Three years ago, I hate seeing my younger sister watch UAAP Volleyball due to the fact that I am not a sports enthusiast unlike her who is a Badminton varsity player in her school. I hate it every time I hear her cheering for DLSU Lady Spikers. Stephanie Mercado, Jacq Alarca and Cha Cruz tends to be her favorite players. I remembered one day she found a post on a social media site that the Lady Spikers will join the 17th Sandugo Unigames which will be held here in Bacolod. I could really see so much happiness and hope in her eyes knowing that she can finally meet her favorite volleyball team. One day, she approached me and asked if I can accompany her. I was really hesitant. "No wayyy!" I said. But looking in her eyes, I realized that she will be the happiest person if she can meet these girls. "Okaaay, I'll take pictures na lang".
While waiting for the game to start, up and close with the Lady Spikers one girl caught my attention. Well, aside from her short hair, she looks very simple, so quite, she has braces, and she's wearing jersey number 10. And when she turned her back.."GALANG" - her jersey name. I asked my sister if that "GALANG" girl is a good player and she told me "Syempre! she's the Rookie of the Year last season. Basta! watch and learn lang!". I ignored what my sister said about that "Galang" girl because it was so hot and I could barely breathe, I didn't even watched the whole game since I prefer to stay in the foodcourt to grab some lunch. After the game, of course as promised, I have to take pictures. My sister went to all the members of the team and lastly to that "Galang" girl for a picture, "Alright! 1..2..3..smile!" ***photo captured*** "Thank you po!" Galang said.
After witnessing how the girls play during the Unigames I tend to like them, but not really a fan type. I watched their first UAAP game for season 75 with UST Tigresses and finally these girls captured my heart although they didn't win the game. But as what they said, "BAWI! LABAN! TIWALA LANG". I saw in their eyes the passion, sheer determination and heart in what they do. Girl power! And of course who would not notice a phenom in skills, VICTONARA "ARA" GALANG #8. Every time the ball is set to her for an attack, you better be ready because she will nail it. You amazed me so well. You dive for the ball with strength and courage. You block with greatness. You spike with power. Superb skill indeed! Simply amazing! That girl got swag. You never fail to put a smile on my face every time I see you score and play in the court. You're such a joy to watch and your smile is so adorable. So, precious.
[PS: Regrets. I really regret the time I didn't take a picture with you. Oh no! binalewala ko lang ang Rookie of the Year Season 74 and Co-MVP Season 75. Yung feeling na, you were so close to me and I could even touch or hug you pero pinalipas ko because I was so dumb na hindi ko alam na si "ARA GALANG" ka pala. Yun tuloy, inggit na inggit ako sa sister ko. I'm planning to delete the picture of you and her nga eh! Hahaha. Charaught lang! Well, don't loose hope ika nga. Di bale, may next Sandugo Unigames pa naman and I hope you'll visit and play again here in Bacolod.]
My sister && Ara Galang
Now, I'm not just a typical fan, I'm actually in love with you girls, especially with what we affectionately call, "ARAmazing".You go girl! Keep on inspiring every individual and keep the track alive! I hope for a better and more productive season for you and for the team. I love you girls! Animo!