CED Domingo, one of the vital cogs in Creamline’s dynastic rule in the Premier Volleyball League, is set to play for decorated Thailand club Nakhon Ratchasima, her agency announced yesterday afternoon.

Domingo became the second Cool Smasher to bring her talents overseas, following Jia De Guzman, who is set to make her debut for Japan V.League’s Denso Airybees later this month.

The former Far Eastern University middle blocker was granted release by Creamline as announced last Wednesday, paving the way for her first stint outside the country.

In a statement, Domingo thanked the Cool Smashers for allowing her to pursue her dream of playing overseas.

“Thailand has always been one of the famous Volleyball countries and to be part of (Nakhonratchasima), I know I’ll grow more and be able to give back to Philippine Volleyball when I get back as a more mature and better player,” said Domingo.

“As I take on greater heights, I will always remember the stepping stones that Philippine Volleyball, most especially Creamline and Rebisco, have allowed me to step on,” she added.

Domingo is expected to reunite with former Cool Smashers coach Tai Bundit, who recently steered Nakhon Ratchasima to the men’s and women’s championship of the Volleyball Thailand League last February.

Bundit watched Creamline’s straight-set romp of Cignal in Batangas City last Saturday. Even without Domingo and De Guzman, who have connected so well, the Cool Smashers are 2-0 in the Second All-Filipino Conference.

Creamline superstar Alyssa Valdez, who suited up for Thailand’s 3BB Nakornnont and Chinese Taipei’s Attack Line, is happy to see Domingo and De Guzman to go out of the box and showcase their talents.

“Honestly, we very happy for her. I mean, It’s not very often that we get those kind of opportunities. We are just here to support them, reach their dreams and I think in our team naman, we want them to grow and really find also kung anong yung growth na gusto nila as an athlete as well. I guess this is the right time for them to go out, Jia and Ceddy,” said Valdez.

“We are very happy for them. We really look forward to watch them live in Thailand and Japan and we can’t wait to see them back in the Philippines as well,” she added.

The 24-year-old middle blocker follows the footsteps of Chery Tiggo’s Mylene Paat and Akari’s Dindin Santiago-Manabat, who both played for the Thai powerhouse last year.

Aside from Domingo and De Guzman, MJ Phillips and Iris Tolenada are now also playing overseas in South Korea.

“Dreams would have just been dreams if it weren’t because of them. Looking at my ates who have set the standard (Ate Ly, Jaja, Jia, Dindin, Mylene, MJ and Iris), nakakaproud that I also got presented with this honor and opportunity to be the eighth women’s volleyball import from the Philippines,” Domingo said.

Games today

(Ynares Center)
2 p.m. – F2 Logistics vs Nxled
4 p.m. – Farm Fresh vs PLDT
6 p.m. – Akari vs Chery Tiggo