ALAS Pilipinas' monumental Nations Cup run saw the Philippines' first AVC silver medal in 64 years and a 10-place jump in the FIVB world rankings.
But the biggest win of them all for captain Jia de Guzman goes beyond all the breakthroughs and historic figures.
READ: Canino, de Guzman, Palomata score individual awards in AVC Nations Cup
Time and time again, Philippine volleyball has pled for continuity and longevity in terms of building its national teams and establishing a competitive stature in the international scene.
This year so far might just be the turning point de Guzman has longed for as the leader of the Filipinos.
“It takes time and loads of patience to build a culture that focuses more on the journey and growth over immediate results,” de Guzman wrote on her Instagram page hours after Alas’ silver medal conquest.
“Where other people only see wins or losses, achievements or failures, perfection or mistakes, we see ALL of it as necessary parts of the process of becoming a better team. This is what 'gaining experience as a team' means.
“This is why we try to keep the same players, and also add more to the pool.”
As far as national teams go, a sporting country like the Philippines is bent on seeing results and success as soon and as frequent as possible.
However, the Alas skipper underscored that breakthroughs and historic figures alone shouldn’t be the sole barometers for what a successful program should look like.
“When we make the mistake of putting all the weight on a ‘game win’ or ‘historic feat’ to count a day or tournament as successful, it’s easy to be blind to the progress, small wins, and experience that was actually achieved,” de Guzman said.
“But when we truly live in the moment and give full respect to the process, we learn the most and the results will eventually follow.”
An inspirational Alas run for the future
As such, this Alas team won’t be about guaranteeing results or delivering instant outcomes against some of the region and world’s best.
What it can bank on - and even promise - to Filipinos is that every single time they’ll step onto the international stage, there won’t ever be a shortage of fight and heart from each Alas player donning the national tricolors.
“I can’t fully express how proud and inspired I am to witness each member of this team grow every day as athletes and coaches. Thank you for continuing to show up and give your best even when things get hard. I love you all so much.
“To our families, loved ones, team sponsors, and the amazing Filipino community around the world, this win is for you, too! Step by step, Philippines. On to the next. Patuloy na lalaban ang Alas Pilipinas para sa bayan.”
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