVL Invitational Conference Finals MVP arrived in Thailand on Monday and will play for Nakhon Ratchasima from November to February.

Domingo will be missing Creamline’s title-retention bid in the second All-Filipino Conference but she expressed her gratitude to the club, which paved the way for her dream to see action overseas.

“As I take on greater heights, I will always remember the stepping stones that Philippine Volleyball, most especially Creamline and Rebisco have allowed me to step on. Dreams would have just been dreams if it weren’t because of them,” Domingo said.  “Salamat po to Rebisco Management, Virtual Playground, my Creamline family-Coaches and teammates–my family and supporters. I hope I make you all proud!”