The Phenom is not taking anything for granted.
The 2023 Southeast Asian Games will be remembered for lots of reasons. There's Gilas Pilipinas' redemption in the men's basketball tournament and the controversy of the playing venue. The issue of naturalized players—who looked more like "hired goons." There's also the historic all-Filipina delegate who marched for the Philippines during the opening ceremony.
At the heart of that monumental parade is Alyssa Valdez as the flag bearer.
Talking to One Sports' The Game, the Phenom recalled her second crack at holding the country's flag during the biennial meet.
Valdez knows the gravity of the moment but admits it still hasn't sunk in after more than a month.
"Siguro hindi rin talaga siya magsi-sink in unless hindi na ako naglalaro or hindi na ako athlete," Valdez shared.
"Until na naglalaro ako hindi ko talaga ma-grasp 'yung emotions na paano ko sasabihin na sobrang proud and sobrang honored ako to actually hold that flag alongside all these great athletes."
Valdez got emotional after that statement.
"So," she paused momentarily, holding her tears back. "Nakakaiyak pala dito sa The Game," Valdez joked after.
The Phenom's commitment to the country can never be questioned. The Creamline Cool Smashers captain played in five straight SEA Games. She was flag bearer in two of those. And she's going to continue to wear the colors with pride every time she gets the chance.
"It's such an honor. I'll take every chance I get. 'Pag tinawag tayo ng Pilipinas to represent the country, for the flag, I wouldn't skip a heartbeat."