CANDON, Ilocos Sur (UPDATED) — Alas Pilipinas veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga cherished the opportunity to play again for the flag for one last time.
Gonzaga was one of the players who heeded the call and play for the flag at the Philippine-hosted 2026 AVC Women’s Cup here in Northern Luzon.
As she concludes her national team duty in indoor volleyball competitions, the seasoned spiker has nothing but gratitude.
“Sobrang thankful ako sa opportunity na ibinigay na for one last time, I got to play for the Philippines,” said Gonzaga on Sunday after Alas Pilipinas’ loss to Iran, 21-25, 12-25, 21-25, at the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup.
Alas Women settled for an eighth place result after the straight-set defeat.
READ: Alas Pilipinas bows to Iran, settles for 8th place at AVC Cup
The 34-year-old player said she can peacefully exit with “no regrets,” expressing gratitude to the sport she loves.
“Always naman, always naman even no’ng high school pa lang ako, ‘pag pinatawag ako ng Pilipinas, nag-iimpake talaga ako at maglalaro para sa Pilipinas. This is my last chance to represent the country, and no regrets, sobra akong happy I got to play the sport that I love.”
Gonzaga bared that since she was a child, it was her dream of giving the Philippines medals.
It may have been realized in beach volleyball and not in indoor competitions, but she is still honored to don the national colors, including this year’s AVC Women’s Cup hosted by Candon City.
“Even no’ng bata pa ‘ko, tinanong na ‘ko what’s my dream for the country. Gusto ko lang talaga mabigyan ng medalya ang Pilipinas,” she said.
“Nakuha ko siya sa beach volley, pero grateful ako na natapos ‘yung national team stint ko dito sa indoor.”
Gonzaga is a bemedalled athlete in beach volleyball, having won the gold medal in the 2022 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Subic Bay Future, and bronze medals in the 2021 Southeast Asian Games, as well as in the ASEAN Grand Prix.