Beyond Volleyball and Into the Heart of Jema Galanza’s Passions

As the raindrops softly tap against the windows of Café Justina in Rizal, a gentle rhythm hums in the air, blending with the warmth of freshly brewed coffee. The soft lighting and the quiet ambiance of this quaint, cozy café feel like a small, peaceful haven in the midst of life’s constant rush. Outside, the weather is wet and overcast, yet within the café’s walls, there’s a warmth that soothes, a sense of stillness that offers a welcome reprieve from the everyday frenzy. These are the kind of rare, fleeting moments where life feels simple, wholesome, like a warm hearth on a cold day.

In this moment, Jema Galanza, a name that’s grown synonymous with power and precision on the volleyball court, leans back and takes in her surroundings. She speaks with the quiet confidence of someone who knows the importance of finding balance, of taking care of the mind and body to fuel the intense demands of her blossoming career.

“Ito ‘yung time na pinakamasarap matulog and relaxing po ang feeling,” she says, a soft smile on her face.

The now 27-year-old’s journey from college rookie to one of the biggest stars in Philippine volleyball is a testament to her resilience, deep-rooted love for the game, and compassionate spirit.

Her story began humbly in 2013 when she debuted as a reserve player in Adamson University’s beach volleyball team, teaming up with standout players Bang Pineda and Amanda Villanueva. Together, they clinched the UAAP Season 76 women’s beach volleyball championship, setting a foundation for what would become a remarkable career.

Success didn’t come easy. Through her college years, Galanza faced tough seasons and challenges on the court, but her tenacity was unwavering. In her senior year, she took on the role of team captain, leading the Adamson Lady Falcons in UAAP Season 80 – a period that solidified her grit and skill.

After college, she joined the Creamline Cool Smashers in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), where she quickly became a vital part of a powerhouse lineup alongside Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado, and later on, Michele Gumabao and Tots Carlos. Over the years, Galanza evolved into one of the league’s most formidable spikers, earning accolades and respect. In 2018, she was awarded the 2nd Best Outside Spiker and helped Creamline secure the PVL Open Conference championship. By 2019, her dominance was undeniable, as she won the prestigious 1st Best Outside Spiker and Most Valuable Player awards, further leading her team to their third PVL championship title.

Galanza’s talent transcended the club level, and in 2018, she earned a spot on the Philippine national women’s volleyball team, representing the country in the Asian Women’s Volleyball Cup. In subsequent years, she continued to represent the Philippines on the international stage, including a standout performance at the 2022 SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Her latest accomplishments in 2024 have only cemented her legacy. Winning her fifth Best Spiker award, she was crowned Finals MVP after leading Creamline to a historic 4-peat and the team’s eighth league title. And through it all, Galanza remains grounded, often talking about her love for volleyball and her softer side – her love for animals. In the middle of her packed schedule, Galanza finds time to care for her 11 dogs, a gentle reminder of the compassionate side to this fierce competitor.

“Minsan po kasi kapag sobrang tagal ka na sa team, nauumay ka tapos parang, ‘Hindi na ako nagiimprove eh,’ gan’yan. Pero sa Creamline, seven years na po ako sa Creamline, may naiimprove pa rin ako.”

The purpose of this profile is to offer a glimpse into the person behind the athlete – an exploration of what makes Jema Galanza unique beyond her powerful spikes and incredible athletic achievements. While her accolades on the volleyball court are many, it’s her off-court persona, her down-to-earth warmth, and her passion for simple joys that truly set her apart.

Through her genuine smile and humble demeanor, Jema reveals a depth often overshadowed by the competitive world of sports. This profile uncovers the quieter side of Jema: her appreciation for moments that make her feel alive, her love for animals, and the values she holds close. Here, we see Jema not just as a sports star but as a young woman navigating the spotlight with grace and staying true to what matters most to her.

