Alyssa Valdez vows to always heed Alas Pilipinas call

Alyssa Valdez

STAR / Russell Palma

MANILA, Philippines — Nothing, not even criticisms accusing her of being washed out, could stop Alyssa Valdez from playing for the flag and country in whatever capacity she can.

“I will never get tired of representing the country,” said the 32-year-old Valdez during Wednesday’s lunch hosted by team sponsor Allianz at the Ayala One in Makati.

The Creamline team captain, who was one of the 10 who attended Alas Pilipinas team practice Tuesday in Mandaluyong, did not expound on her decision but said she is excited to work with the younger members of the national pool of mostly college players.

“It’s a happy feeling for me to be surrounded by young talents and hopefully I can be of help to them and be an inspiration to them,” said the former Southeast Asian Games flag-bearer who last suited up for Alas in Phnom Phen, Cambodia three years ago.

Valdez said she’s praying more players would come in to strengthen the Nationals as they prepare for the AVC Challenge Cup set June 6 to 14 in Candon, Ilocos Sur.

“I’m hoping we would have more players and I ask everyone to please supper these girls,” she said.

Asked of her present state of health, Valdez, who had just recuperated from various injuries she suffered the past few years, said she's "101 percent, thanks to Allianz."

Joining Valdez as early attendants to the team training were Farm Fresh’s Trisha Tubu and Ces Molina and college players Christine Ubaldo, Clarisse Loresco and Jazlyn Ellarina of FEU, Lhoriz Tudao of Adamson, Niña Ytang of UP, and Natalie Estreller and Lara Mae Silva of Letran.

Scheduled to attend Wednesday were ZUS Coffee’s Jovelyn Gonzaga, Nxled’s Myla Pablo and Jules Tolentino, Creamline’s Kyla Atienza and four unnamed belles from NU.

PVL on Tour MVP Erika Santos, now with Capital1, is also being talked to join the squad as his former Cignal mentor, Shaq delos Santos, is now Alas’ interim coach.