Through her five years in the UAAP and her PSL career, Cherry Rondina’s family has only watched her live a handful of times.
Her parents never got the chance to watch any of her UAAP Beach Volleyball matches, where she dominated with four titles and MVPs.
Rondina almost didn’t get the pleasure of having her family present for her first and only run to the UAAP Indoor Volleyball finals.
But through solid media coverage and generous UST alumni, Rondina’s family will be there for Game Two of the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Volleyball Finals, possibly the crowning of her career.
Saturday afternoon, before Game One, several media outlets released stories on Rondina’s sacrifices as the family’s breadwinner. Recently, the 22-year-old bought a house and lot in her hometown of Compostela.
Having spent most of her savings, Rondina could not afford to also fly her family out for the Finals.
The stories created a wave on social media, as UST alumni and fans immediately started a fund-raising effort.
As of Sunday, the group already found sponsors and airfare, and have been continuously gathering funds for other expenses.
Rondina’s parents and two sisters are set to arrive from Cebu on Tuesday afternoon, according to members of the UST community.
They also add that they continue to get donations from PHP 1,000 to 5,000 every hour and have arranged to fly setter Alina Bicar’s and opposite hitter Dimdim Pacres’ family to Manila for Game Two.
Rondina expressed her gratitude on Twitter.
“Hindi ko na kayo iisa-isahin pero sobra na po ang binigay nyo sa amin,” she said.
“Maraming Salamat UST Community! Di ko inexpect to!
“Because of my priorities, hindi ko sila mapanuod live pero malalaman ko ginawan nyo ng paraan. Paano po ako magpapasalamat,” she continued.
Not only will Rondina get a chance to win a title on Wednesday, she will also be crowned MVP in front of her family.
