MANILA, Philippines — Dindin Santiago-Manabat is set to join Choco Mucho after her release from Akari, just in time for the PVL Reinforced Conference in July.
Transfer to Choco Mucho
Sources revealed on Thursday that the Flying Titans have acquired Manabat after her move from Akari to Nxled fell through. The anonymous source did not disclose the reasons behind Manabat’s request for release.
Manabat, alongside Bang Pineda, Trisha Genesis, and Jaja Maraguinot, was initially traded to Nxled, while Akari received Ivy Lacsina, Kamille Cal, Cams Victoria, and Dani Ravena a month ago. The teams also switched coaches, with Taka Minowa now leading the Chargers.
New Beginnings
Upon her release, Manabat joined Choco Mucho, which will miss former MVP Sisi Rondina and middle blocker Cherry Nunag due to their commitments with Alas Pilipinas. The 30-year-old wing spiker is already training with the Flying Titans, who have finished as runners-up in the last two All-Filipino Conferences.
Manabat brings a wealth of experience from her time in Japan and Thailand. She joined Akari in 2023 after a seven-year stint with Chery Tiggo, where she, alongside her sister Jaja Santiago, led the team to a pro championship in the 2021 bubble.
Team Adjustments
In response to the transfer, Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin indicated that the team is looking at free agents and rookies to fill the void left by Rondina and Nunag, as Des Cheng and Kat Tolentino are still recovering.
Manabat, a former National University star, was the 11th top scorer in the All-Filipino Conference with 112 points. Despite her efforts, the Chargers did not make it to the semifinals in her four-conference stay, although they improved to seventh place in the last two tournaments.
Akari’s New Lineup
Akari, which has not released an official statement about the trade, already played an exhibition game featuring new players Lacsina and Cal, along with returnees Victoria and Ravena. Nxled will rely on Pineda, Genesis, Lycha Ebon, Chiara Permentilla, Jho Maraguinot, and her sister Jaja.
Upcoming Draft
Nxled holds the fifth pick in the upcoming draft, followed by Akari. Choco Mucho will select second to last from the 47 rookie aspirants participating in the two-day Draft Combine from June 25 to 26 at Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong.(Voslot)
Team Movements and Trades
| Player | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Dindin Santiago-Manabat | Akari | Choco Mucho |
| Ivy Lacsina | Nxled | Akari |
| Kamille Cal | Nxled | Akari |
| Cams Victoria | Nxled | Akari |
| Dani Ravena | Nxled | Akari |
| Bang Pineda | Akari | Nxled |
| Trisha Genesis | Akari | Nxled |
| Jaja Maraguinot | Akari | Nxled |
| Roselle Baliton | Akari | Galeries Tower |