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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider College rivals Valdez, Galang cherish moments as Alas teammates

College rivals Valdez, Galang cherish moments as Alas teammates

Published Jun 10, 2026 09:48 am

At A Glance

  • CANDON CITY — Back in the early 2010s, Alyssa Valdez and Ara Galang stood on opposite sides of the net, carrying the banners of Ateneo and De La Salle in the height of their UAAP women's volleyball rivalry.
College rivals Alyssa Valdez, left, and Ara Galang cherish moments together while suiting up for Alas Pilipinas.
College rivals Alyssa Valdez, left, and Ara Galang cherish moments together while suiting up for Alas Pilipinas.
CANDON CITY — Back in the early 2010s, Alyssa Valdez and Ara Galang stood on opposite sides of the net, carrying the banners of Ateneo and De La Salle in the height of their UAAP women’s volleyball rivalry.
Who would’ve thought that the two former collegiate superstars will play on the same team while representing the country as Alas Pilipinas guns for glory in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup?
For Valdez and Galang, the opportunity to become teammates is something to be cherished, especially in the stage of their respective careers.
“Finally, syempre sobrang happy. After a long time ‘di namin expected. Pero syempre, siguro destiny ‘yon. “Grateful ako na nakasama ko siya sa national team,” said Galang after Alas’ 16-25, 18-25, 22-25 loss to South Korea Tuesday, June 9.
“Alam mo I think this might be [huli na sa] careers namin, but I think it’s the right time to inspire each other towards sa latter part of our careers,” said Valdez. “So napakasayang kasama si Ara Galang, iba ‘yong fire nito. Makikita mong lalaban talaga.”
Valdez and Galang shone in the Nationals’ gallant fight in the third, where fans erupted in every point inside the venue, before posting seven and four points in a losing cause.
Both decorated players of their notable colors, Valdez and Galang combined for five UAAP women’s volleyball championships.
“Iba talaga ang lumaban para sa bayan. Honored kami,” said Valdez.
Despite a game break on Wednesday, June 10, the work doesn’t stop for Alas Pilipinas as it tries to keep its podium bid alive when it takes on Chinese Taipei Thursday, June 11.

Related Tags

Ara Galang Alyssa Valdez Alas Pilipinas AVC Women\'s Volleyball Cup De La Salle Lady Spikers Ateneo Blue Eagles
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