The Choco Mucho Flying Titans are raring to make a huge splash in the 2019 PVL Open Conference that will begin on August 11.
Backed by the Rebisco company, the same corporation that supports the two-time PVL champions Creamline Cool Smashers, the Flying Titans couldn’t wait to introduce their brand of volleyball.
“Malaki to para sa amin bilang coaches and volleyball players because we know it’s another chance for us to show our talent in the most prestigious league, the PVL,” Choco Mucho head coach Oliver Almadro said.
“I’m very grateful for the Rebisco family for putting up another team and giving opportunities and a home for these players, coaches and of course, giving opportunities for people around us to work together and put up a team that will really represent the brand well.”
Though the Almadro-mentored team is bannered by the Ateneo Lady Eagles quartet of Maddie Madayag, Bea De Leon, Kat Tolentino, and Kim Gequillana, most of its players will come from different teams and leagues.
But the multi-titled tactician shrugs off the pressure of handling a new set of players and sees a golden opportunity to build new bonds.
“Sabi ko nga, this is an avenue for everybody to be a family,” the Ateneo mentor said. “These players are coming from different schools, different teams before. Para sakin, hindi ‘to accident that we’re here.
“It’s by fate that we have a purpose again to show our talent and be an inspiration to many.”
Bolstering the squad are Bang Pineda, Gyra Barroga, Dancel Dusaran, Arianna Angustia, Shannen Palec and Gel Alkuino from the the now-disbanded United Volleyball Club in the PSL.
Also part of the club team are Acy Masangkay from Cignal, Shange Berte from Cocolife, Dianne Ticar from Iriga-Navy, Cindy Imbo from Perpetual, and Carla Sandoval, who also played for Foton, from UST.
Asked if there’s going to be a sibling rivalry between the sister teams, Almadro downplays the narrative, but assures that they will be giving it their all come the All-Filipino tourney that will feature a nine-team field, which includes Air Force, Bali Pure, Banko-Perlas, Chef Classic, Creamline, Motolite, Pacific Town-Army, and Petro Gazz.
“Of course, we will play hard. We will be better than our best every day in every training and every match,” Almadro vowed.
“Expect that come game time, it will be war. Titans eh, we’ll be true to our name. We will be as passionate as ever pagdating sa games.”