Alas Pilipinas defensive ace Justine Jazareno credited mentor Dawn Catindig’s guidance for her standout performance in the 2025 SEA V.League, where she earned Best Libero honors in the second leg.
Jazareno said Catindig — a fellow De La Salle University product — served as her “anchor” throughout the tournament, always going the extra mile to guide and motivate her both on and off the court.
“More on naging role model ko si Ate Dawn. More on naging mentor ko siya, na tinutulungan niya ko even if meron siyang mga responsibilities na ginagawa for herself para matulungan yung team, naging anchor ko siya. Naging ate talaga siya for me,” said the Akari team captain.
(C) SAVA
The 25-year-old libero was instrumental in Alas’ back-to-back bronze finishes in this year’s SEA V.League, showing greater maturity and sharper floor defense while sharing duties with Catindig.
Jazareno admitted she grew emotional when her name was called for the award, saying it was a testament to the years of hard work she has put in.
“Super happy lang ako kasi siyempre, lahat naman nag-work hard. Yun nga, lagi kong sinasabi na hard work pays off,” she said.
“Sobrang naiyak talaga ako nu’n pero pinigilan ko kasi nahihiya talaga ako eh na makita nila yung reaction ko na umiiyak pero super happy,” added the product of La Salle-Zobel.
With the national team season now over, Jazareno said the challenge is to bring everything she learned with Alas into her campaign with the Chargers in the Premier Volleyball League.
“Mas naging mature lang ako and [I’m] being more consistent sa mga ginagawa ko. Madadala ko rin naman yung leadership and yung mga natutunan ko from international [tournaments] sa mother team ko,” Jazareno said.
“Hindi ako titigil even if nakuha ko na yun. I’ll do more and I’ll be better.”
#WATCH: Justine Jazareno grateful to Dawn Catindig for her guidance, calling her her anchor during the SEA V.League 🏐🇵🇭
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/8iYICHVgEO
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) August 14, 2025
