After a season of limited minutes and watching from the sidelines, Cian Silang is ready to remind the Spikers’ Turf why he’s considered one of the league’s premier setters.
Once the driving force behind Cignal’s 2024 Open Conference championship, where he earned Best Setter honors, Silang’s sharp court vision and steady hands orchestrated the Super Spikers’ offense with precision. But with the emergence of Owa Retamar and EJ Casaña in Cignal’s rotation, his role gradually diminished, leaving him craving more time on the court.
“Ako naman kasi sa Cignal kung ‘di ako magamit or magamit ‘man ako, nagpe-perform lang ako kung ano ‘yung laro ko talaga,” Silang reflected.
Opportunity knocked once more when Alpha Insurance welcomed the veteran playmaker for the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. Entrusted with the starting role, Silang quickly showcased the poise and leadership that have defined his career.
Last Wednesday, Silang delivered a playmaking masterclass in a four-set victory over 3B, 25-21, 25-15, 26-24, helping Alpha Insurance snap a two-game skid. The former Far Eastern University standout finished the match with 24 excellent sets, dictating the pace and flow of the Protectors’ offense.
“Siyempre masaya ako kasi ‘yung playing time, mas mahaba kaysa sa Cignal. Then dito ‘yun nga, mas nagagawa ko ‘yung gusto kong gawin, mas nalalaro ko ‘yung gusto kong laro,” he said after the win.
Beyond running the offense, Silang has embraced a mentorship role, guiding Alpha Insurance’s younger roster as a leader both on and off the court.
“Then dito starter nga ako, so ginagampanan ko lang kung ano ‘yung binigay na task sa’kin ng mga coach. As isa sa mga matanda sa loob, isa na rin ako sa nagli-lead sa kanila,” Silang shared.
A smooth transition was made easier by the familiarity of several teammates, many of whom also hail from FEU. Reuniting with JJ Javelona, Don Nadera, Jefferson Abuniawan, Reymond Sabanal, and Ronchette Villegas—some of whom he previously coached—Silang settled quickly into his new role.
“Di naman sila ganun kahirap adjust-an. Kasi ‘yung iba sa kanila galing sa FEU, so inabutan ko pa ‘yung iba,” he explained. “Coach din ako sa FEU, player ko sila, kaya ayun ‘di rin naman mahirap mag-adjust. ‘Yung iba rin sila Edward, sila JJ Javelona ‘di naman iba sa’kin kaya ‘di naman ako nahirapan mag-adjust.”
