SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at the AVC Challenge Cup 2024
Angel Canino’s father and former national team player Rodel Canino watching the AVC CHallenge Cup 2024 pool play. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Eleven years after playing for the Philippine men’s volleyball team, Rodel Canino is delighted to see her daughter, Angel, spread her wings for Alas Pilipinas in front of the outpouring of fan support in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024.
The second-generation volleyball player has continued her father’s legacy by playing for the flag and competing on the international stage with Angel. shining bright on her first women’s national team stint, leading Alas to a historic Challenge Cup semifinals berth — becoming the first Philippine squad to reach this far in any AVC competition in 63 years.
Behind Angel’s stellar performance in the Challenge Cup is behind the guidance of Rodel, who is a former national team opposite spiker.
READ: AVC Cup: Angel Canino shines as opposite hitter in Alas Pilipinas debut
“She always has to think about the flag on her chest, then the surname at the back, but no. 1 is the flag,” the older Canino told Inquirer Sports after his daughter dropped another game-high 16 points in Alas’ semis-clinching 25-16, 25-13, 25-15 win over Iran on a rainy Saturday evening at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
“She just has to play her game and show what she’s capable of,” he added.
In her first national team stint, the former rookie MVP from La Salle was converted from outside to opposite spiker, which was the same position as his father when he was still playing.
Alas Pilipinas’ young star Angel Canino during an AVC Challenge Cup 2024 game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The elder Canino, who last played in the 2003 Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam with teammates Dante Alinsunurin and Sherwin Meneses, helped his daughter quickly adapt to her unfamiliar position, which hasn’t stopped Angel from having a scoring tear for Alas emerging as the top two scorer of the tournnamet as of posting time with a total of 55 points in three matches tied with India’s Anusree Poyilil.
READ: AVC Cup: Angel Canino-Eya Laure tandem powering Alas Pilipinas
But what separates Angel from other opposite spikers is her steady floor defense.
“The good thing with Angel is that she’s receding opposite, so she played defense well and that’s worked to her advantage,” said Rodel, who also played for the national beach volleyball team in 1997.
Cheering for Angel with his wife Sol among the 5,000 fans every night, the head of the Canino family is grateful to the overwhelming support of the Filipinos to his daughter, whose inspired by the home crowd to play her best every game.
“I’m very proud, I’m getting goosebumps. It’s heartwarming to see your daughter live the dream. I hope it continues,” Rodel said.
READ: Angel Canino fulfills dad’s dream with PH national team call-up
“As a former national team member also, it was also my dream for her to play in international tournaments so I’m grateful for the Lord and her fans who support her.”
The younger Canino’s journey as a national team player is just getting started as Alas Pilipinas plays in the semifinal round on Tuesday, hoping to make a surprise final appearance.
Angel’s dad wishes the volleyball rising star a healthy career and continuous national team call-ups.
“I hope she’s injury free in this tournament and that she gets more exposure in international stints,” Rodel said.