After helping Alas Pilipinas secure a historic 2024 AVC Challenge Cup semis berth, Cherry Nunag reflected on her journey as an unheralded player to a proud member of the national team.
From her humble beginnings at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas to becoming a part of the historical Alas Pilipinas, Cherry Nunag has truly come a long way.
Nunag could not help but reflect on her career after helping the Philippines secure its first-ever trip to the semifinals of the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup on Saturday, May 25.
The 31-year-old middle blocker made her first start for Alas, contributing all but one of her four points in the opening salvo to set the tone for the pivotal sweep of Iran.
Nunag may not have finished with a high output, but her impact was undeniable. She carved out her moment, to say the least, and that speaks volumes considering her unconventional path to the international stage.
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“Hindi siya madali knowing na hindi ka naging part ng NCAA and UAAP, hindi madaling bumuo ng pangalan or something,” she bared.
“‘‘Yung ibang tao nagugulat pa saan galing itong tao na ito. so for me happy ako sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ko mula umpisa, step by step and kung saan man ako nandidito ako at kung saan pa pupunta yung journey at yung career ko.”
Nunag believes there is still more she can give for Alas, but she feels immense gratitude for the opportunity given to her.
Be it as a starter or a second stringer, the 5-foot-11 stalwart is committed to contributing to the country’s success.
“Medyo kulang pa actually. Ang dami ko pa rin gustong ilabas. Super thankful ako sa binibigay sa akin na opportunity ni coach na makapaglaro knowing na kailangan ready ako palagi sa second six kasi mabilis lang ‘yung tournament, every day kami naglalaro so kailangan always prepared ka pa rin anytime na kunin ka niya sa labas,” Nunag said.
“Kahit hindi ka first six or ikaw ‘yung unahin niya, it’s okay pero ang goal ko ay mailabas ko ‘yung laro ko every time na ipapasok niya ako, kailangan may ma-contribute ako sa game.”
[ALSO READ: AVC: Sisi Rondina commends Jia De Guzman for leading shuffled Alas Pilipinas in semis-clinching win over Iran]
At the end of the day, Nunag is simply glad to be a part of history.
“Actually ito naman talaga ‘yung pinakahihintay namin sa volleyball community na makapasok ‘yung national team ng Philippines sa semis kasi ito pa nga yung hindi natin nagagawa,” she shared.
“So for me, it’s a big privilege na maging part ng national team lalo na itong batch na ito kasi sobrang ganda ng performance and yung gustong ilabas ng mga bata nakakatuwa, nakaka-inspire, nakaka-proud sila.”