Defense specialist Justine Jazareno is extra motivated to improve her craft and help Alas Pilipinas women’s volleyball team reach greater heights in future competition, including the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December.

Winning Best Libero in the recently concluded second leg of the Southeast Asian V.League in Vietnam fueled Jazareno’s burning desire to bring more glory for Gilas.

“I won’t stop (improving) even after getting that award. I’ll do more and I’ll be better,” the Akari Chargers star libero said.

The De La Salle University’s individual accolade was a welcome bonus for her hard work and contributions to the Filipinas’ second straight bronze medal finish in the fifth edition of the two-leg tournament featuring the region’s top teams in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Jazereno admitted that it was an unexpected blessing.

“Super happy because everyone worked hard. Hard work pays off,” the 25-year-old libero said.

“I was holding back my tears that time because I felt it was embarrassing for them to see my reaction but I’m super happy.”

Jazareno gave credit to veteran libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig for her positive influence in her game and for her guidance.

“Ate Dawn is my role model. She’s my mentor. She’s helping me even if she has bigger responsibilities for the team. She’s my anchor,” she said.

Alas now shifts its focus on preparing for the SEA Games and to finally land a podium finish for the first time since winning bronze in 2005. The Philippines last gold medal in the regional sports meet was back in the 1993 Singapore edition.

“We have to always stick to the system, always go back to the system. We have to be better and improve more. We want to prove that we are getting better and stronger,” Jazareno said.