With Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag’s status still uncertain, Choco Mucho beefed up for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference by signing veteran opposite hitter Dindin Santiago-Manabat.
The Flying Titans made it official on Monday, announcing the arrival of the 30-year-old star to the team, which is coming off a second consecutive finals appearance in the All-Filipino Conference.
With Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag’s status still uncertain, Choco Mucho has strengthened its roster for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference by signing veteran opposite hitter Dindin Santiago-Manabat.
The Flying Titans made it official on Monday, announcing the arrival of the 30-year-old star to the team, which is coming off a second consecutive finals appearance in the All-Filipino Conference.
“Brace yourselves for another sweet conference! Dindin Santiago-Manabat, a multi-awarded powerhouse, is set to change the pace,” said Choco Mucho in a Facebook post.
“Welcome to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans family, Dindin Santiago-Manabat.”
(c) PVL Images
Santiago-Manabat, along with Trisha Genesis, Bang Pineda, and Roselle Baliton, were sent to free agency by Akari in hopes they would land with Nxled.
In exchange, Ivy Lacsina, Dani Ravena, Kamille Cal, and Camille Victoria were put in the same predicament in hopes of signing with Akari, which will now be coached by Taka Minowa.
However, Santiago-Manabat did not go to Nxled and instead signed with Choco Mucho.
With Santiago-Manabat on board, the Flying Titans received a significant boost, especially with the availability of Rondina and Nunag still up in the air due to their commitment to Alas Pilipinas for the upcoming FIVB Challenger Cup next week and the SEA V.League in August.
Aside from the potential absence of their two key players, Choco Mucho is still dealing with the injuries of Kat Tolentino (auditory condition), Des Cheng (ACL), and Aduke Ogunsanya (ACL).
The one-time PVL champion spent a full season with Akari after leaving Chery Tiggo, the team she helped win the 2021 Open Conference title, in 2022.
Santiago-Manabat struggled to rediscover her old, deadly form with the Chargers, even finding herself riding the bench at times during crucial stretches.
The National University product is set to get a fresh start under head coach Dante Alinsunurin as she teams up with Maddie Madayag, Isa Molde, and Deanna Wong.
