Dindin Santiago-Manabat part ways with Chery Tiggo volleyball club

Dindin Santiago-Manabat was released by the Chery Tiggo Pro Crossovers (Dindin Santiago-Manabat Facebook)

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Volleyball superstar Dindin Santiago-Manabat will no longer play for the Chery Tiggo Pro Crossovers in the next conference of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

The sport’s latest development came after a shocking announcement of the volleyball franchise last December 29, 2022, on its official Facebook page.

Chery Tiggo only posted a brief thank you message dedicated to Santiago-Manabat and ended with: “We wish you well in all your future endeavors.”

The towering athlete then confirmed everything after posting a lengthy message on her official social media accounts, thanking Chery Tiggo management for taking care of her for the last six years of being a professional volleyball player.

“6 years with my Foton/Chery family! I am so blessed to be a part of this amazing team. Marami akong natutunan from the management, coaches, and teammates. The journey is not yet over. See you around!” posted Santiago-Manabat.

The sister of national team staple Jaja Santiago, Dindin became one of the focal points of Chery’s offense since the PVL returned last 2021.

Santiago-Manabat was a key piece to Chery Tiggo’s 2021 Open Conference championship campaign where they dethroned Alyssa Valdez and the Creamline Cool Smashers.

The heated battle between Tiggo and the Cool Smashers was dubbed as one of the greatest championship matches in PVL history.

However, Santiago-Manabat had an injury-hounded 2022 season and was only forced to play limited minutes in the two conferences.

During her absence, the former PVL champions failed to clinch a single grand finals appearance but came close in the recently concluded Reinforced Conference when they got to the semifinals.

As of now, the former national team member is yet to announce her next move in her professional volleyball career.

“It’s been a fruitful and meaningful 6 years of rollercoaster ride with you guys! I am grateful and thankful!” continued Santiago-Manabat.