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Tag: Ara Galang

  • Ara Galang turns national team comeback into inspiration for rising volleyball players 

    Ara Galang turns national team comeback into inspiration for rising volleyball players 

    After years of setbacks caused by injuries, Ara Galang finally returned to the international volleyball stage — and her biggest takeaway was not about personal redemption, but about inspiring the next generation of Filipino players.


    The veteran volleyball star was among the players selected for Alas Pilipinas’ campaign in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, giving her the opportunity to once again wear the national colors after missing previous chances due to health setbacks.

     

    With her long-awaited return complete, Galang hopes young Filipino volleyball talents recognize the importance of every opportunity to compete for the country.

     

    “Sana, ‘pag dumating ang opportunity sa kanila, ma-grab nila ‘yon at mabigyan nila ng karangalan ang Philippines,” Galang said.

     

    The Philippines ended its AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup campaign in eighth place, but Galang chose to look beyond the result and valued the experience of representing the national team on the international stage.

     

    For years, Galang was regarded as one of the country’s top volleyball talents. However, injuries repeatedly disrupted her momentum and limited her chances of building a longer run with the national team.

     

    “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,” the open hitter of Farm Fresh Foxies said.

     

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    Despite the challenges faced by Alas Women in the tournament, Galang focused on the lessons gained from competing against stronger international opponents and the value of the experience for the growing program.

     

    “Actually, hindi ko rin alam, pero ako, tinatry ko lang din ibigay ‘yung best ko,” she said.

    Beyond her performance inside the court, Galang also embraced the role of becoming an example for younger players who look up to the national team.

     

    “Siyempre, nakakataba ng puso na nai-inspire ko pa rin sila hanggang ngayon, at dadalhin ko ‘yon sa araw-araw,” Galang added.

     

    Her return was also part of a veteran presence in the Alas Pilipinas lineup, with experienced players helping guide a squad still developing chemistry on the international stage. 

     

    While the team finished eighth, the campaign gave the Philippines valuable exposure against some of Asia’s strongest volleyball nations.

     

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  • Ara Galang embraces mentor role in first Alas Pilipinas stint 

    Ara Galang embraces mentor role in first Alas Pilipinas stint 

    Ara Galang arrived in Alas Pilipinas without the expectations that once followed her during the height of her career.

     

    There were no discussions about carrying the offense, dominating opponents, or recreating the version of herself that once ruled the collegiate and professional ranks.

     

    Instead, Galang brought something the national team arguably needed just as much: perspective.

     

    At 31 years old and making her first appearance for the national team, the former La Salle superstar found herself in a unique position. She was no longer the young player chasing opportunities but the veteran finally getting one.

     

    And somewhere along the way, she became one of the most influential figures inside the Alas camp.

     

    The impact wasn’t necessarily measured in points or statistics.

     

    It was felt in the admiration of teammates who once watched her from afar.

     

    Veteran libero Alyssa Eroa admitted she had always dreamed of sharing the court with Galang, while younger national team standouts Niña Ytang, Alyssa Solomon, and Kyla Atienza drew inspiration from playing alongside one of Philippine volleyball’s most recognizable names.

     

    Even Alyssa Valdez, whose fierce battles against Galang helped define an era of the Ateneo-La Salle rivalry, found herself embracing a new role as a teammate rather than an opponent.

     

    For Galang, the realization came as a surprise.

     

    “Honestly, I don’t really know,” said Galang in Filipino. “I just try to give my best every day. But it’s heartwarming to know that I still inspire them until now, and that’s something I’ll carry with me every day.”

     

    The veteran opposite hitter understands the rarity of her journey.

     

    Unlike many national team mainstays who earn international exposure at a young age, Galang received her chance later than most.

     

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    That reality has shaped how she approaches her role with Alas Pilipinas.

     

    Rather than focusing on personal achievements, she hopes her story encourages younger players to value every opportunity that comes their way.

     

    “I know that’s one of the biggest dreams of every athlete. I hope that when the opportunity comes for them, they’ll seize it and make the most of it. Hopefully, they’ll be able to bring honor and pride to the Philippines as well,” said Galang.

     

    “This isn’t just any opportunity. I’m incredibly grateful, and at the same time, I’m proud to represent the Philippines. I hope people continue to support Alas Pilipinas.”

