Gonzaga urges youngsters: Never lose your patriotic heart

Jovelyn Gonzaga (third from right) has high hopes for the young members of the national team. —MARLO CUETO

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur—Jovelyn Gonzaga, the oldest member of Alas Pilipinas at 34, is honored to help in building a foundation for the up-and-coming national team players despite missing the semifinal of the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup.

The Philippines missed the podium after a bronze in 2024 and last year’s final appearance, with the retooled Alas roster bombing out of the Final Four race with a 2-3 finish in Pool A.

Alas Pilipinas eyes a seventh-place finish against Iran on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at the Candon City Arena here.

Gonzaga, who already gave way to the younger players to represent the national team after the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and shifted to playing beach volleyball in 2022 and 2023, took pride in their campaign amid the short preparation and the adversities that the program is facing, with the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

“Pilipinas, lagi,” Gonzaga said. “I am excited for the future of Philippine volleyball. We may no longer be on the court when it reaches its highest peaks, but we are happy knowing that, in our own way, we helped build a foundation for the next generation.”

“14 years of being part of the national team (on and off indoor to beach). It has always been an honor and a privilege to wear the Philippine colors and serve the country. Until my very last drop of strength, I gave everything I had for the flag and for the Filipino people,” she added.

Gonzaga joined hands with veterans Alyssa Valdez, Ara Galang, Ces Molina, Alyssa Eroa and Royse Tubino in leading the young guns like Niña Ytang, Alyssa Solomon and Thea Gagate.

The team may not have clinched the result it sought, but Gonzaga urged the players to keep on pushing.

“To our younger teammates, never lose hope. Your journey is only beginning, and your best days are still ahead of you. You still have a long way to go so don’t worry and always keep your love for the game alive,” said Gonzaga. “Most importantly, never lose your patriotic heart. Play not only for yourselves, but for the country and the people who believe in you.”