Even with her stature as a volleyball superstar, Alyssa Valdez is not immune to criticism. Here's how the Creamline star handles the naysayers.
It’s not all fun and games for a superstar the caliber of Alyssa Valdez.
Being the face of Philippine volleyball comes with its fair share of scrutiny—something Alyssa has learned to navigate throughout her career.
[RELATED: Alyssa Valdez humbly carries title as 'Face of Philippine Volleyball' | Off the Record]
From leading the Ateneo Blue Eagles to UAAP championships to spearheading Creamline’s dominance in the PVL, Valdez has faced relentless criticism both on and off the court.
But over the years, the 31-year-old volleyball icon learned to develop a mindset that allows her to filter out the noise and focus on what truly matters.
In this edition of Off the Record, Valdez shared with One Sports how she is able to deal with the bashers.
—
One Sports: Given your talent and popularity, it can be difficult to avoid people who criticize you and your game. How do you handle all of those comments?
Alyssa Valdez: Iba-iba rin talaga on how people would face all those challenges. Siguro one thing that worked for me lang is that I really prioritize what is important to me and from there nare-realize ko, ‘Dapat ba magka-effect sakin ‘yung comment niya or dapat ba palipasin ko?’
Kasi na-set ko na kung ano ‘yung important, kung sino ‘yung important, and sino ‘yung dapat kong pakinggan. Constructive criticism will always be good. That’s me. I love constructive criticism.
I think that’s one thing na nagba-balance din samin para malaman kung ano pa ‘yung mga things na kailangan namin i-improve. But other than that, I would say just know your core. Knowing your core, alam ‘yun, hindi ka mayayanig ng mga bagay na trying to break you.
So, ‘yun lang, basta you have to have your principle, and knowing your core is one of things na kailangan with all these noise.
(Alyssa Valdez welcomes criticism, but the Creamline star chooses what's actually important from all the noise)
OS: Were you ever affected by any of the comments thrown at you?
Alyssa: Siyempre, hindi naman sa hindi na-affect but hindi maiiwasan na maca-caught ng attention mo ng ibang bagay eh. And most especially, hindi rin maiiwasan makaka-caught ng attention sa mga taong—’yung mga loved ones mo kasi minsan sila ‘yung unang nakakakita.
So, affected probably, most especially nung bata, but now you get to learn to, you know, malaman nga kung ano ‘yung mas importante and ano ‘yung dapat mong pakinggan.