The sacrifice was all worth it for Sisi Rondina.

Rondina gave up rest and recovery to join Alas Pilipinas’ buildup for the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup immediately after Choco Mucho’s grueling finals loss to Creamline in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

On Wednesday night, the former PVL MVP finally reaped the rewards of her hard work.

The Philippines claimed a historic bronze medal after dominating a taller Australian side in straight sets, 25-23, 25-15, 25-7, in the battle for third place at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

This was the Philippines’ first-ever medal in the AVC since joining the confederation in 1961.

“Grabe, lagare talaga,” said Rondina. “Pero wala eh, kami yung nilagay dito and nagpapasalamat kami talaga sa mga taong sumusuporta, sa mga totoong sumusuporta. Ang dami naming nababasa actually, pero okay lang.

“Basta dinala namin itong country (sa podium) and we’re part of it. Para sa kanila itong panalo na ‘to, most especially sa mga taong hindi kami iniwan sa pinakauna pa lang,” she added.

Rondina admitted that she initially declined the invitation, but her eagerness to represent her country prevailed, prompting her to accept and become part of what turned out to be one of the most successful national teams in recent history.

“Ayun, sobrang thankful ako sa coaching staff na nagtiwala talaga kasi I already declined na ma-lineup ako dito sa national team kasi mas pipiliin kong magpahinga. Pero ayun, iba talaga yung feeling na dadalhin mo yung country,” said the Choco Mucho star, who scored 13 points in the bronze-clinching win.

“So nung nalaman ko din yung mga makakasama ko, sabi ko ‘sige why not i-try ko dito sa indoor’ kasi knowing indoor international talaga, kahit ako nagda-doubt din sa sarili ko pero ito kami ngayon pinakita kung anong meron ang mga Pilipino.”

Now, Rondina shared that she will take a much-deserved breather and focus on recovery but expressed that she is open to returning to the national team if given the chance.

“Mas pipiliin ko muna siguro mag-rest muna talaga. Kasi kanina pinilit ko na lang din talagang maglaro kasi may something sa tuhod ko. Kailangan na talagang magpahinga, pero minor lang naman saka nama-manage namin. Ayun, nandito na ‘to,” revealed Rondina.

“Syempre kung ano pa rin yung mga opportunities, grab pa rin.”