Cian Silang is eager to make the most of his new opportunity with Alpha Insurance in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Just two years ago, Silang earned recognition as the Best Setter when Cignal captured the 2024 Open Conference crown, anchoring the Super Spikers’ offense with his steady hands and sharp court vision.
But as Cignal’s rotation at the position grew deeper with the presence of Owa Retamar and EJ Casaña, Silang eventually saw limited minutes during the latter part of his stint with the team.
“Ako naman kasi sa Cignal kung ‘di ako magamit or magamit ‘man ako, nagpe-perform lang ako kung ano ‘yung laro ko talaga,” said Silang.
Now, the veteran playmaker has found a new home with the Protectors after the Super Spikers opted to take a leave of absence for the season-opening tournament. Entrusted with the starting role, Silang has quickly reminded everyone why he has been regarded as one of Spikers’ Turf’s top setters over the past several years.
Last Wednesday, the former Far Eastern University standout delivered a playmaking masterclass, leading Alpha Insurance to a bounce-back four-set win over 3B, 25-21, 25-15, 26-24, snapping a two-game skid. Silang finished with 24 excellent sets in the quick win for the Protectors.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Siyempre masaya ako kasi ‘yung playing time, mas mahaba kaysa sa Cignal. Then dito ‘yun nga, mas nagagawa ko ‘yung gusto kong gawin, mas nalalaro ko ‘yung gusto kong laro,” he said after the win.
With a younger roster around him, the FEU men’s volleyball team assistant coach has also embraced the responsibility of serving as one of the leaders for the Protectors’ up-and-coming squad.
“Then dito starter nga ako, so ginagampanan ko lang kung ano ‘yung binigay na task sa’kin ng mga coach. As isa sa mga matanda sa loob, isa na rin ako sa nagli-lead sa kanila,” said Silang.
Silang also credited his smooth transition to the familiarity he already shares with several players on the roster. He has reunited with fellow FEU products JJ Javelona, Don Nadera, Jefferson Abuniawan, Reymond Sabanal, and Ronchette Villegas — some of whom he previously played with or even coached — making it easier for him to settle into his role with Alpha Insurance.
“Di naman sila ganun kahirap adjust-an. Kasi ‘yung iba sa kanila galing sa FEU, so inabutan ko pa ‘yung iba,” Silang said.
“Coach din ako sa FEU, player ko sila, kaya ayun ‘di rin naman mahirap mag-adjust. ‘Yung iba rin sila Edward, sila JJ Javelona ‘di naman iba sa’kin kaya ‘di naman ako nahirapan mag-adjust.”
