SISI Rondina’s leadership will be a crucial element aimed at guiding Choco Mucho to a dream finish in the Premier Volleyball League.

Despite their setback in the season-ending All-Filipino Conference, where they narrowly missed snaring the championship against Creamline, Rondina remains optimistic about the upcoming centerpiece tournament reeling off Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.

The departure of key players like Bea de Leon, Dendez Lazaro-Revilla and Caitlyn Viray, the team’s pioneers, created a void but the arrival of talented players such as Royse Tubino, Mean Mendrez, Mars Alba and Bia General is expected to more than fill that gap effectively.

Rondina expresses excitement about playing alongside her new teammates and showcasing their skills in a conference that promises intense competition from 11 other clubs, including two debutants.

Having fully adapted to coach Dante Alinsunurin’s system and play patterns, the Flying Titans enter the All-Filipino with utmost confidence.

While acknowledging the importance of overcoming off-days and nights, Rondina stresses personal improvement, particularly in her weakest aspect – receive.

Despite emerging the top scorer and ranking high in various statistics after the semifinals in the last All-Filipino tourney, Rondina remains focused on refining her skills.
“Sana, kasi maraming mga instances na pwedeng off. Maraming pangyayari na hindi natin alam pero siyempre mas pino-focus ko talaga kung saan talaga ako weak talaga, yung receive ko. So, unti-unti, nag-i-improve naman,” said Rondina.

Emerging as the top scorer, Rondina also ranked third as the most efficient spiker, placed ninth in serve, finished No. 6 in digs and wound up the second best receiver in the previous conference.

Downplaying expectations for the team, Rondina guarantees that Choco Mucho will approach each game with determination and winning mindset.

She admits the uncertainty of the conference due to the level playing field but underscores the Flying Titans’ commitment to hard work and adherence to Alinsunurin’s teachings.

“Expectations? Wala, kasi madaming teams ang sumali ngayon. Sabi nga, bilog ‘yung bola. Hindi natin malalaman kung ano ‘yung takbo ng conference,” said Rondina.

“Pero sisiguraduhin po namin na magta-trabaho kami at siyempre ipapakita po namin kung ano ‘yung mga itinuturo ni coach Dante.”

“Hindi namin iniisip iyun (expectations) actually, hindi naman dapat iniisip ‘yun. Pero sabi ko, lagi kaming magta-trabaho, ipapakita po namin kung paano kami mag training at paano po namin maipe-perform yung mga tinuturo ni coach,” said Rondina.

While expressing happiness for her former teammates and their growth with their new teams, Rondina remains focused on Choco Mucho’s goals.

“Happy po ako sa kanila, kasi mas mag go-grow pa sila sa team na pinuntahan nila. Wish ko lang sa kanila na mag iingat, siyempre nalulungkot ako pero okay lang kasi alam kong ikakasaya nila iyun at choice nila iyun,” she said.

Looking satisfied with the off-season moves, the Flying Titans are ready to soar.

Choco Mucho kicks off its campaign against Nxled on Thursday.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado