ONE of the Philippine national team’s longest-serving stalwarts in Kath Arado was among the notable exclusions from Alas Pilipinas’ 33-woman player wishlist.
After norming 19.33 digs and six receptions in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, the 26-year-old University of the East standout made a strong case for another international stint with the country.
READ: Top players left out of Alas Pilipinas' 33-woman 'wishlist'
Despite being overlooked this time, Arado vowed to leave the door open if the call of duty arrives to serve the nation once more.
“Open naman basta hindi masasagasaan ‘yung priority ko with the team,” Arado said.
“‘Di ko naman kinoclose ‘yung door kasi ‘yun nga, sabi ko nga po, ‘yung opportunity na ganito, bihira lang talaga dumating and ‘yun nga, hindi naman ako pabata, so grab lang nang grab.”
Arado is among the nation’s notably bemedalled volleyball stars over the years.
She has two bronze medals to her name in both legs of the then-2019 ASEAN Grand Prix that took place in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand and in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Her last tour of duty for the flag was at the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2022 in Vietnam during the pandemic where the nationals finished fourth in the five-nation field.
As the first half of her 2025 season comes to an end, Arado beamed with pride on captaining PLDT in Asia’s biggest club competition despite bowing out early in the playoffs.
“Sa’kin naman, sobrang proud lang talaga. Proud talaga ako sa pinakita ng team. ‘Yung tutok kasi talaga ng bawat isa, kahit ‘yung mga coaches na talagang i-instruct talaga kami point-by point,” Arado said.
“Kinapos man pero madami kaming natutunan tsaka ‘yung gulang talaga namin medyo kulang pa.”
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