Ara Galang's striking semi-bald, fiery red "Hanamichi Sakuragi" hairstyle not only pays homage to a beloved anime character but also reflects her evolving confidence and boldness as a player with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.
Chery Tiggo Crossovers star Ara Galang has been catching everyone's eye—not just with her on-court performance but also with her striking new hairstyle.
Sporting a semi-bald, fiery red hairdo reminiscent of the Hanamichi Sakuragi from the anime "Slam Dunk," Galang’s look has become a talking point among fans, especially on social media.
When asked about her bold hairstyle choice, Galang shared the story behind it after Chery Tiggo’s dominant sweep of the Nxled Chameleons on Saturday, July 20, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
“Actually, start pa lang nung nag-start ako sa Chery kasi sakto nag no. 10 ako di ba? Eh plano ko na rin mag red hair pero hindi pa ako nag semi-kalbo last conference. Sabi ko ito na muna, sa next na lang, so ‘yun, parang siyempre Sakuragi ‘yun eh,” Galang told reporters.
“Kilala naman ‘yun na ano natin at tsaka kabataan ko ‘yun eh. Nakakatuwa din na kita ko ‘yung positive rin naman tinigin nila eh, hindi naman siya insult so okay na ako dun,” she added.
Beyond aesthetics, Galang, who scored 11 points and was hailed as the Player of the Game, found a deeper connection with the Sakuragi character.
“Si Hanamichi kasi palaban din talaga siya at tsaka parang nag-start din siya ng wala, parang paangat hanggang na-build niya ‘yung confidence niya. Parang pinagkatiwalaan din siya ng mga kasama niya so parang na-ano ko lang din, ganun din ako as a player,” the 29-year-old opposite hitter explained.
Galang’s love for red hair isn’t new. She revealed that she had always wanted to go red, even during her time with the now-disbanded F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.
“Red talaga gusto ko ever since eh kahit nung nasa F2 [Logistics] pa ako pero ayoko kasi mag red and yellow din eh,” said Galang.
“Hindi ko rin sure hanggang kelan matitripan ito. Mahilig lang din ako mag iba’t ibang hairstyle ever since naman,” she added.
Galang has more hairstyle ideas in mind, including a unique hair tattoo featuring various designs like flames.
But for now, Galang’s Sakuragi-inspired look is a hit as it complements her number 10 jersey and makes her stand out both on and off the court.
“Meron akong gusto kaso parang hair tattoo siya, iba-iba. Semi-kalbo pero may iba-iba parang may flame. Marami akong gustong i-try talaga pero inaano ko pa kung kelan at mama-match ba,” said Galang. “Ayoko rin ng masaydong sobra naman. Nagkataon lang na wala, maganda eh, tsaka sakto 10 nga ako.”