DLSU's Angel Canino raring to form partnership with Jia De Guzman in AVC stint

MANILA, Philippines – Former UAAP rookie-Most Valuable Player Angel Canino has a lot to be excited about following her first call-up to the women’s senior national team for the upcoming 2024 AVC Challenge Cup slated next week here in Manila.

Canino, who joins fellow DLSU Lady Spikers Thea Gagate and Juju Coronel in Alas Pilipinas’ latest pool, was especially excited by the prospect of linking up with eight-time PVL Best Setter Jia Morado-De Guzman in training and in-game.

Familiar with the former Ateneo star’s caliber, Canino gushed over getting to play with her senior in the international stage.

“I'm really looking forward na maging setter si Ate Jia kasi before, parang nakikita ko lang po siyang nagse-set. Sobrang ganda niya talaga. I mean, meron talaga siyang connection with each and every one sa loob,” Canino told the media on Wednesday afternoon. 

“Yun yung pinaka-nagagandahan ako. You know, makikita mo yung maturity niya inside. Makikita mo yung leadership niya kaya gusto ko rin siyang makasama kaya nilu-look forward ko,” she added.

Canino also made special mention of her collegiate rivals who were also called up to the national team pool, including newly named UAAP Season 86 MVP Bella Belen.

After years of playing against each other, the UAAP champion looks forward to being on the same side of the net.

“Also, nilu-look forward ko rin sina Casiey Dongallo, Bella Belen, ate Aly Solomon, kasi siyempre, magkalaban kami sa UAAP eh, so I really look forward na makalaro siya sa national team natin,” she said.

The collegiate stars reinforce a freshly formed pool flanked by PVL stars such as the likes of Morado-De Guzman, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure and Jennifer Nierva.

Alas Pilipinas will begin their campaign in the AVC Challenge Cup by May 22, playing against Iran, they will also be facing Chinese Taipei, India and Australia in Pool A action.

The team hopes to improve on the Philippines’ seventh-place finish last year.