FORMER Pinoy Big Brother teen housemate Kristine Charlotte Hammond will be living her dream as she's set to see action for alma mater Colegio San Agustin-Biñan in the inaugural Philippine Superliga Collegiate Grand Slam that fires off on November 3 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Tagged as the ‘Sporty Spice ng Biñan’ during her stint in PBB Lucky 7 season last 2016 that gave her an opportunity in showbiz, Hammond is now getting a big break in the sport she loves since grade school in the school’s first-ever appearance in a major volleyball league.
“When it comes to volleyball ito na talaga ang largest break ko,” said the 18-year-old standout, who plays as Opposite Hitter for CSA-Biñan.
Although it won’t be a walk in a park facing four UAAP teams and strong team from the south, De La Salle Dasmariñas, the young celebrity will just relish their prestigious chance to gain exposure and experience, especially when they battle rookie sensation Eya Laure and the UST Tigresses on November 3.
“From the south kami so underdogs talaga lalo na hindi naman kami ganoon kalalaki. Para sa amin siguro to gain experience na rin for us and exposure,” said the 5-foot-4 spiker, whose school is seeing action in United Calabarzon Collegiate League.
“Alam ko UST malalaki talaga. Kami siguro feeling ko under talaga kami doon pagdating sa height kasi medyo maliliit ang mga players namin,” she added. “Siguro kung tatapangan naman namin and bilog naman ang bola so maraming chances pa rin para manalo.”
Hammond recalled her memorable days inside the Big Brother house and she admitted that it was really different environment from the volleyball court but that stint helped her in improving her character.
“I stayed for three months doon. Doon ako nakilala bilang Sporty Spice ng Binan,” the Filipino-British spiker said. “Sobrang iba kasi nasanay nga ako na nasa volleyball na nasa court talaga. And ‘yung sa Bahay ni Kuya ‘yun ‘yung stepping stone para makilala ko rin ang sarili ko.”
Despite appearing in television shows and getting more project offers, the BS Tourism freshman decided to be a part-timer in showbiz to focus on her studies and in volleyball.
“Nagtutuloy naman pero part-time lang kasi gusto kong makapagtapos ng pag-aaral and volleyball talaga ang passion ko,” said Hammond, who last appeared in a cameo role in ABS-CBN’s recently-concluded afternoon drama, Araw Gabi.
“Ako kasi gusto ko talagang makapagtapos ng pag-aaral and for that to happen kailangan ko talagang mag-volleyball so ‘yun ang priority ko and ‘yung pag-aartista extra ko na lang to help my family.”
Hammond knows that CSA-Biñan’s first PSL stint will not be easy but all she wants is to get exposure hoping that her team can prove that they belong in the league.
“Ako goal ko talaga na ma-expose muna and makasanayan ang ganito. Sana magtuluy-tuloy na makasama na kami sa PSL,” she concluded.
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