'Ito na': Dawn Macandili-Catindig upbeat on future of Philippine volleyball

Representing the flag since 2017, Dawn Macandili-Catindig understands very well that it takes a village to build a successful volleyball program on a national level.

But as she now serves as one of the veterans for the newly-formed Alas Pilipinas, the grizzled defensive specialist said she is confident that the youthful squad can go the distance in the long haul.

"It’s always the first step so I think this is a good step for us na talagang nag-work together, mag-cooperate ‘yung mga organizations in forming this national team," Macandili-Catindig said.

"Hopefully, magtuloy-tuloy ‘yun and talagang ito na. Nakikita ko na this is gonna be for the long run."

(It's always the first step so I think this is a good step for us to work together, for organizations to cooperate in forming this national team. Hopefully, this continues and this is it. I can see that this is gonna be for the long run.)

Alas will get its baptism of fire starting on Thursday, when they kick off their campaign in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women here in Manila against world no. 59 Australia, and nothing excites Macandili-Catindig more than the fact that she's teaming up with several rising volleyball stars in the country, which includes her fellow libero in Jen Nierva.

"Si Jen naman very stable libero in her own way and napakita niya naman na ‘yun dahil nadala niya ‘yung team niya sa podium," the former La Salle standout added.

"For me, being with another stable libero, sobrang kampante rin ako kasi siyempre we all have bad days and I know she’s there to support me and vice versa din, ‘pag kailangan niya ng tulong, andito rin ako."

(Jen is a very stable libero in her own way and she showed that because she brought her team to the podium. For me, being with another stable libero, I am confident because we all have bad days and I know she's there to support me and vice versa and when she needs help, I'll be here.)

Above all else, the 5-foot Macandili-Catindig is just beaming with confidence and enthusiasm to banner the flag once more, playing alongside the likes of Angel Canino, Eya Laure, Sisi Rondina, and Thea Gagate — some of the future faces of Philippine volleyball. 

"Actually ‘yung mga bata ngayon nagulat ako kasi sobrang matured nila maglaro," she said.

"At that age, I remember na hindi pa ako gano’n ka-mature maglaro. Talagang napakadali nilang i-guide sa loob ng court kasi ang bilis nila mag-absorb ng instructions."

(Actually, the young players now are very matured in terms of their play. At that age, I remember that I'm not that matured in playing. They are easy to guide on the court because they absorb instructions quickly.)

—JKC, GMA Integrated News