Kat Tolentino expressed gratitude for her Alas Pilipinas pool invitation for the 2025 SEA Games but said her focus remains on Choco Mucho as she continues to regain form after past injuries.
Choco Mucho star Kat Tolentino is taking things one step at a time after being among the 20 names invited to join the Alas Pilipinas Women pool for the upcoming 2025 SEA Games in Bangkok, Thailand.
[ALSO READ: Jia De Guzman leads Alas Pilipinas Women pool for 2025 SEA Games in Thailand]
While honored by the invitation, Tolentino clarified that her inclusion is not yet final, emphasizing that her current focus remains on her club duties in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
“Actually, that's just an invitation, so it’s not guaranteed yet,” Tolentino told reporters after the Flying Titans' defeat to the Farm Fresh Foxies. “I’m still focusing right now on PVL.”
Making her way back into the national team
Tolentino’s possible return to the national team comes at an opportune time, having last suited up back in the 2021 AVC Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship.
After enduring multiple ACL tears, partial deafness, vertigo, and appendicitis, the 6-foot-1 opposite spiker has immediately found her form for Choco Mucho.
[ALSO READ: Kat Tolentino turns setbacks into strength in triumphant PVL return for Choco Mucho]
That’s why Tolentino is grateful to be healthy enough to even be considered for the national team pool.
“I’m very thankful to be included, and I know the team, Alas, has improved a lot this past year,” she shared. “But for now, yeah, I’m still focusing on Choco Mucho.”
Excitement for the program’s growth
Despite keeping her focus on the PVL, Tolentino expressed excitement about the strides Alas Women have made under head coach Jorge De Brito, noting how the program has gained international recognition and consistency.
“Of course, yeah, the competition is a lot higher, and I’m excited because the girls seem like they’re jelling well, and I think the system is improving every year,” said Tolentino. “They’ve already won medals in overseas tournaments, so I’m just grateful that it’s improving.”
For now, Tolentino will prioritize her campaign with the Flying Titans, but she is expected to join Alas training in the coming weeks.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.