Honored was Choco Mucho ace Sisi Rondina as Gilas Pilipinas stalwart Justin Brownlee came to watch her steer the Flying Titans past the Cignal HD Spikers in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
For more reasons than one, Choco Mucho Flying Titans' ace Sisi Rondina had to put on a show on Thursday night, March 14.
The reigning MVP put her prolific form in full display, not only preserve the undefeated record of the Flying Titans in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference but also give countless fans a performance to remember.
And among the sea of spectators inside the PhilSports Arena was Justin Brownlee, who enjoyed every bit of Rondina's 23-point, eight-reception performance in Choco Mucho's rout of the erstwhile-unbeaten Cignal.
"Man, she’s amazing," gushed Brownlee, a self-confessed fan of the 5-foot-6 dynamo even before the pandemic.
"The explosiveness, the ball placement, you know. It seemed like every time she spikes it, she can get a point. Of course, in this match she’s being dominant so it’s very exciting to see that."
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As the dust settled on the taraflex, Brownlee waited inside the media room for a chance to shake hands and exchange pleasantries with his idol.
Admittedly, Rondina was anxious at first. But the nerves would wash away almost immediately, as she relished the privilege of meeting the Gilas Pilipinas stalwart, who has brought glory to the Philippines much like her.
"Kinakabahan nga ako sa English kanina, baka mapalaban pa ko. Pero ayun, ano naman, overwhelming lang siya para sa'kin kasi Brownlee na 'yun tsaka champion pa 'yung sa Asian Games," the perennial national beach volleyball member shared. Rondina is a gold medalist herself at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures in Subic.
"Isang karangalan, kasi knowing him na isa rin siya sa mga manlalaro dito sa Pilipinas and tinitingala ng young ones sa basketball."
While Brownlee marvels at her high-flying game, Rondina revealed that she also draws inspiration from Barangay Ginebra's resident import.
"Grateful kasi ano yun eh, nakaka-boost ng confidence and napakaganda sa feeling-- kasi idol ko rin yun eh, mataas din siya tumalon, yung mga pa-ikot niya na pagda-dunk kaya ayun," she said.
As the rare encounter drew to a close, Rondina and Brownlee parted ways with a renewed sense of inspiration, which the two will be using in their respective pursuit of success.
Rondina aims to continue leading Choco Mucho in its title-contention bid, while Brownlee seeks to achieve glory overseas as he prepares for a stint in the Indonesian Basketball League.