King Mangulabnan knows the weight that his family name carries. After all, his older siblings, Vince and Maji, are known playmakers in the local volleyball scene.
But the 23-year-old setter is out to prove he also belongs as he revives his volleyball career in the NCAA with Mapua University after transferring from Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP.
Mangulabnan spent one season with the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 86, but he shared he encountered personal problems that forced him to transfer to Mapua. After a year in residency, the rising setter is just glad to be back in action again.
And he's making the most of it.
"May mga naging problema lang talaga. Itong Mapua kasi first year pa lang, desisyon ko na talagang pumunta dito. ‘Yung Ateneo kasi sayang kaya pumunta na ako nu’ng nagkaro’n ng chance," Mangulabnan told GMA News Online on Tuesday.
"Nakapaglaro ako ng isang season doon tapos lumipat na ako."
(There were just some problems. In Mapua. from first year, I wanted to go here. With Ateneo, it was an opportunity I didn't want to pass up so I went when I had the chance... I played for one season there then I transferred.)
Mangulabnan has earned a spot in head coach Aying Esteban's starting unit and it's a role he's been fulfilling with grace so far.
In Game 1 of their Final Four series against defending champion Arellano University, Mangulabnan set the tone by unleashing 23 excellent sets that allowed his spikers Barbie San Andres and Arjay Ramos to lead the show.
San Andres dropped 33 points alogside 18 receptions while Ramos poured in 18 markers and 11 receptions as the Cardinals drew first blookd to move a win away from booking their first Finals appearance at leas in the Final Four era.
“Masaya lang talaga ako na nakabalik na ako. Na-miss ko ‘yung stage na ‘to e,” Mangulabnan added.
“Pero wala pang icecelebrate kasi ‘di pa naman tapos. Hindi basta-basta papatalo ang Arellano.”
(I'm just happy that I was able to come back. I missed playing on this stage... But we can't celebrate yet because it's not yet over. Arellano is not going to just roll over.)
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
