Tuesday afternoon, Philippine Air Force stalwart Ranran Abdilla had just tallied 21 points agaomst Instituto Estetico Manila in his last game with Air Force before leaving for Korea for national team training. But despite his monster game, he confessed that he was not fully focused on the match.
Early in the morning, he bumped his car while parking in the Filoil Flying V Centre. Due to the rain and the darkness in the area, he miscalculated and hit a post which damaged the back part of his vehicle breaking its tail light.
“Sobrang disappointed ako kanina sa nangyari sa kotse. Kahit umabot kami kanina ng 5th set, di ko pa rin makalimutan yung nangyari doon!” the 6-foot-4 spiker shared after creating 21 points all from kills and an ace.
“Tsamba lang yun!”
But contrary to what he said, he was still in his element all game long. Abdilla who averages at 17.8 points per game in the PVL carried Air Force from a slow start, taking home the match in five sets.
Abdilla, who is now a father, juggles volleyball responsibilities with both his club, Air Force, and the national team which will be deployed for the Southeast Asian Games in August.
“Nag-aadjust naman ako. Ngayon priority ko National Team, yung training ko madalas doon,” Abdilla said.
“Pero pag may games kami sa Air Force, at walang activity ang national team, matik yun, laro agad.”
The men’s national volleyball team is set to fly to Korea on Saturday, July 22 for a two-week training camp. And the Reinforced Conference MVP knows how important this is im preparation for the SEA Games.
“Malaking halaga yung training camp namin sa Korea, doon masusukat kung gaano ka katibay lalo na sa dikdikan.
“Siguro maasahan nila [fans] sa amin, mas competitive to kaysa sa 2015 nung lumaban sa Singapore,” Abdilla assured.
Abdilla calls for all Filipino volleyball fans to support the men’s team and asked for prayers for them to win their matches.
In the end of the interview, when asked if he is headed to another training after the match, he laughed.
“Di muna. Maghahanap muna ako ng piyesa, nabasag yung tail light ko!” Abdilla quipped.
Good luck with the national team and your car, Ranran! – By: Danine Cruz
