Some might argue that the UAAP and NCAA are the only paths to volleyball stardom in the Philippines.
However, Cherry Nunag’s journey proves that success in the sport is less about the route one takes and more about the dedication and hard work put in to achieve the seemingly impossible.
Born and raised in Floridablanca, Pampanga, Nunag's volleyball career began at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas. She then navigated a challenging path that led her to the now-defunct Philippine Superliga (PSL) in 2015.
The 5-foot-9 middle blocker played for champion PSL teams Petron and F2 Logistics before moving to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) with Petro Gazz and Perlas Pilipinas. She found a long-term home with Choco Mucho, contributing to their two consecutive silver medal finishes against Creamline in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Nunag's ascent to the national team, Alas Pilipinas, is not only unique but historic.
She was part of the first-ever Philippine team to reach the semifinals of an Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC)-sanctioned tournament in the national federation’s 63-year history. This achievement also coincided with the Philippines rising to No. 57 in the FIVB world rankings (No. 9 in Asia).
For Nunag, these past few days have been special and overwhelming.
“Hindi siya madali knowing na hindi ka naging part ng NCAA and UAAP. Hindi madaling bumuo ng pangalan,” said Nunag.
“’Yung ibang tao nagugulat pa kung saan galing itong tao na ‘to, so for me, happy ako sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ko mula umpisa, step by step at kung saan pa pupunta ‘yung journey at ‘yung career ko.”
Such historic feats for flag and country were once distant dreams for the Philippine volleyball community.
“Ito naman talaga ‘yung pinakahihintay namin sa volleyball community na makapasok ‘yung national team ng Philippines sa semis kasi ito pa nga ‘yung hindi natin nagagawa.”
Nunag added: “It’s a big privilege na maging part ng national team lalo na itong batch na ito kasi sobrang ganda ng performance and ‘yung gustong ilabas ng mga bata nakakatuwa, nakakainspire, nakakaproud sila.”
Always ready for the call of duty
Nunag sat out the first two pool play matches against Australia and India before starting and contributing four points in the semis-clinching win over Iran.
Experiencing her first taste of national team action, Nunag is optimistic about the future and eager to seize every opportunity to help the Philippines break new ground internationally.
“Medyo kulang pa at ang dami ko pa rin gustong ilabas (pero) super thankful ako sa binibigay sa akin na opportunity ni coach (Jorge Souza de Brito) na makapaglaro knowing na kailangan ready ako palagi sa second six kasi mabilis lang yung tournament.
“Every day kaming naglalaro so kailangan always prepared ka pa rin anytime na kunin ka niya sa labas. Kahit hindi ka first six or ikaw ‘yung unahin niya, it’s okay pero ang goal ko ay mailabas ko yung laro ko every time na ipapasok niya ako, kailangan may ma-contribute ako sa game,” said Nunag.
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