Achieving relationship goals
Apparently, how United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI) cares about the cars it offers to people translates to the support it gives to the teams it put up in the local volleyball scene.
UAAGI has long had its hand in sports starting with the Foton Tornadoes which played in the defunct Philippine SuperLiga from 2014 before being renamed as the Chery Tiggo Crossovers when the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) turned pro in 2021.
The Crossovers has been one of the pioneering squads in PVL and are actually the first ones to win the very first championship in the Open Conference of the same year. And UAAGI definitely makes its players feel the value of being a part of a historic franchise.
“I’ve been with Chery Tiggo for 11 months now. I cannot measure the happiness that I am feeling because there is so much to share and I can go on and on about how happy I am with them,” captain Aby Maraño told the Inquirer through a text message.
Maraño has been a familiar name of the sport having played for a number of local clubs and national teams before taking her act to Chery Tiggo, earlier this year, following the disbandment of her former team—and she’s not regretting her decision to backstop the team one bit.
“In fact, this is one of the happiest teams I’ve ever played in. The girls are so easy to get along with, plus, everyone has the best humor that clicks with the same humor that I have,” she added. “I chose Chery Tiggo because I already had a connection with them before when I played for their team back in 2016 as part of the Foton Pilipinas team that represented our country for an international competition.”
“[Since it’s under the] same management already and for me it’s very important to have [a good] relationship between the management/owners with the players [I chose to play for them again]. I witnessed before how hands-on their management is so for me that’s an A+,” the seasoned middle blocker said, adding that joining the team allowed her to reunite with best friend Mylene Paat, one of the veteran hitters for the Crossovers.
It was also a deciding factor for Maraño that for her new team to have the likes of Cess Robles, Rhose Dapol, Seth Rodriguez, Pauline Gaston, Shaya Adorador and setters Jasmine Nabor, Joyme Cagande and Alina Bicar—talented young blood that she wanted to work with and help grow.
“The young players of the team have [so much] potential. I felt like I want to be a part of their growth especially in the sport that we all love,” Maraño said.
One of the young ones is libero Jennifer Nierva, who is also a part of the Alas Pilipinas crew that gave the country two historic bronze medals this year in different international competitions. And like Maraño, she cherishes playing for Chery Tiggo.
“I’ve been with Chery Tiggo for a year now. Playing for this team has been a wonderful experience because of the camaraderie and support from my teammates, coaches and the management. It feels like being part of a family, and that has made every moment fulfilling and enjoyable,” Nierva said in a separate chat.
After her collegiate stint in the UAAP with National University Lady Bulldogs, who won a title in Season 84, Nierva has since joined the Crossovers—the only team she has played for as a professional.
“I chose Chery Tiggo because of its strong reputation and values. The team’s commitment to excellence, teamwork, and its family-like environment really resonated with me. I wanted to grow not just as an athlete but also as a person, and Chery Tiggo offered the perfect platform for that,” she said as they compete in the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference.
“I aim to keep improving my skills and contribute significantly to the team’s success. For the team, the goal is to win championships while fostering a supportive and inspiring environment for each other. It’s about building a legacy of teamwork and excellence,” Nierva said.
The Crossovers, with the continuous support of the management and owners, coaching staff and team manager Aaron Velez and new mentor Norman Miguel, strives to keep on improving and it’s not as tenuous as it seems with the positive environment that Chery Tiggo has built.
“I have a really, really good relationship with both [my teammates and the management]. If I would flex something, this would be it: I feel at ease with each member of the team. The management is very professional while my young teammates are very respectful. I love them so much,” Maraño said. “I am very happy and grateful that I want to serve this team until the last day I can play and hit a ball. I pray that they feel the same way with me.”
“My relationship with my teammates is amazing—we’ve built a bond both on and off the court. The management has also been supportive, providing us with the resources and encouragement we need to perform at our best. It’s a relationship I’m truly grateful for,” Nierva echoed. “I’m extremely thankful for the management’s unwavering support. They ensure we have everything we need, from training facilities to personal development opportunities. Their dedication motivates me to give my best every day.”
And it’s why Chery Tiggo, and UAAGI, is on top for the Crossovers.
“Chery Tiggo is on top because of our collective hard work, discipline and unity. We have a shared vision and the determination to achieve it. Our success is also a result of the strong leadership from our coaches and the full backing of our management, which keeps us striving for excellence,” the defense ace said.
“Chery Tiggo is on top because we are dedicated to serve with determination, grit, commitment and innovation. We are always up to gain more knowledge from all the challenges that we face together and all these are vital to fortify our team in line with our pursuit to achieve success—to serve our families, friends, supporters and sports enthusiasts with a great quality of volleyball,” Marano said.
