Owa Retamar signs with Cignal HD Spikers in the Spikers’ Turf. –HANDOUT PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — From being Cignal’s tormentor in the Spikers’ Turf finals, Owa Retamar is out to help the most successful men’s club team keep its championship tradition.
In the past two Spikers’ Turf finals the setter faced the HD Spikers, Retamar steered Sta. Elena-National University to a 2022 title and handed the lone loss of Cignal in last year’s Invitational Conference, steering the Bulldogs’ comeback to prevail in a winner-take-all final.
This time, the two-time UAAP Best Setter and Finals MVP has joined Cignal, seeking to create a dynasty with his former rivals.
READ: Owa Retamar signs with Cignal in Spikers’ Turf
And in case he’ll face the Bulldogs, whom he led to a fifth straight UAAP title, Retamar will lead his team’s revenge tour in the Invitational Conference.
“Excited ako talunin ang NU kapag nakalaban namin sila. Kabisado nila ako, kabisado ko rin sila, kaya masaya yan,” Retamar said after signing with Cignal last week. “Sabi ko nga po sa mga supporters ng Cignal, bati na kami kasi hindi na nila ako kalaban.”
Known for his must-win mentality, Retamar chose to sign with Cignal for its winning culture.
“Sa sobrang galing na ng systema nila, mas ako po ang matututo sa kanila. Pero makakaasa lang sila na dadalhin ko lang yung mindset ko na ayaw ko talaga ng nagpapatalo ng basta basta,” he said.
READ: After NU triumph, Retamar now locked in on Alas Pilipinas goal
Retamar also chose the HD Spikers among other offers because of his upcoming reunion with his fellow former Bulldog Bryan Bagunas and Alas teammate Jau Umandal.
“Isa talaga sila sa mga factors why I accepted the offer of Cignal. Sila yung mga kaibigan ko at klase ng teammates na bilang setter ay alam mong hindi ka pressured kasi ang tatalino nila maglaro,” Retamar said.
For now, Retamar’s focus is on Alas as he, Umandal, and Marck Espejo lead the team against China on June 3 (Manila time) and host Bahrain on June 4.