Creamline stars Alyssa Valdez and Michele Gumabao. Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines – Alyssa Valdez and Michele Gumabao are proud "ates" to the younger generation of volleyball players in the Philippines.
At the Allianz partnership renewal and launch event with Rebisco squads Creamline, Choco Mucho, and Criss Cross, the Cool Smashers stars gave their affirmation and support to the national team which Jia de Guzman—their teammate in the PVL—also captains.
READ: 'Jia is Jia': Valdez excited to team up anew with comebacking de Guzman
But as Philippine volleyball now gives exposure to the young guns such as Bella Belen, Angel Canino, Alyssa Solomon, and Shaina Nitura, Valdez and Gumabao expressed their no-holds-barred support for the fresh faces of the sport.
"I mean, we’re always going to be like one of their ‘ates’ probably. But, we’re always going to be here also. Not just, siguro, as their teammates, but definitely as fans," said Valdez on Thursday.
READ: Michele Gumabao balancing married life and volleyball
"Kaya, siguro nasa ibang side kami, ibang perspective kami right now. But, full support pa rin kami for the Nationals."
"It’s good to see. It’s good to also watch the younger generation of volleyball players doing well and working well together," Gumabao observed. "Nakikita natin sila in the UAAP. They’re all up against each other. So, it’s a different environment to see them working together."
Alas Women recently hit a breakthrough at the continental level, winning the Philippines' first-ever silver in an AVC-sanctioned competition at the Nations Cup 2025.
Gumabao also gave De Guzman—the AVC Best Setter in back-to-back competitions—the flowers she deserves.
"At least kahit hindi namin siya kasama, she’s there and she’s doing great. And she won Best Setter also. So, that’s a big boost of morale for their next competitions. And hopefully, tuloy‑tuloy for the SEA Games."
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