MANILA, Philippines – Oliver Almadro may not be aware of it, but when the All-Filipino Conference kicked off the Premier Volleyball League’s newest season last week, he attracted a lot of attention in the same manner that the title contenders had. 

The attention will once again be on Almadro and how he manages his previous squad when the Angels play the well-liked Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. This will be just his second game managing his newest team, Petro Gazz.

Almadro abruptly quit Choco Mucho in the middle of the Reinforced Conference last year, claiming he wanted to focus only on the Ateneo women’s team as they prepared for the upcoming UAAP season. 

Ideas regarding his new home team. He arrived at Petro Gazz unexpectedly, and when pressed for information in certain interviews, he became agitated. 

Almadro adamantly asserts that he and his old team are doing well and even claims that Maddie Madayag, one of his Ateneo-Choco Mucho wards, frequently pays him a visit. 

Naturally, Almadro said, “with Choco Mucho’s team management. You see, I’m truly content right now. Maddi sees me occasionally, and she has a particular place in my heart.”

It will start at 6:30 p.m. The Flying Titans are going for their second consecutive victory under new coach Dante Alinsunurin, while the Angels are trying to win their first game after losing to Creamline in straight sets in the opening game. 

Almadro praised his previous team, saying, “They’re always impressive.” They have a great squad. I’m done now. They are a really gifted group. Therefore, we will put in a lot of effort, get ready, and I pray that the Lord will give me courage and insight for the upcoming game. 

At 4 p.m., the reigning champion Cool Smashers take on No. 2 vs. Cignal.

Looking back at January 2023’s coach trades and movements

Oliver Almadro, a former coach for Choco Mucho, was named the Angels’ new coach in a surprising move. A week following Rald Ricafort’s departure from Petro Gazz for PLDT, the squad also hired a new head coach. 

In November, following the Flying Titans’ five-set loss against Akari, which saw Priscilla Rivera score a career-high 44 points, coach Almadro resigned from his position. He identified the Ateneo Blue Eagles of the UAAP as his primary motivation for abandoning his position as Choco Mucho’s coach. 

Almadro has a record of 23 wins and 27 loses throughout his three years with Choco Mucho. Additionally, he led the Flying Titans to back-to-back fourth-place finishes in the previous two Open Conference competitions.