Jema Galanza is set to have her on-court reunion with Jia De Guzman in Alas Pilipinas.
Jema Galanza knows all too well the honor and responsibility of representing the Philippines on the international stage, just as she is intimately familiar with playing alongside Jia de Guzman.
Having come a long way together with Creamline, Galanza and de Guzman have reunited in Alas Pilipinas after nearly a year apart.
The two last shared the court in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference, where the Cool Smashers settled for silver after losing to Kurashiki Ablaze. After last year's mid-season joust, Jia moved on to play with the Denso Airybees in the Japan V. League.
Fully aware of de Guzman's leadership qualities, Galanza is pleased to have the opportunity to play alongside the Alas Pilipinas team captain once again.
[ALSO READ: Jia de Guzman grateful for addition of Jema Galanza, Bella Belen, and Alyssa Solomon to Alas Pilipinas]
“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,” she said.
“Hindi naman ako mahihirapan gumalaw kasi alam ko na kung paano si ate Jia mag-lead.”
Beyond the on-court reunion with de Guzman, Galanza is raring to don the national colors once more. She last carried the flag in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam last year, where the Philippines finished fourth.
The 5-foot-7 outside hitter is also thrilled about the opportunity to team up with the young guns of Alas Pilipinas.
“Super excited kasi ngayon na lang ulit ako makakabalik for the national team and makaka-experience ulit ng international games,” Galanza bared.
“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.”
Galanza and the Alas Pilipinas continue to prepare for the upcoming 2024 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Challenger Cup, which will be from July 4 to 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
With the chance to shine in front of her fellow Filipinos, the 27-year-old stalwart eagerly embraces the opportunity to play on home soil.
“Kahit saan naman tayo maglaro, laging nakasuporta ‘yung mga Filipino fans ng volleyball,” Galanza said.
“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.”