Alyssa Valdez on why her mom is the ‘game-changer’

MANILA, Philippines – It’s fair to say that Alyssa Valdez, the two-time reigning UAAP women’s volleyball MVP, has become the most popular volleyball player in the Philippines today.

After leading the Ateneo Lady Eagles to consecutive UAAP titles in 2014 and 2015, plus consistently making an impact in the popular Shakey’s V-League tournaments, the 22-year-old athlete has also established that she’s one of the best volleyball players in the country.

So, where did the 5-foot-9 outside hitter of the Lady Eagles get her motivation?

It’s from her mom, Lita, who Valdez describes as her “game-changer.”

“Siya talaga yung unang coach ko, so technically siya yung unang nag tiyaga saakin,” said Valdez during the Spin Sportsman of the Year night at The Marriott on Saturday, January 30. 

(She was really my first coach, so technically she’s the first one who was patient with me.)

Valdez, who was the recipient of the “Sportsmen Who Change The Game” award, also added about her mom that, “Siya yung nagpatikim saakin nang hirap at saya sa volleyball.

“Siya din yung role model ko talaga. Siya talaga yung tunay na game-changer.”

(She’s the one who first made me taste difficult and fun in volleyball. She’s also my role model. She’s the real game-changer.)

Check it out: Kiefer Ravena with Alyssa Valdez and her family. pic.twitter.com/ca1z1fj3UK

— Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) January 30, 2016

Valdez admits that she and her mom don’t have what you might call “the perfect relationship,” though she prefers to keep it that way.

“Thank you, nay (mom). I really, really love you,” said Valdez, whose Lady Eagles open their quest for a 3-peat on Sunday against the NU Lady Bulldogs at 4 pm.

“We really don’t have the perfect relationship but I wouldn’t ask the perfect relationship, because, wala eh, it works for us, and we learn. That’s what’s important – we learn sa mga fights natin, sa mga pag-aaway natin (We learn from our fights).”

Valdez, who also talked about her love for her dad, Ruel, and how he was the first person to cheer for her, said that she understands how all moms have the same personalities sometimes and that could be tiresome. 

However, she attests to one of the oldest sayings: “mother knows best.”

“Minsan talaga, parehas mga personalities nang moms natin and minsan hindi natin maiiwasan na, syempre, maiinis tayo sa parents natin,” said the graduating Ateneo superstar.

(Sometimes, the personalities of our moms are similar and we can’t avoid getting irritated.)

“But at the end of the day talaga, they know what’s best for us. You really have to listen, and you’re going to realize it soon enough.”

Valdez ended her conversation with the media by encouraging everyone to appreciate what their parents provide, as she tries to do the same with hers.

“But now na meron tayong (we have the) time, and may time tayo to say, ‘I love you” and to appreciate the things that our parents, our moms, are doing for us. Let’s be thankful for them.” – Rappler.com