Eroa doesn’t need a passport this time in giving all for flag and country

Alyssa Eroa: There was no way I’d say no. —MARLO CUETO

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur—If there is one person who would be proud of Alyssa Eroa’s journey, it would be her 19-year-old self.

Eroa is savoring a full circle moment with Alas Pilipinas after finally getting the opportunity to represent the country on the international stage in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup happening in the country—a chance she missed 10 years ago after failing to secure a vital travel requirement for a tournament overseas.

The 29-year-old libero admitted she never imagined she would wear the national colors again after missing out on the PH Under-23 team in 2015 because she did not have a passport.

“This is the kind of honor that no one can ever take away from you,” Eroa told the Inquirer in Filipino. “Before, I missed the chance to be part of the U23 team because I didn’t have a passport. After that, I honestly never expected that I’d still get an opportunity like this at this age and point in my career.

“That’s why when I got called to represent the country, there was no way I’d say no,” she said. “It’s different when it’s the national team.”

The opportunity came as part of a retooled Alas Pilipinas squad that was assembled for the AVC Women’s Cup, where the Filipinos failed to extend their streak of podium finishes after bowing out of semifinal contention with a 25-16, 25-14, 25-10 loss to Chinese Taipei in their final Pool A match.

Despite the setback, Eroa said the team remains determined to end its campaign on a positive note when it competes in the classification round on Sunday.

“We really want to end this tournament with a win so we can leave on a positive note,” said Eroa. “We want to do it for the country, for our coaches, teammates, sponsors, management, and for all the people who continue to support us.

“This version of Alas Pilipinas will always be special to us,” she said. “We may have come together unexpectedly, but the bond we’ve built is something different.”

The PVL Best Libero said the team leaned heavily on trust while navigating limited preparation time and the uncertainty surrounding the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, which is currently under suspension by the FIVB.

“We couldn’t back down from this challenge,” she said. “Even if our time together and preparation were short, we had to give everything we had.”

After this tournament, the continuation of the Alas program will depend on the FIVB decision, with the Ad Hoc Committee arriving next week to oversee the PNVF and meet with the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee.

If Alas needs the veteran libero, she’s always ready to leave everything on the floor to fight for the country.

“If I get invited again, why not?” Eroa said. “As long as it’s for the country, no matter how difficult it is, I’ll keep fighting.”