Jovelyn Gonzaga says it’s hard to say no to country’s call

Jovelyn Gonzaga returns to national team play with Alas Pilipinas in the upcoming AVC Women’s Cup in Candon, Ilocos Sur.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Jovelyn Gonzaga is back with Alas Pilipinas for the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup.

And if you ask her, it was a decision that didn’t need any pondering.

“Ang hirap kasi tanggihan ng Pillipinas,” she said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday.

(It’s just hard to say no to the Philippines.)

READ: Alas’ AVC team ‘committed’ to fight for PH, says coach

“Our ability is our availability. This is the most available we are as athletes and how we can contribute to the national team. Hopefully, this all pays off, and we’ll see. Naniniwala (We believe).”

Gonzaga will be donning the Alas jersey with hints of nostalgia.

For one, she will play side-by-side with Ces Molina and Alyssa Valdez, two players with whom she competed with in Alas during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Their coach then was Shaq delos Santos, who coincidentally, is the current interim mentor of the Philippines.

READ: Alyssa Valdez, other vets and newcomers make up Alas’ AVC pool

Aside from that, Gonzaga is also excited to join the 20-women pool full of youth.

“It’s such a joy and honor to be back in the national team,” she said. “And, I’m also excited to be with the kids.”

The last time Gonzaga donned the country’s colors was back in 2022, when she won gold with Sisi Rondina in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour on home soil.

The AVC Women’s Cup begins on June 6 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.