A lot of volleyball fans know Alyssa Valdez as The Phenom, the Ateneo de Manila University's star player who was a four-time Best Scorer, three-time Best Server, three-time Season MVP, and one-time Finals MVP during her time in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
After her collegiate career, Alyssa would go on to have a storied league career as well, playing not just for local volleyball teams but for Thai club 3BB Nakornnont as well. She would also represent the country internationally as part of the Philippines women's national volleyball team.
At a recent guesting on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Alyssa opened up about her career, Ran Takahashi, and the inevitability of retirement.
Check out the gallery below to see highlights from Alyssa Valdez's time with the King of Talk.
King of Talk Boy Abunda started the conversation with Alyssa Valdez on a positive note, having her explain her return to volleyball after recovering from an injury.
“So I had my knee injury, medyo nagging siya, and then I had to take a break for a while, and then now I'm back after four months,” she explained.
After that warm welcome, the King of Talk immediately dove into spicy questions, asking Alyssa Valdez about professional Japanese volleyball player Ran Takahashi.
“He's super nice. He's good looking and plays well as well. I think one thing why interactive yung conversation namin was because back then, kailangan niya ulit bumalik ng Japan. He wanted to show his love for all the fans,” she explained.
Alyssa Valdez also gamely answered Boy Abunda's question about being in a volleyball team. Alyssa shared how her long time with her team has become an advantage for them in the game.
“Since kilala namin ang isa't isa, we've been together as a team for seven years, we know how to deal with each other. Kapag alam naming medyo mainit yung ulo niya, alam mo kung paano kakausapin. Kung tahimik siya, alam mo kung paano lalambingin ng onti. So I think it's an advantage, also if you're a team being together, the chemistry,” she said.
Tito Boy Abunda then quickly switched gears again, asking Alyssa Valdez about another man in her life: Luigi Pumaren. For the record, Alyssa explained that the two of them are just very good friends.
Tito Boy Abunda also took the opportunity to ask Alyssa Valdez for a little tutorial on some volleyball terms and signals.
Alyssa Valdez also shared one action she does to calm herself during high-pressure games.
“I blow the ball just to make sure sa sarili ko na ako yung magse-serve. I just have to put it in and I follow the instructions of the coaches. 'Yung coaches namin nagbibigay ng advice kung sino ita-target naming,” she shared.
As a veteran of the volleyball scene in the Philippines, Alyssa Valdez also candidly discussed the possibility of her retirement as well as what lies ahead for her in the future.
“As of now in the Philippines, wala pa tayong basis (ng retirement age) in a way na wala pang women's sports na professionalized. But I feel like medyo malapit na rin ako Tito Boy. At the end of the day, I've been playing for the past 20 years already,” she said. “I want to learn more most especially after my injury, pero hindi ko na rin tinatanggal sa isip ko na in reality talaga, matatapos at matatapos ang playing time ko.”