Gel Cayuna’s name has recently surfaced in discussions about the Alas Pilipinas national team pool, reflecting her impressive performances in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Season. Despite the national team interest, Cayuna remains firmly focused on Cignal’s ongoing campaign in the PVL.
“Happy po kasi naa-appreciate niya rin ‘yung talent ko,” Cayuna remarked following Cignal’s straight-set triumph over the Thai squad Est Cola at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The spotlight on Cayuna intensified with the inclusion of Choco Mucho’s playmaker, Mars Alba, in the Alas Pilipinas pool. Jorge Souza de Brito, head coach of Alas Pilipinas, emphasized that the national team’s roster is open to PVL players, notably recognizing Cayuna’s stellar performance in the Reinforced Conference, where she clinched her fourth Best Setter award.
“It’s kind of a surprise just because I didn’t tell the guys, but it’s no surprise because every time you play well in the PVL, any player can enter the pool,” De Brito explained.
“It’s just an option because Choco Mucho is already out, so I called her and asked if she was available to join us.”
De Brito added that Alba’s inclusion was part of a broader selection process that also considered top PVL talents like Cayuna. “Not only [Alba was considered], but all the good players. She had the chance to stay more time with us. Cayuna, the best setter in this PVL conference, is also an option, so we’re here for the best players available,” he said.
Since De Brito took on the national team coaching role in 2021, Cayuna has been on his radar. She made her national team debut that year, playing for Choco Mucho in the Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship alongside Rebisco.
While the opportunity for Cayuna to join Alas Pilipinas remains open, Cignal’s head coach, Shaq Delos Santos, emphasized the importance of maintaining the team’s core.
Cignal, which finished third in the Reinforced Conference, has been missing key players Dawn Macandili-Catindig and Vanie Gandler, who are currently committed to the national team.
Catindig and Gandler’s absence was notably felt throughout the import-laden tournament, impacting Cignal’s performance.
“Siguro ano, sobrang na-appreciate lang namin ‘yun na ‘yung talents and skills ni Gel, kung paano siya maglaro, [nakikita nila], sobrang thankful kami doon. But siguro ‘yung regarding na talaga diyan, to be honest, matinding isipin siya. Hindi siya biro,” Delos Santos shared.
"Kasi sa totoo lang, nakikita niyo naman ‘yung team namin, up and down, up and down, nag-struggle din kami. Ngayon, medyo ngayon lang ulit nakakabwelo, so talagang kailangan ayusin muna namin ‘yung team namin. Ayun muna,” he added.
Should a formal invitation for Cayuna come in the future, Delos Santos assured that both Cayuna and the Cignal management would carefully evaluate the situation before making any decisions.
