THE sister squad saga between Akari and Nxled in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) had a rather unexpected ending with one of their veteran mainstays, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, bidding adieu to both teams.
And waiting for her out the door with open arms? Star-laden Choco Mucho.
Weeks after the season-opening All-Filipino Conference, the rumor mill began swirling on what was supposed to be a major multi-player and coaching shake-up for one of four pairs of PVL sister teams.
READ: Choco Mucho acquiring Dindin Santiago from Nxled Chameleons
On May 20, PVL president Ricky Palou confirmed that the terms of the blockbuster trade were green-lit by the five-person league management team despite his personal contention.
When all was said and done, Manabat was sent 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.
The sister squads’ director of volleyball operations Taka Minowa, who also happened to be Manabat’s brother-in-law, took over Akari as head coach, while Raffy Mosuela joined Nxled as its new shot-caller.
Such a game of musical chairs didn’t end there as the month that followed saw even more player movement, with Baliton first joining the Galeries Tower.
Then exactly a month since Palou’s confirmation of the Akari-Nxled trade, SPIN.ph reported Choco Mucho’s high-profile acquisition of Manabat in light of the expected absences of Alas Pilipinas aces Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag alongside the continued rehabilitation of injured stars Des Cheng, Aduke Ogunsanya. and Kat Tolentino.
The Flying Titans subsequently unveiled their star signing four days since the report.
'Big D's' big move
As per multiple sources that closely monitored the aforementioned developments, Manabat wasn’t too big of a fan when she learned she’ll be part of the trade that had sent her to the Chameleons.
Minowa, however, was firm and resolute with what he deemed to be a ‘professional’ decision in which his personal ties with Manabat weren’t factored in.
This resulted to Manabat exploring other career options, including moving on from the Akari-Nxled fold.
With a championship-contending team like the Flying Titans in need of a strong, versatile two-way presence on the court, the stars aligned just right for Manabat.
Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin shared how an imminent ‘personnel problem’ was one that required an immediate solution. And alongside Greek reinforcement Zoi Faki, Manabat was heavensent.
“Honestly ngayon, namomroblema kami sa tao talaga kasi kulang na kami before nu'ng naglaro kami ng championship tapos nabawasan pa kami ng dalawa. Sobrang mahirap para sa'min, mahirap mag-training,” said Alinsunurin.
“Umaasa na lang din kami ngayon sa mga free agents (at) darating na draft picks kung sino 'yung pwedeng makuha namin or makatulong sa'min pagdating ng second conference.”
Manabat and the rest of the Flying Titans will take flight in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference beginning July 16.
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