     

    As much as Galang appreciates the admiration she receives from younger teammates, she is equally excited about the generation poised to lead Philippine volleyball forward.

     

    Among them is Alyssa Solomon, whom Galang believes possesses the talent to become a cornerstone of the national team for years to come.

     

    “She’s a special talent. She has so much potential and still has a long journey ahead of her. She’ll be able to contribute a lot to Philippine volleyball, and I’m really looking forward to seeing her in future games with the national team,” Galang said.

     

    Alas Pilipinas may still be searching for consistency on the international stage, but Galang sees reason for optimism.

     

    And while her first national team stint may have arrived later than expected, her influence on the program could end up lasting far longer than the tournament itself.

     

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  • “Very happy to be playing with her”: Alyssa Valdez emotional after finally teaming up with Ara Galang

    “Very happy to be playing with her”: Alyssa Valdez emotional after finally teaming up with Ara Galang

    The 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Cup currently being held in Candon City has provided a meaningful glimpse into the evolving landscape of Philippine women’s volleyball, with Alas Pilipinas fielding a balanced mix of emerging talents and seasoned veterans as it continues its campaign on home soil.

     

    Beyond the results and the growing pains of facing Asia’s elite, one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines has been the long-awaited on-court reunion of two of Philippine volleyball’s most recognizable names—Alyssa Valdez and Ara Galang.

     

    For years, fans had envisioned the possibility of the two former collegiate rivals sharing the same side of the net. Their iconic Ateneo-La Salle rivalry in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), which later extended into the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), helped define an era of Philippine volleyball and fueled widespread anticipation for a partnership that never materialized in previous international or club settings.

     

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    The pairing, often dubbed by fans as the “GaDez” tandem, had been the subject of discussion for nearly a decade. At one point in 2014, the possibility of them suiting up together reportedly came close, only for circumstances within the volleyball federation setup at the time to prevent it from pushing through.

     

    Fast forward to the present, and that long-awaited collaboration has finally become reality under the Alas Pilipinas program—an emotional and symbolic moment for supporters who had followed both stars since their collegiate days.

     

    The Valdez-Galang tandem officially took the court during Alas Pilipinas’ 25-16, 25-18, 25-22 defeat to continental powerhouse South Korea at the Candon City Arena on Tuesday, June 9. While the result favored the more experienced Korean side, the match carried far greater significance for Philippine volleyball fans witnessing two of its modern-era icons share the floor for the national team.

    Despite the loss, both Valdez and Galang showed flashes of their trademark competitiveness, combining leadership, experience, and steady composure against one of Asia’s top-ranked programs. More importantly, the moment represented a full-circle chapter in their careers, transitioning from fierce rivals to national teammates united under the same flag.

     

    For Valdez, the opportunity carried emotional weight, as she reflected on the timing of their long-awaited partnership and the shared journey that led them to the national team stage.

     

    “I think this may have come late in our careers, but it’s the right time. It’s the right time for us to inspire each other, especially in the latter part of our careers. I’m very happy to be playing with Ara. She has a different kind of fire. You can really see how much she wants to fight and compete,” Valdez said.

     

    Galang, meanwhile, echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for finally being able to represent the country alongside a familiar rival-turned-teammate whose career has often mirrored her own in terms of success, challenges, and longevity.

     

    “We are really happy. It’s been a long time, and honestly, we didn’t expect this. Maybe it was destined to happen now. I’m thankful to be her teammate, especially on the national team,” Galang added.

     

    Their partnership on the national team also highlights the broader direction of Alas Pilipinas, which continues to integrate veteran leadership with younger prospects as it prepares for more demanding international competitions. While the results in the AVC Cup reflect the challenges of rebuilding and cohesion at the highest level, the presence of experienced figures like Valdez and Galang provides stability and mentorship for the next generation.

     

    As Alas Pilipinas continues its campaign in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, the Valdez-Galang reunion stands out not just as a nostalgic moment for fans, but as a symbolic reminder of how Philippine volleyball has evolved—and how former rivals can come together in pursuit of national pride.

     

     

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  • Ara Galang returns to national team spotlight with Alas Pilipinas call-up 

    Ara Galang returns to national team spotlight with Alas Pilipinas call-up 

    At a time when Alas Pilipinas Women is searching for stability amid major roster changes, one of Philippine volleyball’s most respected veterans is quietly stepping into the picture.

