National University standout Owa Retamar is set to suit up for the Cignal HD Spikers.
The best has just gotten better.
Perennial Spikers' Turf champions Cignal HD Spikers have secured the most sought-after recruit from the collegiate scene in Owa Retamar.
The decorated club team announced the acquisition of the National University standout setter on Friday, May 24.
“Sobrang saya ko po na maging Cignal ako at tinanggap po nila ako ng sobra sobra po, na winelcome nila ako na parang matagal na po nila akong player,” Retamar said.
The 6-foot-1 playmaker is expected to amplify the already fearsome arsenal of the HD Spikers, who recently completed a golden repeat in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Retamar not only showcases exceptional playmaking prowess but also offers reliable net defense and poses a significant threat from the service area.
The two-time UAAP champion and two-time Finals MVP is also no stranger to the Spikers’ Turf, having won two titles with NU-Sta.Elena Nationals in the 2022 Open Conference and the 2023 Invitational Conference – both of which coming at the expense of the HD Spikers.
Drawing from his past encounters with Cignal, Retamar fully understands the caliber of the team.
With this in mind, the 22-year-old is prepared to make the necessary adjustments to facilitate a seamless transition into the squad.
“Knowing Cignal naman, strong team sila and sobrang buo na ‘yung team nila. And ‘yung communication nila with the coaches, as in kabisado na nila,” Retamar said.
“Ako na lang ‘yung mag-a-adjust para at least mabilis na ‘yung transition namin, mabilis kami mabuo.”
Retamar is also set to reunite with some of his former teammates, most notably Bryan Bagunas and Jau Umandal.
The trio suited up for the Philippine men’s national volleyball team that captured a historic silver at the 30th Southeast Asian Games hosted in the Philippines in 2019.
“Sobrang masaya kasi makakasama ko na sila. Pare-parehas lang naman kami ng gusto e na tumaas ‘yung level ng men’s volleyball dito sa Pilipinas na part kami ng Cignal,” Retamar said.
“And ‘yung mga coaching staff dito and nag-su-support sa Cignal ganun din ‘yung gusto kaya masaya naman.”