MANILA, Philippines — De La Salle Lady Spikers star outside hitter Angel Canino expressed gratitude for another Alas Pilipinas call-up, this time joining the national women's volleyball team training pool for the Asian Games in September.
Speaking to reporters Monday at the Discovery Suites Magellan Hall, where she was named UAAP Women's Volleyball Player of the Year at the Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Awards, Canino said she hopes everything aligns in the Alas buildup for the Asiad in Japan.
"Of course, I'm very grateful. I feel incredibly blessed that when the lineup was announced, I was included. But of course, we're still in the process of preparing," said Canino in Filipino.
"So hopefully, everything leading up to the Asian Games will fall into place. I hope everything aligns well, and I also hope we can all continue to support one another even more."
Canino last saw action for Alas at the Southeast Asian Games last December in Thailand, where the Filipino volleybelles finished fourth.
In her latest national team call-up, Canino reunites with fellow stars Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Thea Gagate, and Jia De Guzman, among others.
Former Akari Chargers and NXLED Chameleons coach Taka Minowa will call the shots for the national team, which the Philippine Olympic Committee is handling while the Philippine National Volleyball Federation is suspended.
Meanwhile, Canino said she's quite shocked to be hailed as the CPC UAAP Women's Volleyball Player of the Year anew.
Receiving the citation first in 2023, Canino said her mission was merely to lead La Salle to the UAAP Season 88 title which she accomplished after the Lady Spikers completed a 16-0 sweep of the tournament.
"Honestly, I was really surprised to receive this award. Of course, my goal was simply to win the championship. So after we won, we just enjoyed being champions," said Canino.
Lady Spikers coach Ramil De Jesus was also hailed as Coach of the Year.
"Then when I received the email, I was really caught off guard. I thought, 'Wow, I'm very honored that my name was recognized and that I was able to represent La Salle together with Coach Ramil,'" said Canino.
"At the same time, though, this award comes with responsibility. So whatever recognition I'm receiving, I know it's all by God's grace."