By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negrense Angel Canino believes that the youthful composition of the Alas Pilipinas women’s team could be the key to ending the country’s long medal drought in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, as the squad prepares for the 33rd edition of the tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 22-year-old outside hitter is part of a group that will be making its SEA Games debut, with nine players — including Shaina Nitura, Amie Provido, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Justine Jazareno, Mars Alba, Vanie Gandler, and Alleiah Malaluan — entering the competition for the first time.
“Mas bata ngayon ‘yung mga players sa SEA Games, pero siguro it’s an advantage rin for us kasi galing kami sa paglalaro with pride,” the Negrense volleybelle said.
Although the roster is young, the players are no strangers to high-level matches. Many have been part of the national program for the past two years, competing in multiple international events that provided valuable experience.
“Malaking tulong ‘yung mga naging tournaments namin kasi nakita rin namin ‘yung mga lapses. Pagbalik ng training, aayusin na lang at i-improve na lang ‘yung mga nakita naming mali,” the La Salle standout added.
The Philippines begins its SEA Games campaign against host and defending champion Thailand on December 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Indoor Stadium Huamark, followed by a match versus Singapore the next day.
Despite the challenge, Canino said the team is embracing the moment as it aims to bring the Philippines back to the podium for the first time since 2005.
“For SEA Games, excited ako, willing to commit talaga, and ready to accept the challenge,” she said.
“‘Yung tiwala ng bawat isa, tapos ‘yung will to win, ‘yung heart na meron ang bawat isa, hindi matutumbasan ng kahit ano,” she added.
For Canino, representing the country on this stage is a source of immense pride, and she expects her teammates to compete with full determination.
“This is another level of pride kasi dala-dala namin lahat ng mga kababayan namin — buong Pilipinas. So kahit mas bata ‘yung mga maglalaro sa SEA Games, mae-expect niyo na magpu-push talaga sila nang todo-todo. Ita-try talaga namin ‘yung best namin to perform and showcase kung ano ‘yung kaya namin para sa mga Pilipino,” she said.
“Kaya rin namin kinuha ‘tong responsibility na ‘to para ipakita na may kaya rin kami as Filipinos,” she concluded./ASC, WDJ