Choco Mucho started the new year with renewed momentum, marking a promising resumption in the All-Filipino Conference of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) for the 2024-25 season after a one-month hiatus.
At the heart of the Flying Titans’ success is the strong return of experienced winger Dindin Santiago-Manabat.
This tall attacker was able to bring the necessary energy, allowing Choco Mucho to record three consecutive victories, including two at the start of 2025, for a record of 5 victories and 3 defeats, thus placing itself in fifth rank.
The veteran played a vital role in the Flying Titans’ last two victories, earning her the title of first PVL Press Corps Player of the Week 2025, presented by Pilipinas Live, for the period of January 18-25.
During the meeting on January 18 against ZUS Coffee at the Philsports Arena, Manabat scored 19 points, including 15 attacks and 4 blocks, allowing his team to come back from a difficult match (20-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25 -22, 15-9).
Following Kat Tolentino’s appendicitis operation, Manabat continued to shine by accumulating 16 points and 8 receptions in the Flying Titans’ victory against PLDT (21-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25 -18), last Thursday.
“I actually dedicate my performance to Kat because she is a real source of inspiration for me. She doesn’t deserve what happened to her,” Manabat said.
-“She is a hard worker and an admirable person. I came here with the desire to win and follow the system of our coach (Dante Alinsunurin).”
At 31 years old, Manabat shows that she can still play a decisive role for the Flying Titans. She outperformed many other contestants, such as Rondina, Vanie Gandler of Cignal, Jema Galanza of Creamline, Myla Pablo of Petro Gazz, Jolina Dela Cruz of Farm Fresh, Chai Troncoso of ZUS Coffee, Savi Davison of PLDT, Cza Carandang of Chery Tiggo and Faith Nisperos of Akari, to win this weekly distinction.
The 1.88m star highlights his ambition to help Choco Mucho win its first title. Since joining the league in 2019, the Flying Titans have come close to the famous trophy twice, finishing in second position twice in the last editions of the All-Filipino Conferences.
“I want to help Choco Mucho make history. I have confidence in coach Dante. He is very patient with us,” she added.
Overall, Choco Mucho’s journey and performances highlight the importance of a united and resilient team. As the season continues, it will be interesting to see how the team responds to pressure and continues to evolve. The current dynamic also raises the question of talent management and the development of young players with a view to future competitions.
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