Long-awaited teamup with Galang came at ‘right time,’ says Alyssa Valdez

Ara Galang and Alyssa Valdez, finally teammates with the national squad, share a moment during a game against South Korea in the AVC Women’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur — The stars finally aligned for Alyssa Valdez and Ara Galang to be on the same side.

The Philippine volleyball community had been clamoring for a Valdez-Galang tandem on the national team following their storied Atene0-La Salle rivalry in the UAAP that carried over into the PVL.

But the ‘GaDez’ team-up has been elusive, with Valdez always representing the country from 2015 to 2023 before serving again this year. They were close to being teammates in 2014, but a federation change prevented it from happening.

READ: Alas Pilipinas puts up fight but falls to South Korea

Our GaDez hearts 💕

Ara Galang and Alyssa Valdez relish their team up. #AVCWomensCup @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/CcGpyF5sr0

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 9, 2026

The ex-La Salle star tried out in 2017 despite her nagging knee injury and also in 2018, but neither attempt pushed through.

On Tuesday, it may be years late, but Valdez and Galang got to show what they are capable of as a tandem, realizing the community’s dream  and, most importantly, spearheading the Philippines’ gallant stand in the third set in a loss to undefeated powerhouse South Korea at Candon City Arena here.

The 31-year-old Galang, who scored all four of her points in the third, believes it was meant to happen this year with the Alas program needing other players to heed the call after the previous core was unavailable and begged off from competition.

“We’re 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,” said Galang in Filipino after the 16-25, 18-25, 22-25 loss.

It may have happened late in their careers, but for Valdez, 32,  it was the right time.

READ: Alas Pilipinas stays in semis hunt, overpowers Kyrgyzstan

“I think this may have come late in our careers, but it’s the right time,” said Valdez after scoring seven points. “It’s the right time for us to inspire each other, especially in the latter part of our careers.”

As a longtime national team campaigner, Valdez was in awe of Galang’s fighting spirit.

“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,” she said.

The veteran outside hitters conspired to power Alas’ fight in the third, where they even took an 18-15 lead following Galang’s nailing the timely hits and Valdez’s back-to-back aces.

Galang and Valdez will continue to relish the rare chance to share the court as teammates, vowing to continue fighting for Alas Pilipinas when they wrap up their Pool A campaign and try to save their semifinal bid against another formidable squad in Chinese Taipei on Thursday.