By Kevin Joshua Rebultan, MBody.PH
Images by Rochwald Iven Figueroa and David Clarence Rivera
Styling by Rey Ilagan
Make Up by Eliza Santiago of MAC Cosmetics
Hair by Bullet Reyes
Shot on location at the Center for Musculoskeletal Science-Asia, Quezon City
Amid the celebration that concluded the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball—yet another classic La Salle-Ateneo battle—was a tearful farewell of volleyball superstar Alyssa “Baldo” Valdez, who almost singlehandedly carried her team to victory. She might have lost that game, but she most certainly won the hearts of the 22,848 fans at the venue and the millions watching at home.
And from there she officially became the face of Philippine volleyball.
Alyssa Elevates
VOLLEYBELLE and sports personality Alyssa Valdez talks about the struggles of being a student-athlete
Born on June 29, 1993 in San Juan, Batangas, Alyssa learned how to play volleyball as early as 10 years old. She was taught by her mother, who used to be a volleyball player herself.
Throughout her college years she had been called several iconic monikers—The Scoring Machine, The Queen Eagle, The Phenom, among others—yet all the titles attached to her name fail to match the statistical milestones that she has achieved so far: a four-time UAAP best scorer, three-time best server, and three-time season MVP.
She was the outside hitter whom everyone hailed and opponents feared, known for her thunderous spikes that destroy even the most solid net and floor defense. Yet despite the awards, she remains grounded.
“I think I’m still the simple girl who really just wanted to study in one of the well-known universities here in the Philippines, which is Ateneo. And siyempre, no’ng nag-high school ako, which is UST. I’m still trying to achieve the dreams I set for myself, and I consider all these recognitions as an inspiration and motivation to become a better person ,” Alyssa said.
Today she continues to wreak havoc on court, playing professionally for the Creamline Cool Smashers. “Na-realize ko na I can’t live without volleyball talaga. Sa ganitong sport kasi, marami kang matututunan (there’s so much you can learn), team work, and discipline because you’re surrounded by different personalities,” she added.
Earning Her Wings
Looking back, Alyssa still couldn’t fathom how she survived college and how she was able to cope with the demands of a student-athlete’s life.
Yet she managed. “In college, ‘yung focus talaga namin (our focus) was really just school and volleyball. If you prioritize, love, and are passionate with what you do, balancing things becomes automatic. Kasi you will always find a way para magawa sila,” Alyssa said.
Alyssa also believes that learning doesn’t only happen in the four corners of the classroom, which is why she is thankful to have been exposed to the sport as it made her more confident. “I was really an introvert before. After class, I’d go straight to training. After training, I’d go straight home. Siguro mga five lang ang friends ko na co-athletes ko rin. Growing up, I also never had a boyfriend. And if you ask me if I brush my hair, or I do make up and go out, no talaga. Siguro I’ve experienced that after college na rin. At hindi pa rin ako marunong hanggang ngayon (I still haven’t learned them until now),” she jested.
Even today, she considers every day as a learning process. Whenever she trains, she comes in to the court and tells herself, “You’re not good enough, because you can do so much better.”
Reaching for the Sky
Ever the humble type, Alyssa shared that good attitude is more essential than skills, “It (skills) can be taught kasi, but attitude, ‘yon ang pinakamahirap talaga ituro (it’s the hardest thing to teach). Kaya I want to really instill in all the kids na it’s really hard work and the love for the sport that will make you succeed in whatever sport na mapipili mo.”
As her way of paying forward, Alyssa finds time to organize summer camps where she personally trains young athletes and aspiring volleyball players: “Kayo ang future ng Philippine sports,” she stressed. “They have the potential and the advantage; I just hope na magamit nila ito nang tama (I hope they could use it right). Sinasabi ko rin, we all have our idols. Mayro’n tayong iniidolo na sinusubukang gayahin (We have idols, whom we try to imitate), but you have to always remember that you’re different, you’re unique, and you can be someone better than us.”
Alyssa’s influence has undeniably gone beyond Katipunan for she has inspired many people, co-athletes, and supporters alike. Sports brings everyone together and Alyssa has proven its truth: “Volleyball is for everybody. I just want people to enjoy it.”
