Kat Tolentino (center) at the Choco Mucho bench during their 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinal game against Creamline, April 30, 2024 at the Philsports Arena. PVL Media
MANILA -- Choco Mucho star Kat Tolentino on Monday opened up about the "auditory condition" that has kept her out of action for the Flying Titans for over a month now.
Tolentino last played on March 19, scoring 18 points in the Flying Titans' five-set loss to PLDT in the elimination round of the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference. She was on the bench in their next two games, and kept out of the lineup starting their match against Capital1 on April 6.
Choco Mucho announced on April 8 that their veteran opposite spiker will be out of action for the foreseeable future due to an auditory condition. She did not play for the rest of the conference, watching from the sidelines as the Flying Titans made it all the way to Finals where they were swept by sister team Creamline.
READ: Creamline reigns over Choco Mucho anew to claim 2024 All-Filipino crown
"Before Holy Week, I was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with a condition that causes severe vertigo and affects my hearing, vision, and balance," Tolentino said on Instagram, a day after the conference wrapped up.
"One minute I’m a healthy strong athlete, the next I am in a hospital not even able to stand up on my own," she added.
READ: Choco Mucho's Kat Tolentino to rest amid recovery from auditory condition
For Tolentino -- who has endured a bevy of injuries in her athletic career -- her current situation is "one of the most challenging" because of the uncertainty it has caused her. It is also a source of frustration and heartbreak, given that Tolentino had been playing at a high level before her diagnosis.
"I was working hard to be the strongest I could be this conference. And I thought I was. Until I wasn’t," said Tolentino.
Yet Tolentino, who has battled through knee injuries to push through with a professional volleyball career, is keeping the faith and choosing to focus on what makes her strong even as she deals with another stretch of adversity.
"I’m not sure how this will affect me in the future but I do know God always has greater plans for us than we have for ourselves," said Tolentino.
"So, here is another adversity that I’ve been dealt with and I’ve chosen to use it as a way to grow in faith, be more grateful for my health, and always cherish the people who have stayed with me this far," she added.
Tolentino also expressed her gratitude to her team and Rebisco management for their support.
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