Cherry Rose Rivera-Macatangay Reflects on Her Legacy and the Future of Philippine Volleyball

In an interview with Scoreline.ph, one of the Philippines' greatest female volleyball players, Cherry Rose Rivera-Macatangay, shared her thoughts on the evolution of the sport and the promising future of Philippine volleyball.

Rivera-Macatangay, who first joined the SEA Games in 1995 at just 18 years old, fondly recalled the experience of competing against Thailand and finishing second in the championship. She also reflected on how much the sport has changed since her playing days, particularly the introduction of the libero position in 1999, which she did not have the chance to experience.

The Adamson University Lady Falcons alumna also touched on the significant impact of social media on volleyball today, a stark contrast to the pre-social media era where fans relied on traditional media for updates on games and schedules.

During the interview, Rivera-Macatangay praised Shaina Nitura, a rookie player for the Lady Falcons, for her impressive performance. 

“She’s doing great for the team,” said Rivera-Macatangay, recognizing Nitura’s potential to make a significant impact on the squad.

When asked about being considered the best female volleyball player in the Philippines, Rivera-Macatangay humbly expressed her gratitude. 

“It’s an honor to be remembered that way,” she said, acknowledging the respect she earned from fans during her prime.

As a member of the coaching staff for Alas Pilipinas, the 2006 Shakey’s V-League MVP and Best Scorer praised the team's performance, especially the efforts of Khylem Progella and Sofiah Pagara in the AVC Beach Tour 2nd Nuvali Open in Laguna. 

Despite not advancing to the quarterfinals, the duo’s resilience and determination stood out. Rivera-Macatangay believes that with more confidence, they can build on their strengths, and secure a podium finish in future competitions.

Looking ahead, Alas Pilipinas is preparing for upcoming international competitions in Thailand, including the Beach Pro Tour Futures Songkhla and the AVC Beach Tour Samila Open. Rivera-Macatangay wished the team the best of luck as they continue their journey to represent the Philippines on the global stage.

The future of Philippine volleyball looks bright, thanks in part to the legacy of players like Rivera-Macatangay and the emerging talents ready to take the sport to new heights.