For Alyssa Valdez, returning to Alas Pilipinas is no longer just about scoring points or carrying the offense.
At this stage of her career, the longtime face of Philippine volleyball sees her latest national team stint as something deeper — an opportunity to guide, inspire, and grow alongside a new generation wearing the country’s colors.
That mindset became one of the biggest reasons why Valdez immediately accepted the call to rejoin the Alas Pilipinas Women pool for the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, despite limited preparation time and a roster still trying to find its chemistry.
Instead of viewing another national team campaign as an obligation, the Creamline captain sees it as another chance to evolve.
“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 Valdez during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.
Now 32 years old and already one of the most decorated names in Philippine volleyball, Valdez believes experience has changed the kind of value she can bring to the program.
The three-time PVL MVP last represented the country during the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, but this latest return comes with a different perspective — one centered less on individual production and more on leadership behind the scenes.
“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 Valdez.
“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.“
The veteran winger joins a heavily reshaped Alas Pilipinas pool composed of established stars and emerging collegiate standouts alike, creating a mix that Valdez believes can still grow into a competitive unit despite the short buildup.
Included in the pool are fellow veterans Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ara Galang, Tots Carlos, and Trisha Tubu, alongside younger names such as Niña Ytang, Cla Loresco, Tin Ubaldo, Jaz Ellarina, Vanessa Sarie, and Nat Estreller.
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“..we’re all here as veterans, mga bata, coaches, & yung mga former na naging part din ng national team to help build a better & a more powerful PNVF.”
“..sana mas maging united & mas committed tayo for the betterment of the PNVF.”
— Alyssa Valdez
— Hanyu 選手 𓆩
𓆪 ⸆⸉ (@mushroomzuru) May 26, 2026
PSAFor Valdez, simply being part of another national team remains something she never wants to take for granted.
“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.
Alas Pilipinas heads into the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup carrying both uncertainty and urgency after several players from the previous national team core became unavailable for the tournament.
Still, Valdez said expectations inside the camp remain grounded, with the team choosing to focus more on maximizing every training day rather than making lofty promises.
“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.”
One familiar presence helping ease the transition is interim head coach Shaq delos Santos, whom Valdez previously played for during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games campaign.
That reunion, alongside reconnecting with fellow veterans Gonzaga and Molina, has added another layer of motivation for the longtime national team mainstay.
“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.”
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