CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur – Alyssa Valdez and Ces Molina cherished their reunion with Alas Pilipinas, marking nearly seven years since they last played together for the national team in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in Manila.
Valdez and Molina — along with Jovelyn Gonzaga and Alas interim head coach Shaq delos Santos — were part of the 2019 squad that came agonizingly close to ending the country’s medal drought, only to fall short in a five-set thriller against Indonesia.
Now, the quartet is back together, representing the flag in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup presented by the Philippine Sports Commission at the Candon City Arena here.
“Ako personally, sobrang happy ko kasi kasama ko ulit sila, back 2019, and I’m glad na may mga bago kaming mga kasama ngayon. I hope magtuloy-tuloy ‘to,” said Molina.
Despite only three weeks of preparation and the scrutiny surrounding the formation of the squad, Alas Pilipinas blocked out the noise. The team carved out a dominant 25-16, 25-12, 25-14 win over Uzbekistan on Saturday, with Valdez and Molina leading the charge.
Valdez paced the attack with a game-high 14 points on 11 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, alongside eight excellent digs. Meanwhile, Molina added 11 points and 15 excellent digs as the Philippines opened its campaign with a 1-0 record in Pool A.
The three-time PVL MVP admitted she never imagined a reunion with her former national team teammates, but said their focus is on maximizing the opportunity and embracing their role in mentoring the young core in the tournament co-presented by the FIVB, AVC, Volleyball World, and Candon City, headed by Mayor Eric Singson.
(C) AVC
“Napakasaya sa pakiramdam. We never really thought na we’re gonna go back here together, but andito kami so we’ll take this opportunity para makapag-share rin ng knowledge sa mga bata na nasa national team,” Valdez said.
Molina, for her part, said leadership comes naturally in this group given how receptive everyone has been, especially the younger players eager to learn.
“Yung leadership siguro natural na ‘yon sa mga players. Parang lahat kayang mag-lead. Pero lahat kami nag-a-adjust din kami sa isa’t isa; lahat kami sumusunod sa isa’t isa for better teamwork,” she said.
The reunion of familiar faces, coupled with a resounding opening win, gave Alas Pilipinas — which finished with a silver medal in the previous edition — an early boost in its bid for a strong finish in the continental tilt.
Now firmly back on the same side after nearly seven years, Valdez and Molina are hoping this time, the journey ends not in heartbreak, but in a long-awaited breakthrough for the national team.