     

    Ara Galang, long regarded as one of the most recognizable faces in local volleyball, has officially joined the expanded Alas Pilipinas Women training pool ahead of the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup set for June 6 to 14 in Candon City.

     

    The development adds another experienced presence to a national team currently navigating transition following several withdrawals and unavailable players in the lead-up to the regional tournament.

     

    Interim head coach Shaq Delos Santos confirmed that Galang has already begun training with the squad.

     

    “Yes, nagte-training na po siya [Ara],” Delos Santos told said in an interview. 

     

    For Galang, the call-up represents another chapter in a career that has already seen nearly every stage Philippine volleyball has to offer.

     

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    Now 31 years old, the veteran winger enters the national team setup not just as another addition to the roster, but as a player capable of providing calm, maturity, and leadership to a younger and evolving Alas squad.

     

    Over the years, Galang has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most resilient figures, overcoming injuries and career setbacks while remaining a steady presence in both the collegiate and professional ranks. 

     

    Her experience in high-pressure matches and championship environments could become a valuable asset for a national team still trying to reshape its identity ahead of a busy international calendar.

     

    Her inclusion also reflects the growing urgency surrounding Alas Pilipinas Women preparations as the program works to rebuild depth following the absence of several key players from previous national team campaigns.

     

    While the spotlight has largely focused on younger stars and emerging names in recent months, Galang’s arrival gives the team something equally important — familiarity, composure, and veteran leadership at a crucial time.

     

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  • The Ultimate Volleyball “What If”: Alyssa Valdez and Ara Galang on the same side of the court

    The Ultimate Volleyball “What If”: Alyssa Valdez and Ara Galang on the same side of the court

    There are All-Star games—and then there are moments that feel bigger than the event itself. The growing clamor to see Alyssa Valdez and Ara Galang on the same side in the PVL All-Star Game falls into the latter.

     

    As voting continues, fans aren’t just picking players, they’re trying to create a storyline years in the making.

     

    Valdez and Galang are not just stars, they are symbols of an era. Both rose to prominence in the UAAP, carrying the banners of two of the fiercest rivals in collegiate sports, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University. 

     

    the “Phenom,” Valdez became synonymous with Ateneo’s rise, winning back-to-back championships and three MVP awards. Galang, on the other hand, was the cornerstone of La Salle’s dominance, earning Rookie of the Year honors before eventually becoming an MVP herself.

     

    For years, fans watched them compete and that’s exactly why this potential pairing feels special.

    The Premier Volleyball League All-Star stage offers something the regular season cannot and it is the chance to rewrite narratives. In a league where Valdez now leads the Creamline Cool Smashers and Galang who suits up for the Farm Fresh Foxies, they remain on opposite ends of competition. 

     

    The All-Star format, however, removes those boundaries—and fans are clearly eager to see what happens when rivalry turns into chemistry.

     

    That eagerness has gone beyond simple voting. On X (formerly Twitter), fans have actively campaigned for the two to team up, urging others to vote for both Valdez and Galang to ensure they land on the same squad. Hashtags, fan edits, and coordinated posts have flooded timelines, turning what is usually a casual All-Star selection into a fan-driven movement.

     

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    The demand isn’t baseless hype. It’s rooted in years of “what ifs,” as they have never been teammates—not in college, not in the pros, not even in the national team setup. In a sport where careers don’t always overlap at their peak, this All-Star Game might be the closest fans get to seeing them share the court as allies. 

     

    Then there’s the stylistic intrigue. Valdez has built her legacy as a high-impact scorer and emotional leader, capable of taking over matches when needed. 

     

    Galang complements that with versatility—an opposite hitter who can deliver offensively while contributing across different phases of the game. Put them together, and you don’t just get two stars—you get enough balance.

     

    The numbers back up the excitement. In the latest All-Star voting, Valdez ranked second among outside hitters for Team Heart with 21.91% of votes, 4% votes away from the first pick Bella Belen, while Galang topped the opposite hitters list with 37.66%. That isn’t coincidence—it’s collective intent wherein fans are actively trying to make this pairing happen.

