In her maiden appearance with the senior national team, Angel Canino made a significant impact during the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women, despite being out of her comfort zone.
The UAAP Season 85 Rookie MVP converted to the opposite spiker role and excelled, helping Alas Pilipinas secure a bronze medal — the country’s first-ever medal at the continental level.
Canino was awarded the Best Opposite Spiker honor, even though it was not her natural position, further highlighting the potential of the 21-year-old De La Salle University rising star.
For the 2025 national team calendar, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation released a 33-player wishlist that includes Canino, listed in her natural position as outside hitter.
However, for the Lady Spikers’ captain, whether she plays outside or opposite, her main goal is simply to represent the Philippines once again.
“I don’t know yet pa kung talagang outside hitter ba ako or opposite sa national team, but kahit anong position naman, lagi ko sinasabi kay Coach Jorge (De Brito) na ready ako na mag-perform sa kahit anong position ibigay sa akin,” Canino shared on Wednesday after La Salle’s sweep of Ateneo de Manila University.
“Hindi ko naman iniisip kung gusto ko ba na itong position lang, parang ino-open ko rin yung mind ko kasi I think the national team is a big opportunity for me talaga na maging mature sa loob ng court at maging ‘ako’ at maggo-grow lang ako lalo kung lumabas ako sa comfort zone ko and isa ‘yon sa opportunity na makukuha ko doon.”
Other outside hitters on the 33-player wishlist include National University’s Vange Alinsug, Arah Panique, and Bella Belen; La Salle teammate Alleiah Malaluan; Adamson’s super rookie Shaina Nitura; Cignal’s Vanie Gandler; ZUS Coffee’s Chai Troncoso; Petro Gazz’s Brooke Van Sickle; PLDT’s Savi Davison; and free agent Eya Laure.
Meanwhile, the opposite spiker list includes La Salle’s Shevana Laput, NU’s Alyssa Solomon, Creamline’s Tots Carlos, and Akari’s Eli Soyud and Faith Nisperos.
Malaluan, Laput, and middle blocker Amie Provido would be first-time members of Alas Pilipinas if they make the cut, which makes Canino proud of her teammates.
“Siyempre, sobrang happy. Proud din ako sa kanila kasi pinaghirapan nila yan hanggang sa mapasama sila sa wishlist. Masaya rin kasi makakasama ko sila sa national team. Alam ko rin kasi yung capabilities nila as a player and as an athlete. So ‘yon, sobrang happy ako na kasama ko na sila,” Canino said.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Canino also expressed excitement about teaming up with her NU rivals, including Belen, and reuniting with the group they formed during last year’s AVC, which includes Panique, Laure, and Sisi Rondina, who is not on the wishlist.
“Looking forward kay ate Eya, si Arah, at syempre gusto ko rin makasama si ate Aly Solomon, si ate Bella Belen, at si ate Jia, gusto ko rin ulit makasama si ate Jia hindi lang dahil sa pagiging leader niya sa loob ng court, kundi sobra sobra yung pagmamahal niya at mararamdaman mo yung leadership niya sa labas ng court,” Canino shared.
#WATCH: Angel Canino can’t wait for the possibility of having her DLSU Lady Spikers teammates in Alas Pilipinas 🏐🇵🇭
📹 @justinvalencia_/ Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 #Sambansa pic.twitter.com/UkL15BcwN7
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 2, 2025
