Choco Mucho was not just playing for a semifinal spot — they were playing for their fans.
With their ever-loyal supporters packing the Philsports Arena, the Flying Titans fed off the electric energy, battling through every set to secure a grueling 25-15, 12-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-13 victory over PLDT in Game 2 of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals.
Determined to make their fans’ unwavering support count, the Flying Titans poured their hearts out on the court, overcoming every challenge to clinch the series and keep their championship dreams alive.
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“Ako, isa lang,” said Sisi Rondina.
“Hindi sila napapagod na pumunta dito para sumuporta.
“Ako naman, ‘di rin kami mapapagod ilaban and bigyan sila ng magandang entertainment and syempre sumaya din para worth it naman ‘yung biyahe nila at panonood nila,” she added, expressing her love for what is arguably the most dedicated fanbase in the league.
Though Choco Mucho failed to close out the match in four sets despite holding a 2-1 advantage, Rondina and the Flying Titans refused to falter in the deciding frame. They overcame an early surge from PLDT star Savannah Davison to seal the win and punch their ticket to the semifinals.
Rondina, the former All-Filipino Conference MVP, delivered a stellar performance, finishing with a game-high 21 points on 18 attacks, two service aces, and one block. She also tallied 18 excellent receptions, once again proving instrumental in Choco Mucho’s success.
It wasn’t the first time the Flying Titans’ faithful made their presence felt. In Game 1, their energy fueled the team’s dramatic comeback from a 0-2 deficit, leading to a thrilling 20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 18-16 reverse sweep victory.
“Nagsimula sa fans na nandito kasi nakaka-compete [kami] kahit lamang ‘yung kalaban. Kasi nandiyan sila, suporta ng suporta sa amin,” said Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
A longtime fan of Barangay Ginebra in the PBA, Alinsunurin likened the unwavering support of the Flying Titans’ fans to that of the Gin Kings’ passionate crowd.
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“Sobrang sigaw sila and alam mo yun, nabubuhayan kami sa ginagawa nila. Same thing din naman sa Ginebra, dati pinapanood ko yan kahit nalalamangan sila, marami pa ring support,” he said.
“Pero yung sa amin, yung never say die namin — every time na may situation, talagang tinatakbuhan namin ‘yung isa’t isa. Kailangan ma-maximize namin kung ano yung pwede naming gawin sa loob ng court, and kung ano yung ineensayo namin, sana mapakita namin.”
With the stakes higher than ever, the Flying Titans will need their fans’ unwavering support as they head into the round-robin semifinals, where the competition will only grow tougher.
Determined to rise to the challenge, Rondina and Alinsunurin vowed to keep fighting for their fans as they push for a spot in the finals.