     

    But beyond stats and skill sets, what truly drives the hype is emotion. This is about nostalgia, about revisiting a golden era of UAAP volleyball and imagining a different ending. 


    It’s about seeing two icons, who defined a rivalry, finally share the same goal—even if just for one game.

     

    Even Galang herself acknowledged the appeal saying “Never ko pa siya (Alyssa) naging teammate. Kahit na hindi ko ka-diagonal kasi nga opposite ako du’n, exciting ‘yun and siyempre, masaya ‘yun.”

     

    That sentiment captures everything wherein the excitement isn’t forced—it’s organic, shared by both fans and players.

     

    Scheduled on May 1 in Candon City, the PVL All-Star Game has already generated buzz. But if there’s one storyline that could elevate it from entertaining to unforgettable, it’s the possibility of Valdez and Galang finally joining forces.

     

    Because sometimes, the best matchups aren’t about who wins or loses. Sometimes, it’s about finally seeing something fans have waited years to witness—and realizing it was worth the wait.

     

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  • Bella Belen looks up to these PVL stars as she builds her pro career

    Bella Belen looks up to these PVL stars as she builds her pro career

    Bella Belen’s transition to the professional stage has come with immediate attention—but for the young standout, development still begins with learning from the players who defined the league before her.

     

    Now carving out her role with the Capital1 Solar Spikers, Belen recently shared how several established stars in the Premier Volleyball League continue to shape her mindset and playing style. Despite her rapid rise, the rookie standout remains focused on absorbing lessons from veterans known for their consistency and versatility.

     

    Speaking to One Sports, Belen pointed to players whose work ethic and all-around impact have become benchmarks for her own growth.

     

    At the top of her list is Jema Galanza, a player she has already observed closely both on and off the court.

     

    “Siguro si ate Jema since nakasama ko na siya and nakita ko kung paano siya magtrabaho as a player and as a teammate. So, siya rin and all-around player siya,” said Belen.

     

    Belen also credited Ara Galang, whose influence dates back to her collegiate days and continues to carry over into the professional ranks.

     

    “Second, si ate Ara. Ever since collegiate level pa lang siya, parang UAAP pa lang siya, idol ko na talaga siya.”

     

    It was only natural for Alyssa Valdez to make Belen’s list—one of the sport’s most recognizable figures whose reliability remains a standard across generations.

     

    “Siyempre si Ate Alyssa since isa siya sa mga legend sa UAAP and ngayon naman napapakita niya parin na every time ipapasok siya sa court talagang maasahan siya ng team,” Belen said.

     

     

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    Another influence is Brooke Van Sickle, whom Belen previously played with in the national team setup.

     

    “Ate Brooke, naging ka-teammate ko rin siya before sa national team,” said Belen. “Kala ko nga makukuha namin siya [sa Capital1]. So ayun, Ate Brooke kasi all-around player din siya.”

     

    Rounding out her list is one of the league’s most respected playmakers, Jia De Guzman—though Belen kept her admiration playful.

     

    “Ate Jia talaga. So, wait. Ate Jia, pag tayo po nagkalaban, please sit out muna kayo, ha?”

     

    Belen’s appreciation for elite competition was put into perspective when the Creamline Cool Smashers showcased their defensive depth in a straight-sets victory over Capital1 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

     

    Despite the loss, Belen emerged as a bright spot—continuing to prove why she is considered one of the league’s most promising young stars.

     

    For Belen, the experience reinforced a simple reality: the path to becoming a complete professional player is built not only through performance, but through studying the standards set by the very athletes she now competes against.

     

     

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  • Farm Fresh adds six SGA signings for 2026 PVL All-Filipino tilt 

    Farm Fresh adds six SGA signings for 2026 PVL All-Filipino tilt 

    Farm Fresh didn’t just tweak its roster this offseason — it rewired it.

     

    As Strong Group Athletics (SGA) finalizes the placement of its 10 new signings ahead of the 2026 PVL season, the Foxies emerged as the biggest beneficiaries, landing six players in one decisive sweep. The move positions Farm Fresh as one of the most transformed teams entering the new year, both in depth and balance.

     

    Joining the Foxies are Ara Galang, Royse Tubino, Mylene Paat, Imee Hernandez, Bia General, and Remy Palma, a group that collectively fills almost every gap on the roster. It’s a deliberate rebuild rather than a patchwork fix — one that touches offense, defense, leadership, and experience.

