Dindin Santiago-Manabat is having her best campaign yet for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the ongoing 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Gone are the 'nakasimangot' days of Dindin Santiago-Manabat on the court.
Now, she’s playing with a renewed sense of joy—something she credits to the positive atmosphere within the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
After enduring a tough 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference where the team finished ninth and missed the quarterfinals, Santiago-Manabat remained optimistic, choosing to trust the system and the people around her.
"Hindi ko naman siya tinitingnan na negative. Positive lang ako, at siyempre, may tiwala ako sa sistema ni coach Dante [Alinsunurin]," Santiago-Manabat told One Sports.
"Hindi naman all the time nasa taas kami. Halos lahat ng teams nagd-double time, triple-time para makapasok at manalo. Kaya ako, nagtitiwala lang sa teammates ko, sa coaches, at sa management."
[ALSO READ: 'No regrets': Dindin Santiago-Manabat bares thoughts on leaving Akari for Choco Mucho in PVL]
That trust has paid off with Santiago-Manabat having her best conference yet for the Flying Titans.
She is coming off a 13-point performance to help Choco Mucho take down former team Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference qualifying round.
But more than just improving her game, what truly changed for the 31-year-old opposite hitter was the influence of her fun-loving teammates, who made every training session and game lighter.
With the likes of Thang Ponce, Mars Alba, Sisi Rondina, Lut Malaluan, and Maika Ortiz always keeping the mood upbeat, she couldn’t help but loosen up.
"Mga komedyante 'yung teammates ko, kaya nakakahiya naman kung lagi akong seryoso," she admitted with a laugh. "Sila 'yung nagpapaalala sa akin kapag masyado na akong seryoso—‘Ate, smile.’ Kahit minsan pilit, ngumiti na lang ako. Pati 'yung boss namin si Sir Jonathan, sinasabihan akong dapat laging nakangiti."
[ALSO READ: Onwards and upwards for Choco Mucho in PVL All-Filipino: 'Dapat nag-i-improve kami']
With a more joyful attitude, Santiago-Manabat will look to continue her stellar play as the Flying Titans head into the quarterfinals where they await the winner of the PLDT-ZUS Coffee match on Tuesday, March 4.