NO hard feelings, indeed.
Choco Mucho winger Dindin Santiago-Manabat stood in the middle of one of the Premier Volleyball League’s (PVL) most controversial mega-trades.
READ: Oly Okaro powers Akari comeback over Choco Mucho
What the PVL asserted to be its last-ever sister-team swap saw Manabat initially moving to Nxled with former ex-Akari aces Trisha Genesis, Bang Pineda, and Roselle Baliton; all in exchange for Ivy Lacsina, Dani Ravena, Kamille Cal, and Camille Victoria.
Head coaching swaps were also in order as concurrent director for volleyball operations Taka Minowa took over reins of the Chargers, while Raffy Mosuela was an appointed Chameleons deputy to Chinese shot-caller Chen Gang.
Manabat, however, took an extra leap to punctuate the transfer saga and ultimately joined a star-studded Choco Mucho side.
All is well between Dindin and Akari
There was reported discontent on Manabat’s end on how the Akari-Nxled mega-trade panned out, prompting her exit from the Chargers' stable to join the league’s back-to-back runners-up.
But even with an unprecedented 0-2 start to a PVL conference after losing to her former club, Manabat - who averaged 12 points in both matches - has no regrets with her seismic decision to jump ship.
“Happy ako na nakatapat ko sila (Akari). Alam ko na ang dami nilang adjustments kasi siyempre 'yung brother-in-law ko (Taka Minowa) na nga 'yung coach nila du’n,” said Manabat.
“Super happy ako, wala akong galit sa kanila kasi lahat naman sila, naging pamilya ko sila, friends ganyan. So super happy ako. Hindi man namin nakuha 'yung result, happy ako na nakatapat ko sila.
“Friendly game. Walang sama ng loob, walang galit. Kung ano man 'yung performance ko ngayon, para sa Choco Mucho.”
Never a doubt
Even more, losing back-to-back games in her purple debut hasn't fazed Manabat one bit.
Knowing the potential of the Flying Titans side - albeit undermanned - that has reached the Finals in two successive conferences, best believe Manabat is up for the challenge of sending Choco Mucho back to on track.
"Hindi ako nagda-doubt. Sabi ko nga, super happy ako na naging part ako ng Choco Mucho Flying Titans kasi sobra silang warm mag-welcome," Manabat said.
"Walang pagsisisi sa pagkuha nila sa 'kin, walang pagsisisi na pinili ko sila kasi lahat ng mga teammates na nandiyan is very positive. Kung ano man 'yung nangyari today at saka nung past games namin, sobrang positive sila."
And for a veteran in the game like her, it still remains of utmost importance to use the depths of defeat as fuel for the Flying Titans to regroup and recover as soon as possible.
"Hindi man namin nakuha ('yung panalo) ngayon, siguro may tinuturo lang sa'min na hindi all the time nasa top ka. Kailangan talaga na paghirapan mo kung anong meron ka. Lagi na silang nasa Final Four, pero hindi naman du'n natatapos 'yung pagsubok. Every day, laging may pagsubok 'yan na kailangan naming lagpasan," the newest Flying Titan said.
"Hindi naman ibibigay ni Lord 'yung pagsubok na 'to na hindi namin kayang lagpasan. So 'yung pagsubok na 'to, para mas tumibay pa 'yung team namin, 'yung samahan namin. Kailangan talaga maging isa ako sa mga positibo and para sa mga umaasa sa'kin as ate nila."
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