PVL: Dindin Santiago-Manabat ‘huge help’ for Choco Mucho

Dindin Santiago-Manabat is officially welcomed by Choco Mucho Flying Titans ahead of the PVL Reinforced Conference. –CHOCO MUCHO PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin believes having Dindin Santiago-Manabat is a big boost to the Flying Titans as they hope to overcome a title hump in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference in July.

Choco Mucho on Monday officially welcomed Manabat to their team, a week after Inquirer Sports broke the news that she was released by Akari to join a new team after her transfer to Nxled didn’t push through.

Alinsunurin is elated to have the veteran wing spiker at his disposal as she will bring her championship experience from the Chery Tiggo franchise three years ago and talent sharpened by her overseas experience in Japan and Thailand.

READ: PVL: Choco Mucho acquires Dindin Santiago-Manabat from Akari

“She’s a huge help to our team since we lost the Finals in the past conferences due to our depleted roster,” the Choco Mucho coach told Inquirer Sports in Filipino.

The stars have finally aligned for Alinsunurin and Manabat after missing the opportunity to coach the spiker at National University, where he transferred from the women’s to men’s volleyball team when the player made her debut for the Lady Bulldogs.

Although he didn’t have a chance to handle Manabat back then, the star hitter remained close to the NU coaches and Alinsunurin looks to build on their familiarity to unleash the 30-year-old’s vintage form.

READ: PVL: Dindin Manabat all praise for coach, bro-in-law Taka Minowa

“It’s an advantage that we know how she plays and her capabilities that could contribute to our team,” Alinsunurin said.

“Our focus is to bring back her body conditioning and introduce her to our system.”

Manabat, the top 11 scorer in the All-Filipino Conference with a total of 112 points, was a timely boost for Choco Mucho, which will likely miss Alas Pilipinas players Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag.

The veteran spiker will team up with Deanna Wong, Royse Tubino, Maddie Madayag, Maika Ortiz, Mars Alba, Isa Molde, Kat Tolentino, and Thang Ponce.