La Salle sophomore Angel Canino fulfilled an item on her father Rodel’s bucket list when she accepted the call to join the Alas Pilipinas Women’s team, which will compete in the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup next week.
The UAAP Season 85 Rookie of the Year-MVP revealed that it has always been her father Rodel’s dream to see her represent the country in international tournaments.
Canino is part of the Alas Pilipinas Women’s roster set to play in the AVC Cup. They are placed in Pool A alongside teams from Chinese Taipei, India, Iran, and Australia. The tournament will run from May 22 to 29 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
“Ah yes, kasi yung fatther ko nga national team na talaga (dati) so gusto niya talaga at my early age, gusto niya ma-experience ko mag-national team kasi it’s a very different experience,” said Canino, who will make her debut for the seniors squad after suiting up in the 2019 ASEAN School Games.
The 20-year-old outside hitter from Bacolod is eager to follow in her dad’s footsteps, who played for the Philippine men’s national volleyball team during his college years.
“Hindi kagaya ng paglalaro ko sa isang school, kapag sa national team kasi there’s that pride of you being a Filipina and then there’s that pride of you bringing all the Filipino,” said Canino.
“So heavy na duty siya pero you’re happy because dala mo sa likod mo yung mga tao. ‘Yun yung laging sinasabi ni papa sa akin kasi national team is not just to join para nasa national team ka lang, you have a responsibility,” she added.
Canino, who is recovering from a right forearm injury, mentioned that she is still working towards full health but is committed to returning in time to contribute to the national team’s performance.
“So far, I’m still trying to be at my 100 percent. Hindi ko ma-make sure na 100 percent na ako but gusto kong i-make sure sa lahat na at least I’m trying to recover and go back sa katawan ko dati,” she said.
The 5-foot-11 outside hitter expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to join the national team and hopes to be part of the Alas Pilipinas Women’s long-term program.
“Ngayon, thankful ako na nasa national team ako and sana tuloy-tuloy na (na nasa) national team ako.”
