Returning Jema Galanza ready for challenge with Alas Pilipinas

Alas Pilipinas’ Jema Galanza during a VNL meet and greet at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Jema Galanza embraces the challenge of helping the young guns of Alas Pilipinas as one of the reinforcements ahead of the squad’s campaign in the FIVB Challenger Cup from July 4 to 7 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“Super excited kasi ngayon na lang ulit ako makakabalik for the national team and makaka-experience ulit ng international games,” said Galanza, who played for the Philippine women’s volleyball team in the past two Southeast Asian Games.

Galanza, the reigning PVL Finals MVP of the Creamline Cool Smashers, is delighted to join a new-look national team composed of the AVC Challenge Cup bronze medalist team, led by tournament’s Best Setter and captain Jia De Guzman and Best Opposite Spiker Angel Canino as well as Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, Fifi Sharma, Thea Gagate, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Cherry Nunag, Dell Palomata, Faith Nisperos, Jennifer Nierva, Arah Panique, Julia Coronel, and Vanie Gandler.

READ: Jia De Guzman ‘grateful’ as Alas Pilipinas adds more firepower

Jema Galanza on joining Alas Pilipinas. #VNL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/PpifkQv6Ur

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 19, 2024

The Creamline star was added with her teammate Tots Carlos and National University tandem Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon to the training pool led by coach Jorge Souza De Brito after missing the Challenge Cup due to the Cool Smashers’ long-awaited Spain trip.

“Marami naman talagang nagbago and super happy na mga bata ‘yung kasama ko kasi nacha-challenge ako at marami rin akong natututunan sa kanila. Masaya rin kasi mas relax din kasi ‘yung mga bata ngayon,” said Galanza.

“Marami na rin naman akong laro sa national team na hindi Creamline ‘yung kasama ko so wala namang bago. Maganda siyang challenge for me na iba ‘yung kasama ko so kailangan ko talagang mag-adjust sa sistema ni coach Jorge.”

The do-it-all spiker is grateful to reunite with longtime teammate De Guzman, who has been leading the charge for Alas. 

READ: NU stars, Jema Galanza join Alas Pilipinas training

“Kaming dalawa, hindi na mahirap sa amin ‘yung adjustment. Alam na namin agad ‘yung mga galawan namin sa loob ng court pero super happy kasi alam ko naman din kung paano siya mag-lead sa Creamline pa lang,” Galanza said. “Hindi naman ako mahihirapan gumalaw kasi alam ko na kung paano si ate Jia mag-lead.”

Galanza is also thankful for the warm support she received during the short Alas Pilipinas men’s and women’s teams meet and greet in the VNL on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“Kahit saan naman tayo maglaro, laging nakasuporta ‘yung mga Filipino fans ng volleyball. I think ganito na talaga kalaki ‘yung volleyball community at tumataas na ‘yung level of competition kaya grabe na rin talaga ‘yung suporta na natatanggap namin,” she said.