CANDON, Ilocos Sur – Ara Galang knows all too well how fleeting and precious a national team call-up can be.
Galang had multiple opportunities to represent the country early in her career and during her prime, but injuries repeatedly derailed those chances, preventing her from fully maximizing what could have been a longer stint with the national team.
Now 31, the veteran winger hopes her journey serves as a reminder to younger players never to take any call-up for granted, and to seize every opportunity to represent the Philippines—because chances like these do not come often and can slip away in an instant.
“Siyempre alam ko naman isa ‘yon sa pangarap ng bawat atleta. Sana pag dumating ang opportunity sa kanila, ma-grab nila ‘yon at mabigyan nila ng karangalan ang Philippines,” said Galang.
The Farm Fresh Foxy, after years of missed opportunities, finally got her long-awaited chance to suit up for the national team after being called up by Alas Pilipinas for the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup at the Candon City Arena here.
She made it a point to cherish every moment of her national team stint, embracing the opportunity to finally represent the country and make up for years of setbacks with gratitude and pride.
Galang also found herself lining up alongside a younger core, where her experience and composure naturally stood out. She became a source of inspiration for the next generation, quietly doing her part in guiding and supporting the national team’s evolving roster.
“Actually, hindi ko rin alam, pero ako, tinatry ko lang din ibigay yung best ko. And siyempre nakakataba ng puso na nai-inspire ko pa rin sila hanggang ngayon, at dadalhin ko ‘yon sa araw-araw,” said the former De La Salle University star.
It was a rocky campaign for Alas Pilipinas, which ended in its worst eighth-place finish since joining the tournament in 2023, but Galang nevertheless chose to focus on the positives and the lessons gained from the experience.
She also called on fans to continue supporting the national team, stressing that the players will only grow stronger with continued backing as they push forward in future competitions.
“Siyempre, hindi naman ito basta-bastang opportunity. Sobrang grateful ako, pero siyempre proud ako na i-represent ang Philippines, and sana patuloy suportahan ng mga tao yung Alas Pilipinas.”
