National team captain Aby Marano declares war vs critics, bashers

MANILA, Philippines – Aby Marano has been chosen to be the team captain of the national women’s volleyball team headed for the 18th Asian Games this August.

And she wasted no time in declaring that she’s up to the challenge.

“Playing for the national team has been my childhood dream so being chosen as team captain is such a big honor,” said Marano, who is known for her devil-may-care mentality and fiery defensive approach.

“I accept wholeheartedly the responsibility given to me. I thank God because all I was asking for was pandesal and yet, He gave me burger. This is such a beautiful blessing.”

Marano has what it takes to lead a constellation of volleyball stars in its journey to prominence.

She is a vocal leader and a fighter inside and outside the court.

She has vast international experience after seeing action in two editions of the Southeast Asian Games and a handful of Asian championships, something that she can share to greenhorns like Rebecca Rivera, Mylene Paat, MJ Philips and Majoy Baron if ever they will be chosen to be part of the team.

This is also her second time to be chosen as captain of the national team. Unfortunately, her first selection during the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Championship in 2015 didn’t push through after she opted to bolt out and join the team headed for the 28th SEA Games in Singapore.

Now, she’s ready.

And she will defend her teammates from critics and bashers no matter what for the sake of flag and country.

“I am ready to face all kinds of criticisms for the sake of my team,” she said.

“They (bashers) don’t know what kind of hardship we go through every single day in training. They have no idea that we get bruised, wounded, pained and everything just for the sake of playing volleyball for the country and for our family.”

“Then, they will bash and judge you. I think that’s not fair.”

“That’s why I think somebody from the players should stand up and speak up. They have to tell them (bashers) that this is no longer right, that we are also humans who are hurt, who have emotions.”

“If they have nothing good to say, just shut up. We’re not here to please them. We’re here to play the role given to us in accordance to God’s will.”

In a nutshell, that’s the kind of leader Marano is.