A former La Salle star and PVL mainstay, Ara Galang's influence as a volleyball player may be underrated, but it’s undeniable.
Ara Galang has heard it all before—idol, inspiration, role model.
The former La Salle star and PVL mainstay has long been a fixture in Philippine volleyball, admired not only for her championship pedigree but also for her resilience in the face of injuries and setbacks.
Now, as younger players rise and openly call her their idol, Galang admits the recognition carries both pride and pressure.
For this edition of Off the Record, Galang opens up to One Sports about being looked up to by today’s volleyball hopefuls.
After overcoming her own share of challenges, Ara also reflected on many possible what-ifs about her career.
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One Sports: Ara, what comes to your mind when players rising through the ranks now call you their idol?
Ara: Nakakataba rin ang puso at tsaka, nakaka-inspire din actually kasi kung idol nila ako, kailangan parang mas maging role model ako eh.
Kumbaga, meron tumatak sa kanila kaya nila nasabing idol nila ako. Sana lang, magpagpatuloy ko na ma-inspire sila. Parang mainganyo pa sila na pagbutihan din nila. ‘Yung mga nagka-idol naman sa amin, mga idol ko din ‘yun eh kasi marami na rin naman talagang magagaling eh.
So ‘yun, natutuwa lang ako na na-appreciate nila ‘yung pinagtrabuhan ko for how many years.
One Sports: Is there pressure for you to perform, knowing that these future stars are idolizing you?
Ara: Medyo. May pressure kasi syempre nakaka-idol nila ako tapos parang hindi maganda ‘yung laro ko. Pero every time naman eh. ‘Di ko naman kailangan dalhin ‘yun sa utak ko or sa isip ko eh.
Kung idol nila ako, eh ‘di okay pero ako, magtatrabaho ako. Gagawin ko kung anong kaya ko. Gagawin ko yung best ko every time. ‘Yun lang naman.
One Sports: You’ve gone through so many ups and downs. Are there any what-ifs in your career?
Ara: Kung meron man, huwag na lang din [isipin]. Kasi yung what-ifs wala. Tapos na yun eh. Wala naman na akong magagawa.
‘Di ko naman na rin mababalikan kahit na isipin ko. Baka ma-disappoint pa ako or ano.
Kumbaga, stay present na lang. Kung hanggang ngayon, sa nagkakapaglaro pa ako, eh ‘di grateful ako and blessed ako kasi kaya ko pa. Kaya ko pa kahit pa paano kapagsabayan sa mga mas nakakabata sa akin.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.