Choco Mucho welcomed the new year with renewed vigor for a strong start in the resumption of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after a month-long break.

At the forefront of the Flying Titans’ flight to success is the resurgence of veteran winger Dindin Santiago-Manabat.   

The towering spiker has been providing much-needed firepower as Choco Mucho racked up three straight wins including back-to-back victories to begin the year 2025 for a 5-3 win-loss record in fifth place.

The grizzled veteran played a huge role in Flying Titans’ last two victories, earning her the distinction as this year’s first PVL Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live winner for the period of 18 to 25 January.

Manabat dropped 19 points anchored from 15 kills and four kill blocks in a come-from-behind 20-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-9 win over ZUS Coffee at the Philsports Arena last 18 January.

Following winger Kat Tolentino’s surgery due to a ruptured appendix, Manabat continued to step up as she tallied 16 points and eight digs in the Flying Titans’ triumph over PLDT, 21-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-18, last Thursday.

“Actually, I dedicate my game to Kat because she’s my inspiration. And she doesn’t deserve what happened to her,” Manabat said.

“She’s hardworking and such a nice person. I came here with the mindset to win and follow the system of coach (Dante Alinsunurin).”

With the 31-year-old turning back the hands of time and stepping up for the Flying Titans when it mattered most, Manabat bested Rondina, Cignal’s Vanie Gandler, Creamline’s Jema Galanza, Petro Gazz’s Myla Pablo, Farm Fresh’s Jolina Dela Cruz, ZUS Coffee’s Chai Troncoso, PLDT’s Savi Davison, Chery Tiggo’s Cza Carandang and Akari’s Faith Nisperos for the weekly nod.

The 6-foot-2 star underscored her mission to help Choco Mucho win a breakthrough title. Since joining the league in 2019, the Flying Titans’ closest run to the throne was a couple of runner-up finishes in the past two editions of the All-Filipino Conferences.

“I want to help Choco Mucho make history. I believe in coach Dante. He’s very patient with us,” Manabat said.