Creamline star Jema Galanza used her injury recovery period to explore performing arts, joining an RMA Studio Academy recital that helped her regain enjoyment and balance outside volleyball.
Creamline superstar Jema Galanza is currently sitting out the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference to focus on recovering from a lingering foot injury.
But while she continues her rehab, Galanza has taken the chance to explore a new interest off the court: performing.
Galanza shared that the decision started as a simple attempt to try something different during a mentally challenging period.
“‘Yung unang-una po kasi, 'yung RMA na studio po, bale ni-recommend siya sa akin ni Ate Mela [Tunay] kasi ito 'yung time na medyo parang nag-try ako ng ibang bagay para ma-reset lang din 'yung mind ko din, 'di puro volleyball ganyan,” she said.
From voice lessons to an unexpected recital
She enrolled in four voice lessons at RMA Studio Academy with no intention of performing publicly.
“So 'yun, nag-apply ako ng four session sa RMA and then, ano na talaga, for lesson lang talaga siya,” she continued. “Sabi ko, sige gusto ko rin mag-voice lesson para lumevel 'yung [boses] ko sa kanila.”
But several months later, her coach encouraged her to audition for the studio’s concert and recital, That’s Amore: A Night at the Movies, held at the Aliw Theater.
“Sabi ko, hindi ko alam kung kaya ko kasi ‘yung time ko, may training pa ako, baka hindi ako maka-commit ganyan.”
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Still, Galanza auditioned, was selected, and eventually joined the performing group.
“So nag-audition ako, and then parang doon na po ako sinale sa concert po kaya nag-join na po ako doon sa, nagkasama po ako sa team.”
A new kind of enjoyment
Amid volleyball's usual challenges and ups and downs, Galanza admitted that performing helped her reconnect with a sense of enjoyment she had been missing.
"Sobrang happy ko, parang, lately kasi parang, 'di ba, sa volleyball, medyo struggle talagan. Ups and downs, hindi mo manalaman kung talagang nandun ka sa peak more, nag-e-enjoy ka talaga kasi alam mo 'yun, may talo, may pagkapanalo,” she said.
The recital gave her space to feel motivated again.
“Sabi ko dito sa concert na parang doon ko na-feel 'yung happiness ko ulit, 'yung excitement po na parang gusto ko rin na-feel ulit sa volleyball.”
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Beyond the performance itself, she appreciated meeting new people and engaging in an activity outside her usual routine.
“Ayun, sobrang nag-enjoy ako, and of course ‘yung parang nagkaroon na ako ng bagong mundo ulit na parang nakilala nilang kung ano yung totoo ako, ‘yung ganyan.”
Open to more performances?
Galanza said she is open to joining another recital if the opportunity comes.
“Kung gusto pa pa po nila,” she laughed. “If ever next year po, pero ‘yun, pagtatrabahuin naman po namin ‘yun, and mag-lesson pa rin naman sa susunod pa po.”
When asked if she might try other forms of performance, such as TV or film, the 29-year-old Galanza said she is still figuring things out.
“Hindi ko po sure kasi kung ano ‘yun lang ma-discover sa self pero ngayon ito ‘yung parang unang try ko ng ibang bagay, so malalaman natin," she admitted.
For now, Galanza’s main priority remains getting healthy and preparing for her eventual return to the PVL.
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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.