For more details
http://mbody.ph/2018/04/05/game-ready-alyssa-valdez/
Amid the celebration that concluded the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball—yet another classic La Salle-Ateneo battle—was a tearful farewell of volleyball superstar Alyssa “Baldo” Valdez, who almost singlehandedly carried her team to victory. She might have lost that game, but she most certainly won the hearts of the 22,848 fans at the venue and the millions watching at home.
And from there she officially became the face of Philippine volleyball.
Alyssa Elevates
VOLLEYBELLE and sports personality Alyssa Valdez talks about the struggles of being a student-athlete
Born on June 29, 1993 in San Juan, Batangas, Alyssa learned how to play volleyball as early as 10 years old. She was taught by her mother, who used to be a volleyball player herself.
Throughout her college years she had been called several iconic monikers—The Scoring Machine, The Queen Eagle, The Phenom, among others—yet all the titles attached to her name fail to match the statistical milestones that she has achieved so far: a four-time UAAP best scorer, three-time best server, and three-time season MVP.
She was the outside hitter whom everyone hailed and opponents feared, known for her thunderous spikes that destroy even the most solid net and floor defense. Yet despite the awards, she remains grounded.
“I think I’m still the simple girl who really just wanted to study in one of the well-known universities here in the Philippines, which is Ateneo. And siyempre, no’ng nag-high school ako, which is UST. I’m still trying to achieve the dreams I set for myself, and I consider all these recognitions as an inspiration and motivation to become a better person ,” Alyssa said.
Today she continues to wreak havoc on court, playing professionally for the Creamline Cool Smashers. “Na-realize ko na I can’t live without volleyball talaga. Sa ganitong sport kasi, marami kang matututunan (there’s so much you can learn), team work, and discipline because you’re surrounded by different personalities,” she added.
Earning Her Wings
Looking back, Alyssa still couldn’t fathom how she survived college and how she was able to cope with the demands of a student-athlete’s life.
Yet she managed. “In college, ‘yung focus talaga namin (our focus) was really just school and volleyball. If you prioritize, love, and are passionate with what you do, balancing things becomes automatic. Kasi you will always find a way para magawa sila,” Alyssa said.
Alyssa also believes that learning doesn’t only happen in the four corners of the classroom, which is why she is thankful to have been exposed to the sport as it made her more confident. “I was really an introvert before. After class, I’d go straight to training. After training, I’d go straight home. Siguro mga five lang ang friends ko na co-athletes ko rin. Growing up, I also never had a boyfriend. And if you ask me if I brush my hair, or I do make up and go out, no talaga. Siguro I’ve experienced that after college na rin. At hindi pa rin ako marunong hanggang ngayon (I still haven’t learned them until now),” she jested.
Even today, she considers every day as a learning process. Whenever she trains, she comes in to the court and tells herself, “You’re not good enough, because you can do so much better.”
Reaching for the Sky
Ever the humble type, Alyssa shared that good attitude is more essential than skills, “It (skills) can be taught kasi, but attitude, ‘yon ang pinakamahirap talaga ituro (it’s the hardest thing to teach). Kaya I want to really instill in all the kids na it’s really hard work and the love for the sport that will make you succeed in whatever sport na mapipili mo.”
As her way of paying forward, Alyssa finds time to organize summer camps where she personally trains young athletes and aspiring volleyball players: “Kayo ang future ng Philippine sports,” she stressed. “They have the potential and the advantage; I just hope na magamit nila ito nang tama (I hope they could use it right). Sinasabi ko rin, we all have our idols. Mayro’n tayong iniidolo na sinusubukang gayahin (We have idols, whom we try to imitate), but you have to always remember that you’re different, you’re unique, and you can be someone better than us.”
Alyssa’s influence has undeniably gone beyond Katipunan for she has inspired many people, co-athletes, and supporters alike. Sports brings everyone together and Alyssa has proven its truth: “Volleyball is for everybody. I just want people to enjoy it.”
For more details
http://mbody.ph/2018/04/05/game-ready-alyssa-valdez/