When Dante Alinsunurin signed to be Choco Mucho's new head coach at the start of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League season, there were doubts if he can juggle handling two teams at the same time.
Alinsunurin is also the chief tactician of the National University men's volleyball program.
After two conferences in the PVL, talks got loud after the Flying Titans finished seventh place in both, still unable to reach the podium.
This Second All-Filipino Conference though, winds changed as praises showered for the humble Alinsunurin with an impressive showing not just for Choco Mucho but as well for National U.
With the PVL and Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference happening at the same time, Alinsunurin successfully guided both his teams to the Finals of the leagues organized by Sports Vision.
"Syempre natutuwa naman ako sa nangyari kasi finals ako sa Spikers' Turf tapos finals rin dito sa PVL. Sobrang hindi ko maexplain. Parang sobrang lutang ba na 'ah parang kaya ko palang gawin tong ganitong sitwasyon'," said the former national men's team coach on Thursday.
Although Choco Mucho dropped Game 1 against Creamline, it can still revive its championship hopes come Game 2 on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the NU-Sta. Elena Nationals need to leave it all out on Friday in the knockout Invitational Conference championship game against the undefeated Cignal HD Spikers in the men's side at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Alinsunurin, however, is not taking all the praise by his lonesome. He also gave credit to his coaching staff in both teams as well as the very supportive management, allowing him to keep coaching the other team for the benefit and growth of volleyball in the country.
"Syempre hindi lang naman na credits sakin yan, credit din sa mga coaching staff ko na tumutulong sakin," said Alinsunurin, who secured the Flying Titans' first-ever podium finish in eight conference.
"Yung management din, NU and Choco Mucho, na laging sumusuporta sakin kung ano yung gusto kong gawin and ano yung dapat kong gawin para mas maganda yung takbo ng programa ng bawat team."