Rumors have been spreading like wildfire over the past few days on social media platforms regarding the status of reigning MVP Angel Canino.
On Tuesday, her father, Rodel Canino, gave fans some comfort by stating that his daughter is “doing fine” but also mentioned that De La Salle University would release a statement soon.
When Bella Belen read the rumors about her on-court rival and off-court friend, she instantly prayed for Canino’s well-being.
The two were the only players in UAAP women’s volleyball history to win Rookie of the Year and Season MVP in the same year, achieving this feat in consecutive seasons.
Belen accomplished this rare feat in Season 84, then Canino followed suit the year after.
“Nung nabasa ko po yun personally, I prayed for her talaga na sana okay lang siya kasi wala namang friend na gustong may mangyaring masama sa kaibigan mo,” Belen told Tiebreaker Times on Wednesday after National University’s win over the University of the East.
“Sana po okay lang si Angel.”
The Lady Bulldogs currently stand at 8-2 and only need a win or an Ateneo de Manila University loss to clinch a Final Four spot.
NU’s remaining games still include the Lady Spikers, who beat them in the first round in five thrilling sets last March 16, with scores of 15-25, 25-19, 18-25, 25-19, and 15-12.
And in their clash on April 14 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Belen is hoping to go toe-to-toe again with Canino on the Taraflex.
“Siyempre po mas masaya kapag nandoon po si Angel kasi iba pa rin po si Angel, iba pa rin po talaga kapag kumpleto yung La Salle and kumpleto po kami,” said Belen, who has been tearing it up lately for the Lady Bulldogs.
“Syempre nandoon po yung respect pa rin sa kalaban and nilu-look forward ko po talaga na makalaban ko po ulit siya this coming April 14.”