     

    At the center of that shift is Palma, who is set to take on a unique dual role as playing assistant coach, working alongside her former Petro Gazz mentor Koji Tsuzurabara, pending his confirmation as head coach. Beyond her on-court contributions, Palma is expected to anchor a frontcourt that will now feature several new pieces.

     

    For Galang, Paat, and Hernandez, the move also represents long-awaited stability. The trio finally finds new homes following Chery Tiggo’s disbandment last December, closing a period of uncertainty and reopening the door to consistent competition.

     

    Tubino and General, meanwhile, turn the page after separating from a retooled Choco Mucho lineup earlier in the offseason, giving Farm Fresh additional versatility on the wings and in the backcourt.

     

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    On paper, the Foxies’ new look is strikingly complete:

    • Tubino slots in as a natural outside hitter 
    • Paat reinforces the opposite position 
    • Galang adds a reliable two-way presence 
    • Palma and Hernandez fortify the middle 
    • General shores up the libero role 

    Notably, the only spot left untouched is the setter position, already stabilized by the tandem of Alohi Robins-Hardy and Louie Romero — a sign that Farm Fresh’s overhaul was targeted, not indiscriminate.

     

    With Farm Fresh claiming the lion’s share of SGA’s additions, the remaining four signings are set to bolster ZUS Coffee, led by veteran setter Chie Saet and former Chery Tiggo standouts Cess Robles, Renee Peñafiel, and Karen Verdeflor.

     

    As the PVL landscape continues to shift in the wake of team exits and offseason realignments, Farm Fresh’s aggressive reload stands out. It’s a clear statement: the Foxies aren’t just adding names — they’re building a new identity for 2026.

     

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  • Strong Group lands free agency heavyweight as Ara Galang finally finds a new home

    Strong Group lands free agency heavyweight as Ara Galang finally finds a new home

    PVL free agency has been defined by uncertainty, rapid exits, and franchises scrambling to reset—but one of its longest-standing questions has finally been answered. Ara Galang, arguably the most accomplished name still available on the market, has committed to the Strong Group Athletics (SGA) program, bringing clarity to a turbulent offseason.

     

    Galang’s arrival marks SGA’s 10th signing in a span of weeks, a clear signal of how aggressively the group has moved to stockpile proven talent ahead of the 2026 season. 

     

    More than just another addition, the veteran opposite hitter represents pedigree, stability, and a track record that few in the league can match.

     

    Her signing also continues the steady dismantling of the Chery Tiggo core. Galang is now the 10th former Crossover to secure a new PVL landing spot since the franchise formally disbanded in December, further shrinking a free-agent pool that once brimmed with championship-level contributors.

     

    Transitions, however, are nothing new for Galang. A preseason silver medalist and former Invitational Conference Best Opposite Hitter, the 31-year-old has already navigated a similar upheaval before.

     

     In 2023, she was forced into the open market following F2 Logistics’ sudden exit from the league—a move that sent shockwaves across PVL circles. 

     

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    That episode only reinforced her value, as she quickly emerged as one of the most coveted players available before being scooped up by Chery Tiggo.

     

    This offseason unfolded in much the same way. With nearly every team reportedly exploring the possibility of adding her, Galang ultimately chose the SGA route, positioning herself to suit up for either Farm Fresh or ZUS Coffee—two of the league’s younger squads looking to fast-track their competitiveness.

     

    Beyond her scoring punch, Galang brings leadership and championship-level experience to an SGA build that has leaned heavily on balance. 

     

    Of the stable’s 10 acquisitions, six came from the now-defunct Chery Tiggo roster, forming a familiar core that includes Mylene Paat, Cess Robles, Imee Hernandez, Karen Verdeflor, and Renee Penafiel.

     

    They are joined by former Petro Gazz standouts Chie Saet and Remy Palma, along with ex-Choco Mucho contributors Royse Tubino and Bia General, creating a mix of veterans and prime contributors rarely assembled in one offseason.

     

    As PVL teams race against the calendar and the free-agent board continues to thin, Galang’s decision doesn’t just close one chapter—it reshapes the competitive landscape for the season to come.

     

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