‘Unexpected’ friendship leads to Alas Pilipinas sub-unit ‘ASEA’
Alas Pilipinas players led by Angel Canino, Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, and Arah Panique dance to BINI’s “Pantropiko.” –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Moments after making history with its first-ever AVC medal on Wednesday afternoon, Alas Pilipinas quartet Angel Canino, Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, and Arah Panique turned the Rizal Memorial Coliseum into a dance floor.
In a light-hearted moment, the four Alas Pilipinas players led their team to a victory dance of the hit song “Pantropiko” by the rising Filipino girl group BINI.
This was just the latest from what could be called Alas Pilipinas’ subunit “ASEA” — Angel, Sisi, Eya, and Arah– who have spread good vibes through their dance covers and bonding posted on their social media accounts.
READ: Alas Pilipinas players get long-term pay boost
On the final day of the Challenge Cup, “ASEA” called their teammates including Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, and Jen Nierva to join them and treat the ecstatic home crowd with an impromptu performance.
“Our dance group is really just all about spreading good vibes. Of course, it’s an unexpected friendship because we used to compete against them back when we were still in UST,” Laure told reporters after the 25-23, 25-15, 25-7 win that sealed Alas Pilipinas’ bronze medal finish.
Eya Laure and Angel Canino for a high five during an AVC Challenge Cup game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Canino, who shone brightly in her Alas debut, winning the Best Opposite Spiker and emerging as the team’s top scorer, shared that Laure and Rondina took her, Panique, and other newcomers under their wing.
“Gradually, we became a solid group because Ate Sisi and Ate Eya were the ones who really initiated the bonding, and then the two youngest ones also became close,” said the La Salle star.
READ: Next schedule for Alas Pilipinas after AVC Challenge Cup campaign
But more than their fun bonding, the UAAP Season 85 rookie MVP credited her performance to the leadership of Laure and Rondina after being converted from outside spiker to the opposite.
“We like to goof around and I’m happy because they’re there as my older sisters to guide me,” Canino said.
BINI Alas Pilipinas #AVCChallengeCup @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/FBE9jP6pey
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 29, 2024
Laure and Rondina were also the go-to scorers of setter Jia De Guzman, while Panique had her moment in the knockout semifinal against Kazakhstan, stepping up with 14 points.
Laure said they’re also learning from their younger teammates, who used to be her rivals in the UAAP when she was still playing for the University of Santo Tomas.
“It’s just a bonus that we learned a lot from them because they’re the UAAP champions. We just exchange experiences and good vibes,” said the Chery Tiggo star. “We cherish every moment and we’ll fight together for the Philippines.”
Alas’ historic campaign may be over but Angel, Sisi, Eya, and Arah built a strong friendship that will last forever.
“I’m happy that even though Arah and I are younger, they’re there for both fun and serious moments. I’m very happy they’re there for us,” Canino said.
