From being rivals on both the sands and the taraflex, Sisi Rondina and Jema Galanza now stand united, proudly donning the national colors for Alas Pilipinas.
Sisi Rondina and Jema Galanza have been fierce rivals for years, their paths crossing from the sands of the UAAP to the taraflex of indoor volleyball in the PVL.
Former UST Queen Tigress Rondina of Choco Mucho and former Adamson Queen Falcon Galanza of Creamline have been at the heart of the modern-day rivalry between their respective teams.
However, the dynamics have shifted now that both stars are fulfilling their national team duties as part of Alas Pilipinas.
With this welcome development, Rondina could not help but relish sharing the same side of the court with Galanza for once.
“Ayun masaya ako na first time kami magkasama sa indoor kasi dati rivals talaga kami sa beach volley and ngayon naglalaro na kami together,” Rondina told One Sports.
Rondina, a two-time Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist in beach volleyball, had her first international indoor national team experience when Alas Pilipinas secured a historic bronze in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.
She is now eager to learn a great deal from Galanza, who has represented the country in numerous indoor competitions in the past.
“Well I'm hoping na may matutunan ako from her kasi alam kong matututunan niya sakin ay kalokohan lang din,” Rondina cheerily shared.
“Pero ayun masaya ako na nakasama ko siya. Mabait and very approachable and marunong makisama.”
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Galanza is one of the recent additions to Alas Pilipinas, and Rondina firmly believes her presence provides a substantial boost to the tricolor squad.
The Filipinas continue to gear up for a quarterfinal clash with Vietnam in the upcoming 2024 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Challenger Cup, scheduled from July 4 to 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Noong nalaman ko na pumasok si Jema and Bella [Belen] sobrang saya ko kasi alam ko na mas experienced sila in terms of this kasi sila Bella nakalaro na rin sila sa international. I mean mas may alam sila sa laro ng Vietnam. Basta ako andito lang ako to help them,” Rondina said.
“I know na mas angat sila sa akin. In terms of blocking, in terms of receive meron talaga sila. And yun naman 'yung advantage na meron sila. Andito lang naman ako to help them,” she added.
“Ayun, pagdating naman sa laro, magkakaisa na kami doon. Wala na yung individual at individual. Teamwork na.”