Cignal is poised to maintain its dominance in men’s volleyball after securing the services of Joshua Retamar, one of the Philippines’ premier setters.
The signing took place at Cignal’s head office in Mandaluyong City.
Retamar, a three-time UAAP champion, has chosen to continue his volleyball journey with Cignal following a stellar five-year stint with the National University (NU) Bulldogs.
“Cignal ang pinili ko kasi feeling ko dito ako mag-grow sa next stage ng volleyball career ko. Alam naman natin one of the longest and winningest teams ang Cignal when it comes to the men’s division, kaya gusto ko lang makatulong mapagpatuloy yun winning ways nila,” said the recently crowned two-time UAAP Finals MVP.
Retamar made an immediate impact with NU, clinching the championship in his first UAAP season (Season 81) alongside then-MVP Bryan Bagunas, securing back-to-back titles.
After a hiatus due to the pandemic, he returned to lead the Bulldogs to a perfect 16-0 record in Season 85. Then he capped his collegiate career with a victory in Season 86 against the UST Golden Spikers.
Familiar with the Spiker Turf arena, Retamar earned the Best Setter award in the 2019 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference representing Sta. Elena.
He also brings international experience, having played for the Philippine men’s national team in the 2019 SEA Games in Manila and being named in the current pool for Alas Pilipinas, aiming for the 2025 FIVB World Championship in Manila.
“It’s both an honor and a privilege to have a setter of Owa’s caliber. It’s not an easy feat to win three UAAP titles, much less the Finals MVP award as a setter. We’re looking forward to having him on the same side of the court for many years as he sets up our spikers which will hopefully lead to wins and more championships,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor, who recently won the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference title.
The 22-year-old from San Pedro, Laguna is set to help Cignal on a redemption tour in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference later in 2024, following the team’s silver finish in last year’s edition.
