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PVL: I have to prove myself – Manilla Santos-Ng

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Mark Escarlote, ABS-CBN Sports

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2019/sports/08/10/201908010-pvl.jpg"/><figcaption>I really have to prove myself also kung talagang karapat-dapat kang makalaro -- Manilla Santos. ABS-CBN Sports</figcaption></figure></div>Returning Manilla Santos-Ng has to reintroduce herself.The volleyball legend may have an impressive résumé under her belt but after a decade removed from competitive play, Santos-Ng will have to start from scratch.It’s like her rookie year with De La Salle University all over again.Santos-Ng is staging a comeback since her last stint in the UAAP in 2009 after signing up with newcomer ChocoMucho in the Premier Volleyball League Season 3 Open Conference.“It’s 10 years ago [since I last played]. Sa totoo lang, I consider myself a rookie in this pro-league, bago lang ako,” said the four-time UAAP champion.Just like other newbies, Santos-Ng, who during her time in the UAAP was known for her high-leaping exploits, high-octane offense and solid floor defense, has to vie for playing time under head coach Oliver Almadro.“I really have to prove myself also kung talagang karapat-dapat kang makalaro,” said Santos-Ng. “Kung maglalaro ka go, if you can contribute go. If not, maybe in some other ways like inspiring the kids.”Santos-Ng has to compete against her younger and taller teammates to convince Alamdro for minutes.And earning her playing time won’t be easy for the 34-year old, 5-foot-4 hitter in a Flying Titans team stacked with young and very talented wing spikers in Kat Tolentino, Shang Berte, Carla Sandoval, Bang Pineda, Cindy Imbo, Shannen Palec and Gyra Barroga. It’s a big challenge that Santos-Ng knows she has to face.“One thing I like about Coach Oliver is that he’s very honest with us,” said the UAAP Season 71 Most Valuable Player, who played under Almadro back when the mentor worked as deputy to DLSU head coach Ramil De Jesus. “Kilala ko rin siya na, &#x27;Hindi porke’t kilala kita bibigyan kita ng spot,&#x27;” she added.Santos-Ng also acknowledges that she has to work double time to adapt to this generation’s level of play and try to bring back if not exceed her vintage form. “Honestly speaking may pressure because people are expecting a lot,” said Santos-Ng, who knows very well the hype that was built in her return. “But as I said, I consider myself a rookie here. Naga-adjust pa ako.”The three-time UAAP Best Receiver decided to come back to fulfill her son Kenzi&#x27;s wish of seeing her in action.“When I decided to come back, I started losing weight muna, low impact. Adaptive phase kasi matagal akong di nakapaglaro tapos nagdyi-gym ako,” she said.Santos-Ng then trained with ChocoMucho’s sister-team Creamline for a few months.“I told my husband I need court skills also so he said since affiliated naman siya sa Rebisco, he asked the management and the management is gracious enough to accept me to train with them,” Santos-Ng said.“And then during training, there was a new team being formed under Coach Oliver. Sinabi ko naman if I could join sa ChocoMucho because Coach Oliver’s there,” she continued.The former Queen Lady Spiker, who had her jersey no. 14 retired by DLSU, is now working on bringing back her hops and hang time that wowed fans a decade ago when the sport’s following was limited only to Filipino volleyball purists. “Ngayon lang ulit ako tumalon, nitong June. Nu’ng nag-start ako mag-training with Creamline noong February hanggang May more on floor defense lang ako, hindi pa ako kaagad tumatalon,” she said. “Again it’s been 10 years, it’s been a long time baka if nabigla ako ma-injury lang. So noong June pa lang ako nag-start, sakto noong nasa ChocoMucho ako.” When asked if this generation will have a chance to see the vintage Illa Santos operate inside the court, Santos-Ng answered.“Let’s just say na my teammates nagsasabi na may talon pa rin naman,” she said.This story was originally published on the <a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com/pvl/news/2019/08/10/pvl-i-prove-manilla-santos-ng-59823">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

Returning Manilla Santos-Ng has to reintroduce herself. The volleyball legend may have an impressive résumé under her belt but after a decade removed from competitive play, Santos-Ng will have to start from scratch.

Returning Manilla Santos-Ng has to reintroduce herself. The volleyball legend may have an impressive résumé under her belt but after a decade removed from competitive play, Santos-Ng will have to start from scratch.

PVL: I have to prove myself – Manilla Santos-Ng

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PVL: I have to prove myself – Manilla Santos-Ng

Mark Escarlote,

ABS-CBN Sports

Published August 10, 2019 11:06 PM PHT

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Updated August 10, 2019 11:44 PM PHT

Read More:

Manilla Santos-Ng

Premier Volleyball League Season 3 Open Conference

ChocoMucho

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