Michele Gumabao and Alyssa Valdez's friendship has gone through it all—from winning titles, going through injuries together, and even flying to another country alongside each other.
At one time, Michele Gumabao and Alyssa Valdez were on opposite ends of the taraflex, battling fiercely for the UAAP crown.
Now, it's practically a challenge not to see the former DLSU Lady Spiker and the Ateneo Blue Eagles superstar together, whether on or off the court.
When she joined the Creamline Cool Smashers in 2018, Gumabao had no idea that she would build a lasting bond with Valdez.
Their friendship has seemingly gone through it all—winning championships, going through injuries together, and even flying to another country alongside each other.
“When I first came to Creamline, siyempre coming from La Salle, medyo pinag-isipan ko din when Alyssa was there. Hindi ko akalain na super magiging close kami, na magiging friends kami,” Gumabao told One Sports.
“I didn't know her before Creamline. And for some reason parang nag-click talaga and we became really good friends and we've traveled the world together. And she's really someone na I confide in and someone na talagang lagi kong hahanapin kasama,” she added.
For her part, Valdez admitted that she and MG are complete opposites, but somehow, this works for their friendship and the betterment of the Cool Smashers.
After all, Creamline has just won its 10th title and completed the historic grand slam in the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference.
“I think one of the main reasons kung bakit rin talaga nag-flourish 'yung friendship namin is because ang dami naming natututunan sa isa't isa,” said Valdez. “I'd say na iba 'yung relationship namin on and off the court, kasi naba-balance din namin 'yung buong team. Kasi we're technically exact opposite ng ugali ni MG, but we don't know how we clicked din talaga."
“I'm just grateful for this friendship na I know for a fact na nakakatulong sakin sa pag-grow ko as a person and as an athlete,” she added.
Whether they’re playing on the court or one is cheering for the other, Gumabao and Valdez’s friendship has also become a testament to the culture that Creamline has famed itself for—a family.
“Siguro with Creamline, everything gels because yes opposites kami, but we really know how to complement each other and alam namin kung paano sasaluhin 'yung bawat isa, how we will help each other lead the team. I'm always here to support her,” Gumabao explained.
“When it comes to the culture of the team, I think sa aming mga ates mag-uumpisa talaga 'yung tyaga, 'yung sipag, 'yung puso, and it all starts in practice. Knowing Alyssa, she gives her 100% in eveything that she does, so lahat talaga kami nahahawa sa work ethic niya, sa passion niya for the game, and how she just really loves this team, and how she loves volleyball,” she continued.
And it worked for the squad.
With longtime team captain Alyssa Valdez sidelined during the Reinforced and Invitational Conferences, it was Gumabao who stepped up to lead the squad.
Even without their main guns--taken out either by injuries or national team duties--the Cool Smashers prevailed.
Though it took a while, MG's patience and hard work paid off big in the recently concluded Invitational Conference, as she took home her first MVP award.
[ALSO READ: From UAAP to the PVL, Michele Gumabao remains a queen with MVP title for Creamline]
Of course, no one could be prouder than her BFF, who cheered on from the sidelines.
“We always feel like lagi talaga siyang MVP para samin kasi most especially in this conference and last conference sa Reinforced, nag-step up talaga siya hindi lang sa skills but also sa pag-lead ng team,” Valdez said on Gumabao’s MVP award.
“I truly appreciate her and the team appreciates her so much and we hope na hindi siya magsawa na mahalin 'yung team, mahalin 'yung Creamline, mahalin lahat ng sumusuporta sa team,” she added.
While it’s been a while since the two played at the same time, Gumabao can feel the presence of Valdez even from the sidelines.
“You'll never miss her presence because she's always there. Kahit wala siya sa loob ng court, you know she's there because she always talks to us, she always trains with us,” said Gumabao.
“She's present every single day, she's present in all the huddles, she's present in every moment that the team is going through, so parang yes 'yung presence niya sa loob nakaka-miss but you'll never feel like it's gone,” she added.
It might not take long for Creamline fans, though, as MG and Alyssa could be back in action in the next PVL season. But for now, it’s time for rest and relaxation for the Cool Smashers after winning it all.