MANILA, Philippines – The smell of wine and champagne has yet to die down, but Shaq Delos Santos is facing yet another battle after winning the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix crown over the weekend.
Delos Santos said he would now focus his full attention to the national women’s volleyball team, which will shoot for the gold medal when the country hosts the 30th Southeast Asian Games from November 30 to December 15.
Delos Santos, in fact, graced the brunch meeting hosted by the team sponsor on Sunday morning or barely few hours after winning the most prestigious volleyball title in the country.
Also in attendance were assistant coaches Kungfu Reyes and Brian Esquibel as well as key players Jaja Santiago, Mika Reyes and Alyssa Valdez.
“We have to get a little rest first. After that, we’ll start training with the national team,” said Delos Santos, who will preside the twice-a-week training of the national team starting May 21 at the Arellano University School of Law gym in Taft Avenue, Manila.
Delos Santos has all the reasons to buckle down to work right away.
Reports have it that Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia had already started their training for the SEA Games and other international tournaments.
Thailand, for one, will be coming in with a powerhouse roster composed of rising stars while Indonesia will bank anew on sisters Aprilia Santini and Amasya Angraini Manganang as well as Amalia Nabila.
The Philippines, meanwhile, has Santiago, Reyes and Valdez as well as Jia Morado, Frances Molina, Mylene Paat, Dawn Macandili and Denden Lazaro.
Filipino-American stars Kalei Mau and Alohi Robins-Hardy will also make their debut together with MJ Philips.
Still, the battle will not be easy.
“It’s going to be tough,” said Delos Santos. “We have to work hard because the SEA Games will be held here. We have to do our best to win.”