For Cignal coach Dexter Clamor, eight championships are just the beginning. As the Spikers’ Turf Invitational title celebrations echoed last Sunday, Clamor sent a strong warning to those who dare challenge their reign – the dynasty is far from over.
“Tonight, we’ll celebrate,” Clamor said with well-earned pride after the HD Spikers drubbed the Criss Cross King Crunchers in three in their winner-take-all match and completed a dominant season sweep and clinched their eighth overall championship.
“But for the next conference, paghahandaan namin uli. We will work harder kasi marami pa rin kaming lapses na kailangan trabahuhin. Hindi kami titigil at magsasawang manalo at mag-champion ng mag-champion (We will prepare again. We will work harder because there are still lapses we need to address. We will not stop. We will never get tired of winning and becoming champions over and over again),” he said.
Winning has been synonymous with the HD Spikers. Over the years, the franchise has established itself as the gold standard of excellence in men’s volleyball. Anchored on discipline, teamwork and a relentless pursuit of perfection, Cignal has built a culture of sustained success unmatched in the sport.
That winning tradition is not simply about having the best talents but molding them into champions.
Clamor, who took the reins with a clear vision, exemplifies that mindset. He credits the squad’s victory to their collective effort: “Pinaghirapan ng lahat itong championship. Hindi lang isang tao o dalawa. Whole team ang nag-sacrifice, nag-aral, at nagbigay ng higit pa sa 100 percent (Everyone worked hard for this championship. It wasn’t just one or two people. The whole team sacrificed, studied, and gave more than 100 percent).”
From their thrilling Open Conference conquest last May to this latest Invitational sweep, Cignal’s dominance has been on full display. Whether facing upstart contenders like the Savouge Spin Doctors or arch rival the Criss Cross King Crunchers, the HD Spikers have proven their ability to rise under pressure.
While fans may see only trophies, Cignal’s path to victory has been anything but easy.
This season alone brought unique challenges – integrating new talents into their system and overcoming critical setbacks, including a five-set loss to the Spin Doctors and a semis stumble against the King Crunchers.
But true to their pedigree, the HD Spikers adapted and emerged stronger.
“This conference was very stressful,” admitted Clamor. “Maraming bagong players (There are many new players), so it was about teaching them the Cignal system and culture that has defined us for the last 11 years. They trusted the process and embraced it.”
Key returnees like Louie Ramirez and new stars such as Owa Retamar, JM Ronquillo and Martin Bugaoan have flourished under Clamor’s leadership. Ramirez, in particular, shone brightest in the Invitational final, delivering 24 points, including 21 attacks, to secure yet another crown.
Ramirez himself credited the adjustments they made after their semis loss.
“The connection with Retamar was key,” he said. “We ensured the defense couldn’t read us.”
With Clamor at the helm and a team deeply rooted in the Cignal culture of success, the HD Spikers have only grown more formidable. Their hunger for more championships remains insatiable, and the competition should take notice.
The next season promises even bigger goals for Cignal – a continued pursuit of perfection and a deeper legacy that future generations will aspire to match. For Clamor and his squad, the work never stops, and the glory never loses its shine.
