Choco Mucho is channeling the same mantra synonymous with the country’s most popular ballclub as it makes huge strides in its quest for glory in the Premier Volleyball League.
An avid fan of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel himself, Flying Titans head coach Dante Alinsunurin preaches to his wards the never-say-die spirit — the same mindset that brought success to the Kings in the Philippine Basketball Association.
“I grew up watching Ginebra. So right now (with Choco Mucho), I always imagine that every game is important. Whatever the situation we face or adjustments that we need to make, we always keep in mind that we need to fight until the end,” Alinsunurin said.
“Whatever struggles we face inside the court, there’s no giving up. We’ll keep on fighting no matter what. That’s the most important thing for me.”
Emulating the never-say-die spirit has been doing wonders for the PVL’s crowd-drawing club in the season-opening All-Filipino Conference.
Inspired by their breakthrough runner-up finish in the 2nd AFC last year, the Flying Titans are currently on a tear winning all their first four assignments for a tie at the top spot with defending champion Creamline.
Choco Mucho essayed a masterful 25-18, 25-20, 25-21, victory over erstwhile unbeaten Cignal last Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City witnessed by no less than celebrated Ginebra import Justin Brownlee.
Alinsunurin was just thrilled.
“I’m stoked. It’s rare to see a basketball player following women’s volleyball. I’m really thankful to him for his support in volleyball,” Alinsunurin said.
Brownlee, who led Ginebra to six PBA titles and named Best Import thrice, dropped by the PVL to watch the games and see his favorite local volleyball hero in reigning Most Valuable Player Sisi Rondina.
“Man, she’s amazing. The explosiveness, the ball placement, you know, it seemed like every time she spikes it, she can get a point,” said the 35-year-old naturalized Filipino who helped Gilas win gold medals in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and 19th Asian Games last year.
“Of course, in this match, she’s being dominant so it’s very exciting to see that,” Brownlee added.
Rondina had 23 points including 22 from kills and added eight excellent receptions in the one-hour, 35-minute battle.
“I haven’t really got a chance to see her play in a while so I think, just coming to see her play, it would be nice,” Brownlee said of the open spiker.
Brownlee has admired Rondina’s game since her days at Petron — San Miguel Corporation’s volleyball club — in the defunct Philippine Superliga.
“She’s all around, for real. You know, she’s good at obviously (sailing) in the air and spiking the ball. She’s not one on the taller side but I think she’s just all around,” Brownlee, who is set to play as an import in Indonesia as previously reported by Daily Tribune, said.
“I’ve seen her play, I wanna say, back in maybe 2018, 2019 before the pandemic. I haven’t seen her play, so I just want to come out and see some good volleyball matches.”
Rondina, whose presence and leadership turned the Flying Titans’ fortunes around since signing with the team last year, gushed for the encouraging words from Brownlee.
The two met for a brief chat after Choco Mucho’s post-match presser.
“It’s an honor. He’s one of the best athletes in our country that the young ones look up to. Grateful for the kind words he said about my game and its boosts my confidence,” Rondina said.
“I idolize him too. He jumps high and I like seeing him sky for dunks. I’ve actually seen him before back when I was still playing for Petron,” she added.
“I was nervous at first because I might struggle to talk to him in English. It’s just overwhelming for me talking to Brownle who is an Asian Games champion,” Rondina quipped.
