Cherry Nunag happy to become part of Alas Pilipinas despite not coming from major collegiate leagues

Cherry Nunag has had a long journey making it to Alas Pilipinas despite not coming through the big collegiate leagues such as the UAAP and NCAA.

Nunag, a product of De La Salle University Dasmariñas, was among the starters of the national team when it won against Iran last Saturday.

"Super thankful ako sa binibigay sa akin na opportunity ni Coach [Jorge De Brito] na makapaglaro, knowing na kailangan ready ako palagi sa second six kasi mabilis lang yung tournament, every day kami naglalaro so kailangan always prepared ka pa rin anytime na kunin ka niya sa labas," the Choco Mucho star said on Saturday.

"Kahit hindi ka first six or ikaw 'yung unahin niya, it’s okay pero ang goal ko ay mailabas ko 'yung laro ko every time na ipapasok niya ako, kailangan may ma-contribute ako sa game."

[I'm super thankful for the opportunities that Coach gives me to play, knowing that I have to be ready with the second six because it's a short tournament, we have to play every day so you should always be prepared to come in anytime... Even if you're not part of the first six or if you come in at the start, it's okay. My goal is to show what I can do every time my number is called, I need to contribute in the game.]

Nunag said her journey to make it to the national team was not easy, especially that she would need to build a stronger case for herself, compared to those who had more exposure after playing in the big leagues.

"Hindi siya madali knowing na hindi ka naging part ng NCAA and UAAP. Hindi madaling bumuo ng pangalan or something. 'Yung ibang tao nagugulat pa saan galing itong tao na ito so for me, happy ako sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ko mula umpisa, step by step and kung saan man ako, nandidito ako at kung saan pa pupunta 'yung journey at 'yung career ko," she added.

[It isn't easy, knowing you're not part of the NCAA and UAAP. It's not easy to make a name for yourself or something. Some people are surprised, like 'where did this person come from' so for me, I'm happy for everything I've been through, step by step, and for where I am and where I'm still heading in my journey and my career.]

Alas Pilipinas will play Kazakhstan in the semis on Tuesday.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News