STO. DOMINGO, Ilocos Sur — Angel Canino passed her Palarong Pambansa debut with flying colors, winning MVP honors after leading NCR to a hard-fought 12-25, 25-12, 25-18, 17-25, 15-12 win over last year’s champion Calabarzon.
The 14-year-old incoming Grade 9 student said winning MVP was the furthest from her mind.
“Nagulat po ako at first kasi hindi ko naman akalain na mag-MVP ako,” said the 5-foot-10 Canino. ”Tapos first time ko sa Palarong Pambansa. Actually po ang iniisip ko ‘yung iba kong teammates ang MVP kasi ako, gusto ko lang mag-contribute kasi sinasabi ng father ko na mag-contribute ako.”
Canino picked up the sport in Grade 2 almost naturally since both her parents are volleyball coaches. But the Bacolod-born player said her parents never forced her into it.
“My parents are coaches sa isang school pero hindi nila ako pinilipit mag-volleyball. I’m the only one na nagpilit talaga,” said Canino.
Nearly seven years after taking up the sport, Canino is making waves.
“Siyempre po sobrang saya po kasi hindi namin ineexpect na magiging ganun laro namin. Nag-contribute kasi lahat kaya nanalo kami,” said Canino.
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