Alyssa and Tots' impact on Philippine volleyball has definitely been felt.
Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos of the Creamline Cool Smashers were among this year's recipients of the PeopleAsia Women of Style and Substance 2023 Awards.
The duo joined the likes of actresses Sharon Cuneta and Dolly de Leon, United States ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, and climate change champion Mache Torres-Ackerman.
In her Instagram story, Valdez even reposted a photo of her alongside her Creamline teammate during the awards night.
Valdez, who is arguably the most popular and influential volleyball player in the country, spoke to PeopleAsia about being a role model for others.
She said that despite her fame, it’s their duty to continue giving back to the volleyball community.
“We’re just lucky that we are appreciated in our small community. But we don’t want to take advantage of that. We need to use it to help other people,” Valdez told PeopleAsia. We’re given this kind of responsibility to actually have a purpose in others’ lives.”
Carlos likewise is no stranger to the spotlight even during her UAAP days.
And like Valdez, Carlos has shown her love of giving back to the community by instructing young volleyball enthusiasts in training programs.
“Being an athlete is a choice. You entered this life, so you should know the consequences—the pros and cons. It’s just a matter of how you will handle them,” Carlos told PeopleAsia.
Indeed, the two Creamline stars have had a huge impact on volleyball in the Philippines hence why it’s only fitting they were honored by PeopleAsia.
But of course, the goal now for the two and the rest of the Cool Smashers, who will be without star setter Jia Morado, is to defend their PVL All-Filipino crown as the third conference of the league kicks off on October 15.
(CF)