11/06/2026
Refresh'r: GaDez of Philippine Volleyball
In Philippine volleyball history, "GaDez" is the iconic portmanteau representing the legendary rivalry and eventual historic team-up between two of the country's greatest volleyball icons: Alyssa Valdez and Victonara "Ara" Galang.
Their dynamic shaped the landscape of modern Philippine volleyball, transitioning from intense collegiate battles to a celebrated veteran partnership.
The "GaDez" era began in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), anchoring the fierce Ateneo de Manila University vs. De La Salle University women's volleyball rivalry.
Alyssa Valdez (The Phenom)
Armed with an unstoppable cross-court spike, Valdez led the Ateneo Lady Eagles.
Ara Galang (The Green Archer)
A highly versatile and resilient outside hitter, Galang spearheaded the DLSU Lady Spikers.
The two faced off in four consecutive UAAP Finals (Seasons 74 to 77). This specific individual rivalry captured the mainstream public's attention, packing massive stadiums like the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena, permanently elevating the commercial popularity of local volleyball
Following their graduation, both athletes transitioned into the professional ranks of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
Valdez became the face of the Creamline Cool Smashers, securing multiple championships and single-game records.
Galang showcased immense grit, recovering from a catastrophic 2015 ACL/MCL knee injury to successfully anchor teams like F2 Logistics, Chery Tiggo and recently, Farm Fresh.
For a decade, they remained on opposite sides of the net, keeping the "GaDez" rivalry alive as top-tier club competitors.
For years, local volleyball fans lamented that the two never shared the international stage together due to injuries, changing club schedules, and shifting volleyball federations. The long-awaited milestone finally occurred in mid-2026.
Both veterans were named to the 20-player pool for the newly revamped national team, Alas Pilipinas Women.
Under the captaincy of Alyssa Valdez, "GaDez" officially donned the same jersey and shared the court for the first time at the 2026 AVC Women's Cup.
Dubbed by fans and sports media as the "best thing to happen to the new national team," their union represents a symbolic passing of the torch, as the two iconic veterans use their combined experience to guide a new generation of younger Filipina athletes.
📷 Alyssa Valdez, Ara Galang
