When Alfred Valbuena’s collegiate career ended back in UAAP Season 79, he knew that in order for him to grow, he needed to get out of his comfort zone.
And so, after he graduated in 2017, he shelved his semi-pro pursuits and took a step back from the sport.
Though he continued his presence in the Philippine volleyball scene by becoming an analyst in the NCAA, PVL, and Spikers’ Turf, Valbuena became a full-time fitness coach at F45 Training.
“Maraming opportunities and maraming doors na nag-open sa akin, kaya tinry ko muna mag-explore sa ibang bagay like sa commentating, then sa work ko,” said Valbuena.
But despite pursuing other endeavors, the former UP Fighting Maroon kept himself fit, knowing that someday, he would return to doing what he loves the most.
He just needed a sign.
“While may downtime ako sa work, talagang nagpapa-kondisyon ako. Hindi ako nagpawala sa kundisyon kasi alam ko may time or may chance na may opportunity ako ulit mag volleyball,” Valbuena claimed.
Now, the opportunity has finally come knocking.
Valbuena suited up in the Solid Seven Men’s Open Volleyball Tournament — a one-day league that also featured Cignal players such as Rex Intal, Manuel Sumanguid, Wendel Miguel, Karl Baysa, Vince Mangulabnan, and AJ Pareja to name a few.
After seeing him play once again after a long-time, Valbuena’s former UP teammate Miguel, along with Intal and Sumanguid, were convinced that Valbuena still has what it takes and urged him to try out for a spot with the HD Spikers.
“Well, yung mga teammates ko din, kasi sila nagsabi. Kasi nag-join nila ako sa one-day league — yung ‘Solid Seven’ — so nakita nila akong maglaro, tapos sabi nila bakit ayaw ko daw mag-tryout? So sabi ko, ‘Sige, I’ll give it a shot’. Tapos ayun, tinawagan na ako ng management [na] pumunta ako sa training, so ayon,” he explained.
Eager to repay the trust that the HD Spikers have vested in him, Valbuena put up his best performance so far in just his third game. He fired 11 points on Cignal’s straight-set conquest of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals.
The former Maroon is currently averaging 6.75 points per game in the HD Spikers’ first four outings.
“Masarap sa feeling. Overwhelming siya na kahit papaano, nakuha ko na yung system ng Cignal. Ayon, as a team, kailangan din kasi ikaw mag adjust,” said Valbuena.
However, despite his solid contribution off the bench, Valbuena believes that there’s still more room for him to grow, which can only lead to good things for the HD Spikers’ double gold bid.
“Meron pa ring lapses sa akin eh. Kailangan pa kong mag-improve, lalo sa mga back row attacks namin. Sa blocking, sa consistency, sa atake din.”
