Rachel Anne Daquis doesn't look a day over 20 and she's still busting out as the team captain of the Cignal HD Spikers in the PVL.
And she wants to prove, at 35, that age shouldn't really matter that much to an athlete. Conditioning does. Case in point, the 38-year-old LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.
"Stay young pa din! Gusto naming maging good example sa mga bata na sa age na na-reach namin, nakakapaglaro pa rin sa peak. Nakakasabay pa rin sa mga bata," Daquis told One Sports' The Game on Tuesday.
She and best friend Jovelyn Gonzaga appeared on The Game after they reunited in the Cignal HD Spikers for the PVL Invitational Conference.
Asked how to describe one another to new volleyball fans, Gonzaga particularly expressed admiration with how well Daquis took care of herself.
"Legit, grabe mag-alaga ng katawan 'yan," said the former Army Lady Trooper, who admitted to being hampered by injuries in the past.
"Na-iinspire ako sa kanya kung paano ma-maintain 'yung katawan."
Being an active athlete helps, and so does practicing pilates.
Working out at the gym and establishing several branches is also a pretty nice boost.
Gonzaga also expressed admiration with how Daquis continues to lead the Cignal HD Spikers.
"Born leader talaga 'to," Gonzaga said. "'Pag nara-rattle na, nagkakagulo na, siya 'yung taga-kalma, 'yung in-between sa lahat ng bagay."
For her part, Daquis admitted she is not as brave as the sergeant.
"Bagay na bagay sa kanya na maging soldier-athlete kasi palaban," she said. "Sobrang tapang. Ilalaban mukha niya kahit injured siya. Hindi pa 100% pero nakikita mo siya nakikipagpatayan."
"Palaban, matapang. 'Di lang sa volleyball, pati sa love life!" Daquis added, earning a playful hit on the arm from Gonzaga. "'Di ko kaya 'yung tapang, ganern!"