Jema Galanza has been flaunting her prowess on the Taraflex all year long, making the headlines in the process.
The 5-foot-7 outside hitter has been a fixture in Creamline’s stellar campaigns in the past several conferences of the Premier Volleyball League, even emerging as the Most Valuable Player in the Open Conference. She was also a part of the Philippine women’s national training pool, before begging off midway through the year.
So now that Galanza has finally found some time off the playing field, she decided on a change in scenery. She sat alongside professional broadcaster Anton Roxas and served as one of the commentators of the inaugural NCAA Season 95 All-Star Volleyball Game on Tuesday afternoon.
“Sabi ko, lakasan nalang ng loob ‘to para naman hindi ako puro volleyball din tsaka experience din,” the proud daughter of San Pedro, Laguna admitted.
Just like any other battle on the volleyball court, the 22-year-old did the necessary and prepared. Upon hearing that she would dabble in commentary, she reviewed the rosters of Team Saints and Team Heroes, made a background check on each player, and watched tapes of televised games to learn from the veterans in the field.
Still, despite coming prepared, Galanza was caught off guard minutes before she graced the broadcast panel.
“Una sa lahat, hindi ko alam na maririnig ng audience ‘yung sinasabi namin,” said the product of Adamson.
“Sa una sobrang kinakabahan ako kasi hindi naman ito ‘yung forte ko talaga.”
Nonetheless, Galanza admitted that her first-ever stint as a color commentator was a memorable one.
“Pero ‘yun, nag-enjoy ako,” she beamed. “Si Anton naman, magaling naman talaga. Na-guide niya ako at nadala niya ako.
“Hindi pa naman ako ganoon kagaling katulad nila pero mapa-practice pa rin naman ‘yan, marami pa namang chance.”
