MANILA, Philippines — This time when Sisi Rondina soars she carries the Philippine flag with her.

The pint-sized gunner showed what heart can do as she consistently proved that she could take down the fortresses of other countries, showing that her height was never a disadvantage.

As a starter for Alas Pilipinas, Rondina put up numbers against Australia (16 points), India (nine points), and Iran (12 points) to help the Philippines advance to the semis.

Rondina shared how representing the Philippines is a motivation for her squad.

"This is our inspiration, this time it is different, we are for the Philippines, this is where we draw our strength," Rondina said while pointing to the Philippine flag on her jersey.

But the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2023 All-Filipino Conference Most Valuable Player (MVP) remained humble as she credited her teammates for their first win via sweep against Iran.

"You know, I am really amazed with my teammates, since we all can adjust really quickly, and all of us have the same role. All of us are filling our roles the best way we can," the player of the game against Iran said.

Rondina could not help but still be amazed at how veteran setter Jia Morado-De Guzman orchestrated every play, leading to Alas Pilipinas' victory.

"Especially, Jia, I am so thankful for her since she makes our job as attackers easy."

"Jia reminded us that we have to play the best way that we can, and on how we should be comfortable. If we receive the ball perfectly, the offense will follow. We just listen to Jia's leadership since it works."

With coach Jorge Souza de Brito switching it up the offense this time as Chery Nunag and Vanie Gandler had more minutes in their game over Iran, Rondina shared that she is confident with her team.

"All of us can contribute. I am happy with our performance for the past three games, we played, and despite one week of preparation here we are we are playing volleyball. We are carrying our country along with us."