Making it to the Asian Games after 36 long years is not just a wonderful experience but is a big blessing. We’re not competing here to shoot for the moon and stars. We’re taking this competition one game at a time

JAKARTA, Indonesia — After spending almost two weeks in Japan and a night in Manila, we’re finally here in Jakarta to play in the 18th Asian Games.

All of the best athletes in Asia are roaming around the Athletes’ Village like ordinary people. No superstar status. They don’t expect VIP treatment.

The dining hall is overflowing with food and a big orange bus transports us from the village to the competition and training venues.

Our residential tower is like a condominium building. I share a unit with Jia Morado and Denden Lazaro, former Ateneo de Manila players whom we faced many times in the past.

Yes, we had a little rivalry in the UAAP before, but we’re now competing as one team – Team Philippines – and that’s the most important thing now.

I learned that the last time Filipino women volleyball players played here was in the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi, India.

That was 36 years ago. Except for our coaches, none of us were born yet at that time. So, this participation in the Asian Games is truly special for us.

Personally, there’s a pressure on all of us. But we’re turning that pressure into a challenge to work hard, knowing that the game or the results will take care of itself.

As one coach said: “Do not worry about something you have no control of.”

That’s why all we’re trying not to be pressured and all we’re doing are to work hard and hope for the best.

Sure, expectations and criticisms will always be there but we don’t want to put it inside our heads. We’ll just compete and fight for the country.

We’re not competing here to shoot for the moon and stars.

We’re taking this competition one game at a time.

But this competition is not all about victories.

We’re here to gain lessons and experiences that will be very valuable in future tournaments, especially now that we’re just starting a two-year program.

I’m hoping and praying that this program would go on and Philippine volleyball will flourish for the next generation to enjoy.

Thailand never became a powerhouse team overnight. Its volleyball program also started from scratch and all the players, coaches, officials and other stakeholders also worked hard to turn their national team into one of the world’s best.

Personally, being part of the national team helps me grow and develop as a person.

It helps me maintain my teachable attitude. Although sometimes, I’m getting tired of doing the same routine. But at the end of the day, there’s always a new lesson in this experience.

This prompts me to work harder and explore what’s in store for me in the future.

I’m really proud to be one of the players selected to represent the country. Until now, I still can’t believe it happened.

We know how competitive the Asian Games are. I’m not yet used to play in major international tournaments, but I’m really enjoying the experience.

Nothing really compares to the feeling of playing for your country and being showered with unending support from the Filipinos.

I will always be proud that I’m part of this competition.

This is experience something that is worth narrating to my future children and grandchildren over and over again.

We waited for 36 years just to make it here.

But this early, I can proudly say that the long wait is all worth it.