SANTIAGO, Chile-On patches of grass beneath the trees, using bamboo poles and strands of steel wire, dreams took shape.
For Jello Andrea Mauricio and Taj Arkhea Teves, the volleyball journey began on courts far removed from the bright lights and regulation floors of the international stage. Frances Dianne Ramos had a somewhat better start, getting to play on concrete, but her path was no less difficult.
Now those dreams have carried them thousands of miles from Manila to the edge of the world, onto the bright lights of Parque Estadio National, competing against the best from across the globe in the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World championship.
And they have made history.
The Alas Pilipinas Girls are guaranteed a place in the top 16, securing the best finish by any Philippine volleyball team in any world meet.
From the municipality of Aurora in the province of Isabela, Mauricio has risen from makeshift courts to one of the biggest stages of youth volleyball.
One of the youngest in the national team at 14, Mauricio has provided a spark off the bench, bringing energy and keeping the right side as another scoring threat.
Her eyes welled as she recalled her tough beginnings, from her early days at Aurora Central School to her rise at San Felipe Neri Catholic School and now the world meet.
‘I’m really proud because I used to be just a girl from the province who dreamt of playing in the leagues I only watched on TV and social media. From provincial meets to the Palarong Pambansa, I have been so blessed po to meet people who supported me and helped improve my game. I got to bring my game to Manila and now I’m here in the world championship,’ Mauricio said.
At 13, Teves is the youngest of the 14-player Alas Pilipinas U17.
Initially a libero for this squad, Teves moved to the wing after just one match as coaches adjusted to the competition and converted outside hitter Nadeth Herbon into a floor defender.
Her role changed, but Teves’s easy smile remained.
Teves, from Barangay Pinayagan Sur in Tubigon, Bohol, has been tapped by the University of Santo Tomas and now provides stability on the back row for Alas Pilipinas.
‘I’m just proud to be here,’ the Region VII star said.
Ramos, also a Palarong Pambansa product, is now with the National University program, but stressed that she remains proud to carry the name of St. Michael College of Caraga wherever she goes.
‘We’re proud to have this opportunity and proud contribute whatever we can to the team, however small,’ the 15-year-old Ramos said.
‘I’m proud to represent the country, and being able to continue my journey as a national team player from the Asian U16 [in Amman, Jordan],’ she added.
Alas Pilipinas U17 assistant coach Wynne Bernardo under scored the need for stronger grassroots support.
‘There’s so much talent out there, where courts are just makeshift and ther’es very little support. When they organize games, their coaches practically beg for support because there’s no budget,’ Bernardo said.
‘So is we can increase support for grassroots volleyball, we can assemble stronger teams in the future. Look how far these kids have gone. With hard work, it’s possible. That’s why I’m so proud of this team.’
The Alas Pilipinas Girls also boast Sharina Lleses of King’s Montessori School, National University’s Xyz Ellen Rayco, Irish Mahinay, Jhaynna Love Bulandres and Princess Khaira Manzano, Ateneo’s Resty Olaguir and Jhenica Sadia, Megan Yesha Hernandez of UST, Nadeth Herbon of Leyte National High School, Christina Madela Gale of Bacolod Tay Tung and Caera Celis of St. John’s Institute in Bacolod.