Top Chery stars begin process of finding new home
Flavius Dulce became the most sought-after person in volleyball on Tuesday, even if most fans have no idea who he is.
But the moment news of Chery Tiggo’s disbandment, which the Inquirer broke early Tuesday morning, made its rounds on the Internet, Dulce’s phone was the one that blew up.
The chief executive officer of Hustle and Groove Management Inc., which handles the careers of several volleyball standouts, notably those from Chery Tiggo, has begun the process of finding new teams for his clients, like much-sought-after hitter Ara Galang.
“I asked her which team to go to, she jokingly said, ‘any team as long as it won’t disband,’” Dulce told the Inquirer.
Even if she were serious, Galang’s quip would have been understandable.
Galang used to star for F2 Logistics, the powerhouse squad made up of ex-La Salle standouts, before the team also disbanded. The former Lady Spikers ace later joined F2 teammate Aby Maraño at Chery Tiggo, where they settled well in their new home.
And now this.
“Right now, Ara is still surprised and would rather not talk to other teams yet,” she said. “She’s contemplating how to move forward, like which is the best team she should go to.”
“We are looking for a team that is not overloaded with [players in] her position … Ara still wants to play as much as she can. The offers are coming in as of the moment.”
Busiest day
Tuesday marked the busiest day of Dulce’s agency. Among Galang’s teammates who are now on the lookout for jobs include Jasmine Nabor and Shaya Adorador, who were part of Chery’s 2021 title run and recent finals appearance in the On Tour, as well as steal of the draft Ren Peñafiel, Seth Rodriguez,Joyme Cagande, Cza Caradang, Daps Dapol and Erika Deloria.
“This happened before with F2, and I know I was able to place them all in different teams. I have a two-way communication with the team managers, and I make sure it is a mutual agreement between the player and the interested team,” said Dulce.
“We avoid bidding, out of courtesy to the team owners. There are teams, however, that really like a specific player, so I let the player weigh her options.”
Inquirer broke the news of the disbandment, with multiple sources revealing the heartbreaking meeting between the management and its team members. Moments later, Chery Tiggo confirmed its departure.
