Alyssa Valdez’s eagerness to continue learning while embracing the opportunity to guide younger players underscores her decision to once again answer the country’s call and join the Alas Pilipinas Women pool for the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup.
Valdez said she did not think twice when she was called up to the national team pool, stressing that it was an easy decision given her continued commitment to the program and desire to contribute further.
“Parang ang dami pa ring things na gusto kong matutunan sa mga coaches and sa mga batang makakasama namin dito sa national team. Kaya parang hindi rin ako nagsasawa and hindi ako nagdadalawang-isip kapag tinatawag ng national team,” said the Creamline skipper during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.
At this point in her career, the 32-year-old Valdez, who last suited up for the national team in 2023 during the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, believes she has grown and matured further, allowing her to contribute in more ways both on and off the court.
“Pero at the end of the day, at this point in my career also, sabi nga ni coach, nag-mature na rin kami. Hopefully, our experience will bring so much more to this team,” said the three-time PVL MVP.
“Not only in terms of playing, but also hopefully helping the coaches guide the players and hopefully inspiring din kami sa loob ng national team. Siguro isa ‘yun sa mga hopefully madala namin dito sa national team.“
More than anything, she said she is simply grateful for the opportunity to once again be part of the national team and represent the country on the international stage.
(C) PVL Images
“I think it’s ano naman, once you’re part of the national team, you’re always going to be part of the national team. And once you’re called, part of me talaga laging buo ‘yung puso to serve dahil alam ko kung gaano naghihirap and gaano kasaya rin mag-represent din ng country. Siguro ‘yun din,” Valdez said.
Valdez is part of a revamped Alas pool that also includes Ces Molina, Trisha Tubu, Ara Galang, Royse Tubino, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Tots Carlos, Thea Gagate, Kyle Negrito, Cloanne Mondonedo, Kyla Atienza, and Alyssa Eroa.
Collegiate standouts Cla Loresco, Tin Ubaldo, Jaz Ellarina, Niña Ytang, Thirdy Tuddao, Vanessa Sarie, Lara Mae Silva, and Nat Estreller complete the roster.
Valdez tempered expectations regarding the limited preparation time since the pool was recently formed, but emphasized that the team will give its all in every opportunity to represent the country.
“Siguro realistically, we really cannot predict anything this AVC. We’re formed just recently din. All we could do now is prepare talaga para mabigyan naman natin ng magandang laban kung sino po ‘yung mga makakalaban natin this AVC,” Valdez said.
“That’s something that we keep in mind din talaga na kahit hindi kami ganun pa siguro hundred percent ready, pero pagpasok namin ng court 101 pa yung effort na ibibigay namin para makapagbigay ng magandang laban.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Valdez also expressed her happiness over reuniting with former national team head coach Shaq delos Santos, who will serve as interim mentor in place of Tai Bundit, as well as 2019 SEA Games teammates Ces Molina and Jovelyn Gonzaga.
“Honestly, I’ve played for coach Shaq in the national team way back in 2019. We were actually almost at the end. But unfortunately, I think ‘yun nga rin isa sa mga things na napag-usapan namin nila Ate Jov, nila Ces din, na it’s nice to be back and having that motivation na hopefully makakuha rin talaga kami ng panalo or ma-represent din namin ‘yung bansa with pride and honor,” she said.
“Very, very excited kasi nakalaban din namin si coach Shaq sa Finals recently so iba rin kapag nasa same side ng court—this time, it’s for the national team so lahat tayo, all one for the national team.”
