Dindin Santiago-Manabat ready for action, awaits volleyball resumption

by Andy Fiel

Dindin Santiago-Manabat is making sure she remains in top shape even during the pandemic, prepping herself for upcoming tournaments.

In the first few months of 2021, the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases) has been finalizing the guidelines for the resumption of non-professional sporting events in Subic. It was eventually approved, paving the way for the Gatorade PSL Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup staging.

But the good news here is that it has sent signals of the likely resumption of the indoor games, something that Manabat is looking forward to.

“Actually we are waiting sa league kung ano ang sasalihan ng Chery Tiggo. Preparing lang din kami, strength and condition pa via Zoom (app),” the former NU Lady Bulldog said in a live interview on Sports Bytes Philippines.

The physical preparations were one of the challenges that the Chery Tiggo mainstay had to address. She admitted that there were constraints brought about by online training and that they had to adapt to the situation.

“Sobrang laki ng difference kasi hindi namin magawa ung ball training namin. Iba pa rin yung may makaka-scrimmage ka. Malaki pa rin ang adjustment naming pag bumalik kami sa face to face,” Manabat said.

With the number of COVID-19 positive cases in the Philippines substantially high, Manabat was forced to do most of her activities at home most of the time. She admits that she also had to be selective with other activities that had to be done outside their house.

Pandemic allowed Manabat to train, be closer to family

Regardless, Manabat felt that the situation also served as an opportunity for her to spend more time with the family.

“Mas lalo ngayon, nakakapag-bonding kami,” Dindin stated.

Motherhood has also brought her a different perspective in her occupation. Manabat explained that being a mom also helped her mature and be more disciplined, allowing her to better understand the importance of time.

“Andyan si Chico (Manabat) para tulungan ako maging focused. Andyan anak ko, isa siya sa inspirasyon ko,” the Crossovers hitter quipped.

“Mas gusto ko na andyan sya napapanood nya ako. Mas gusto ko din na maging katulad din nya ako, maging volleyball player.”

The former middle of the Kurobe Aquafaries added that she remains open to enriching her knowledge of the game. Manabat feels that this will give her added advantage once the games resume.

“Willing naman ako mas matuto pa ngayon and pag gusto mo naman at love mo naman ang pwesto mo ay gagawin mo lahat,” she said.

Like most athletes who have been kept idle by the pandemic, Dindin is eager and rating to play once more.

“Sobrang excited talaga. Halos mag-one year na walang liga. So halos lahat naman ng mga players excited na,” she added.

Early last year an offer from an Asian volleyball club was on the table. It was another chance to prove herself internationally.

Although the deal fell through due to the pandemic Manabat was still fortunate to be with her family, blessed with health, and preparing for the resumption of local competition.

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Andy Fiel

Writer at Sports Bytes PH

Andy Fiel has been involved in sports for the past forty years. He played in the streets as a young baller, became a two sport athlete, coached in multiple age levels, and headed the athletics department of different institutions. His rich experience shaped his written word.