FOR more than a decade, Ara Galang and Alyssa Valdez were touted as the ultimate rivals and top guns of Philippine volleyball.
The so-called ‘GaDez’ duo made their UAAP seniors’ debuts in Season 74 in 2012 for archrivals La Salle and Ateneo, respectively, and played five consecutive finals until Season 78.
Galang won three, Valdez scored two.
READ: Ara Galang dedicates PVL Finals debut to her 'OG believers'
All these years later, Valdez still stands strong as captain of Philippine volleyball’s most successful team in Creamline, while Galang is bound for her first pro finals appearance with Chery Tiggo in the 2025 PVL on Tour.
Even before earning her first shot at a PVL title, Galang’s greatest badge of honor to date has been her longevity at the highest level through setbacks, successes, and everything else in between.
And she couldn’t be more thrilled to share continued success with her fiercest foe in college - even now into their 30s.
“Masaya ako kasi nandito pa rin kami, kaming dalawa (ni Alyssa). Kahit papaano, kaya pa namin makipagsabay sa mga new generation,” Galang told SPIN.ph.
“Masaya rin, nakakatuwa at nakaka-proud na nandito pa rin kami sa love namin na volleyball. Hindi na nga ako outside ngayon eh. Opposite na ako. Okay ok rin, at least tapatan na eh no.”
The future is now
‘GaDez’ might still be turning back the clock in the PVL today, but they do acknowledge the emergence of their highly-touted successors in former UAAP rookie-MVPs and Alas Pilipinas stars Bella Belen and Angel Canino.
“Nakaka-flatter and nakakataba ng puso kapag naririnig kayong ganun,” Galang said, referring to the similarities between her and Valdez and Belen and Canino.
“Masaya lang talaga ako na nare-recognize ng mga tao yung pinagtatrabuhan ko."
For her part, Valdez said before the preseason that it might just be a matter of time before the changing of the guard in the sport plays out.
“Change is inevitable, so we just accept and embrace it. For me, I think I just have to also realize that in no time, it will definitely happen,” Valdez said.
“All these kids will be playing in the pros. May mag-a-add nang mag-a-add sa number ng age namin. Paano ako magko-cope? Definitely, inspiration ko sila to be better and to stay disciplined and determined to be at my best, to give my best every single game.”
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