Alyssa Valdez and Jema Galanza expressed their full support for Jia de Guzman as she continues to lead the charge for Alas Pilipinas Women.
VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR—It might take a while before Jia de Guzman fully rejoins the Creamline Cool Smashers as she fulfills national team duties, but her teammates are behind her every step of the way.
Alyssa Valdez and Jema Galanza shared their admiration and support for their longtime teammate, who recently steered Alas Pilipinas to a historic silver-medal finish in the 2025 AVC Women’s Nations Cup.
De Guzman recently confirmed her return to Creamline, but also pointed out that her focus remains on Alas Women as they continue their preparations for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.
“Jia’s been part of the team since day one, and it’s always very special na we’re still gonna be so intact din as a team,” Valdez told reporters.
“We’re actually praying and cheering for her, for the whole Alas team, the men’s team, and all the national teams—beach volleyball also with Dij and Pons. Napakasayang malaman na kumpletong-kumpleto kami as a team, as a family.”
[ALSO READ: Creamline superstar Alyssa Valdez opens up on missing Jia De Guzman]
Galanza likewise admitted that the Cool Smashers miss De Guzman’s presence, who last played for the team back in the 2023 Invitational Conference. Nonetheless, they take pride in what she’s achieving for the country.
“Happy and siyempre excited din sa magiging journey niya sa Alas,” said Galanza. “But ‘yun nga, nami-miss na rin namin siya. Alam namin marami siyang mashe-share sa’min sa mga natutunan niya sa Japan and excited kami na makabalik siya sa amin.”
[ALSO READ: Jia De Guzman happy to see results reflect Alas Pilipinas' growth with AVC Nations Cup silver]
For now, Valdez is turning her focus on the upcoming PVL on Tour, where hundreds of fans welcomed her and several Creamline players during the Meet & Greet event on Friday evening.
“Personally, I’m really excited to go around the Philippines and siguro experiencing the culture of each and every provinces na mapupuntahan namin and to meet the volleyball community talaga,” she bared.
“At the end of the day, we play volleyball so magiging competitive pa rin kami. Sana mabigay namin ‘yung best namin para sa mga fans.”
The same sentiment was shared by Galanza, who is hoping to put on a show for what is expected to be a jam-packed crowd at the Chavit Coliseum this Sunday and Monday.
“Alam naman namin na maraming sumusuporta sa Creamline pero nakakatuwa na everytime na pupunta kami sa ibang lugar, grabe ‘yung suporta sa amin. ‘Yun nga, sabi ni Ate Ly, ie-enjoy namin but at the same time magiging competitive kami sa PVL on Tour,” said Galanza.