LIPA CITY, BATANGAS — Team Dasma’s Mark Calado deflected the credit to his teammates after winning the Most Valuable Player award in the PNVF Champions League, Saturday night.
As good as the award was, the 21-year-old hitter said that he could not have done it without the help of his kuyas.
“Siyempre nakakagulat din. Very happy tsaka nakakaproud para sa akin talaga hindi ko makukuha ko kung wala yung team e kasi pinaghirapan talaga namin pare pareho,” said the FEU standout, who finished with 18 points in the 19-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-17 championship-winning victory over Go for Gold-Air Force at the Aquamarine Recreational Center here.
“Para sa akin magandang opportunity magandang award pero para sa akin pinaka mas maganda pa rin yung nanalo kami lahat.”
Calado said that his teammates, as well as his coaches in Team Dasma, who placed their faith in him by making him the top option, served as is his inspiration for the six-day tourney.
“Naging motivation ko lang talaga sila coach at yung mga kuya ko. Naisip ko yung lahat ng sacrifices ko sa training, lahat ng hirap namin so ginawa ko siyang motivation. Sinama ko yung family ko at siyempre si God,” said Calado.
Now, Calado is about to realize his dream of representing the Philippines on international soil as the Monarchs are set to represent the flag in the Asian Men’s Volleyball Club Championship in Iran next year.
For him, it’s one step closer to his ultimate dream — to be part of the Men’s National Volleyball Team.
“Yun lang gusto ko maachieve makapunta sa national team, makapunta sa ibang bansa para makapag-compete,” bared Calado.
“Gagawin ko lahat para mapabilang sa national team kasi pangaarap ko din talaga siya.”
And going up against the much-heralded Air Force, National Team head coach Dante Alinsunurin definitely has his eyes on him as well.
