Dindin Manabat steps up to fuel Choco Mucho’s winning streak

Dindin Santiago-Manabat filled in the void left by Kat Tolentino and powered Choco Mucho past PLDT, 21-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-18, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, January 23, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The Flying Titans will miss the services of their 6-foot-2 opposite hitter Tolentino for an indefinite period after undergoing surgery due to a ruptured appendix last Tuesday, January 21.

Manabat poured 16 points and eight digs in the third straight victory of Choco Mucho.

Her strong desire to create history with the Flying Titans this season is the driving force behind her resurgence.

“I just really want to help the team because I want us to make history with Choco Mucho. I always believe in Coach Dante (Alinsunurin). He never gets tired of guiding and reminding us,” said Manabat.

Given that Tolentino is anticipated to miss some time, the seasoned opposite spiker stated she is prepared to take over for the Flying Titans, who have improved to a 5-3 record.

“We always say, ‘challenge accepted,’ because Coach Dante constantly reminds us that we need to be ready and hardworking. We just follow the system so that everything we do becomes synchronized,” she added.

With a decisive finish in the fourth set, the Flying Titans turned a 17-all tie into a 25-18 triumph, aided by a hit from Manabat and three points apiece from Cherry Nunag and Sisi Rondina.

Player of the Game Rondina led Choco Mucho’s scoring sheet after delivering 20 markers and 10 receptions, while Nunag and Isa Molde contributed 12 points apiece in the win. 

The Flying Titans will have a 15-day break before facing Akari on February 8.