DINDIN Santiago-Manabat has been providing the much-needed firepower as Choco Mucho welcomed the new year with a strong start in the resumption of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Manabat displayed her vintage form and combined with ace spiker Sisi Rondina to lead the Flying Titans to three straight wins for a 5-3 win-loss record in fifth place.
The veteran played a huge role in Choco Mucho’s last two victories, earning her the distinction as this year’s first PVL Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live winner for Jan. 18 to 25.
The Flying Titans picked up from where they left off last year with Manabat dropping 19 points in a come-from-behind 20-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-9 win over ZUS Coffee at the Philsports Arena last January 18.
She unloaded 15 kills and four kill blocks to help Choco Mucho weather the Thunderbelles’ tough challenge.
After winger Kat Tolentino’s surgery due to a ruptured appendix, Manabat continued to step up as she tallied 16 points and eight digs in the Flying Titans’ triumph over PLDT, 21-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-18, last Thursday.
“Actually, ‘yung nilaro ko inaalaay ko talaga kay Kat kasi isa rin siya talaga sa inspirasyon nitong araw kasi parang hindi niya deserve ‘yung nangyari sa kanya,” said Manabat.
“Sobrang sipag niya, sobrang bait niya, so pumunta ako dito–siyempre mindset talaga is manalo and susunod lang sa sistema ni coach,” she added.
With the 31-year-old turning back the hands of time and stepping up for the Flying Titans when it mattered most, her stellar showing bested Rondina, Cignal’s Vanie Gandler, Creamline’s Jema Galanza, Petro Gazz’s Myla Pablo, Farm Fresh’s Jolina Dela Cruz, ZUS Coffee’s Chai Troncoso, PLDT’s Savi Davison, Chery Tiggo’s Cza Carandang, and Akari’s Faith Nisperos for the weekly plum.
