CANDON, Ilocos Sur – Ara Galang knows all too well how fleeting and precious the opportunity to wear the national team jersey can be.
Galang had multiple chances to represent the country early in her career and during her prime, but injuries repeatedly derailed those opportunities, preventing her from fully maximizing what could have been a longer national team stint.
Now 31, the veteran winger hopes her journey serves as a reminder to younger players to never take any call-up for granted and to seize every chance to represent the Philippines, as opportunities like these do not come often and can slip away in an instant.
“Siyempre, alam ko naman na 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.
After years of missed opportunities, the Farm Fresh standout 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.
Not one to take the opportunity for granted, Galang made sure to cherish every moment of her national team stint, embracing the chance to finally represent the country and make up for years of setbacks with gratitude and pride.
She also found herself lining up alongside a younger core, where her experience and composure naturally stood out, allowing her to serve as a source of inspiration for the next generation as she quietly contributed to the national team’s evolving core.
“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 finished in its worst eighth-place standing since joining the tournament in 2023. Still, Galang 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 na suportahan ng mga tao yung Alas Pilipinas.”
