CANDON CITY — For Alyssa Valdez, the first-ever PVL All-Star Game was much more than just a midseason exhibition. It was scintillating validation.
In a week that gathered the league’s biggest stars and brightest young talents, the Creamline skipper saw clear proof of how far Philippine volleyball has come and how much further it can still go.
READ: Alyssa Valdez still the All-Star of All-Stars nearly a decade into her pro career
“Nakakatuwa kasi ‘yung players are quality talaga. Talagang marami tayong volleyball players and I would say they are quality players,” she said.
“That’s, I think, one thing that we can bank on looking forward in the next few years na meron tayong volleyball community na susuportahan at meron tayong opportunity to have a career in volleyball.”
From established names to rising standouts, the All-Star Game shone a spotlight on the sport’s growing depth.
Rookies like MVP Bella Belen and Jean Asis shared the floor with veterans such as Myla Pablo and Jia de Guzman, a mix that reflected both the present strength and future promise of the game.
They got next
It also underscored how quickly the next wave is taking shape.
“We’re very happy and sana, magtuloy-tuloy lang. I think it’s because also for sure, ‘yan sila Bella na ‘yung mga magli-lead diyan sa mga younger generations and sa amin din na nagiging inspirasyon namin ‘yung mga kabataan,” she said.
But beyond the rallies and recognition, Valdez pointed to something bigger: the direction of the sport.
And her hope moving forward is simple: build on what is already there, as Philippine volleyball, just like where the All-Star Showcase took place, continues to head north.
“I’m very, very happy and sana, sana, sana, isa lang ‘yung wish ko talaga, to spread good vibes in the whole community on and off the court,” she said.
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