A Life Dedicated to Volleyball

Galanza’s path to becoming one of Philippine volleyball’s most beloved players was far from smooth. Her college years, particularly her time with the Lady Falcons, tested her commitment and passion for the sport she loved. As a player on the rise, she faced doubts about her abilities and future, questioning whether she even belonged on the court. Jema reflects on this challenging period with raw honesty:

“Dati po, nung college po ako, dumating ako sa point na parang ayaw ko na po maglaro, gan’yan. Nung college po, sabi ko nalang, after nitong UAAP, bahala nalang po si Lord kung ano ba ibibigay sa’kin. Kung magiging maganda ba ‘yung career ko, kung magiimprove pa ba ako, or kung hanggang kailan na lang ba ako mageend. So, basta nag-[pray] nalang po ako kay Lord. Siguro, ito na po ‘yung sagot sa lahat ng pinadasal ko kay Lord.”

For Jema, not reaching the Final Four in the UAAP was a blow to her confidence. In a highly competitive league, where a top finish often opens doors to professional opportunities, she felt the weight of her team’s struggles. “Hindi po kami nakapasok ng Final Four,” she remembers. “Di ba parang iyon din po kasi ‘yung isang way para mafeel mo rin sa sarili mo na may kaya ka pang maiangat?” It was in these moments of self-doubt, though, that she found an inner strength. Turning to prayer and her faith, Jema pushed forward, determined to see where the journey would take her. It all started with a phone call.

The opportunity to join the Cool Smashers became the spark that rekindled Galanza’s love for volleyball. It came unexpectedly through a call from Coach Sherwin Meneses, affectionately known as Coach She, just as Creamline under Rebisco was forming its roster. Jema remembers this pivotal moment vividly:

“Kasi college pa po ako no’n, and then bigla niya po akong tinawagan, ‘Gusto mo ba maglaro sa Creamline?’, eh kakastart lang po ng Creamline no’n. Sabi niya, kulang daw ng player, so sabi ko, ‘Sige, Coach. Lalaro po ako.'”

For Jema, it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. Not only was she eager to continue playing, but the chance to be teammates with Alyssa Valdez and to train under Thai coach Tai Bundit, known for his legacy in the UAAP with Ateneo, was irresistible. “Gusto ko lang talagang matuto no’n, and maexperience makalaro kasama sila,” she says with a sense of gratitude.

Though she didn’t anticipate staying with Creamline long-term, that first season reignited something within her. After proving herself on the court, Creamline’s management approached her with an offer to stay on. “Parang nagising po ako ulit,” she recalls. “Nagkaroon po ako ulit ng pagkakataon na makabawi para sa sarili ko.”

Jema’s journey with Creamline evolved not only into a platform for personal growth but also into a path toward leadership within the team. Her drive to improve came to life through the example set by her teammate Valdez, a legend in her own right, whose work ethic and poise have been transformative for Jema’s approach to both training and competition.

“Nung dati po kasi, hindi kami vocal sa kung ano ‘yung gusto ko matutunan sakanya,” Jema explains, sharing how she would observe Alyssa closely, learning by example. Through those quiet observations, she absorbed invaluable lessons. “Sakanya ko po talaga natutunan ‘yung sipag. ‘Yung mageextra ka kahit alam mong tapos mo na ‘yung 3 hours ng training.”

Jema also admired Alyssa’s unshakeable composure in high-stakes moments, especially in tense situations where the game’s outcome hung in the balance. “Parang walang kaba kay Ate [Alyssa],” Jema recalls with admiration. “Kahit 24-24, hindi mo maffeel na manginginig ‘yung kamay niya… [Feel] mo na, ‘Hindi, mananalo tayo.’” Alyssa’s influence became Jema’s touchstone in critical game moments, empowering her to mirror that same calm confidence.

Beyond game time, Alyssa’s leadership during practice has shaped the entire team’s dynamic. “Sa training din, ‘yung leadership niya po. ‘Yung kapag sinabi niya po ‘Hey, hey, hey!’, talagang susunod ka po,” Jema says. Alyssa’s influence, she explains, unites the team, setting a standard of discipline and trust. Embracing these qualities has transformed Jema into a respected leader, someone her own teammates look up to as she once did with Alyssa.

The Pack at Home: Jema’s Love for Dogs

What began as a simple bond with one dog soon blossomed into a large, beloved pack for Jema. Her first dog, Milo, holds a special place in her heart and became the start of a family. When another dog was put up for adoption, Jema took it in, and the two quickly became partners. Over the course of two years, their family grew – at one point, they had nearly 26 dogs, though some were given to friends and relatives.

The members of her canine family are as close to her as her human friends, each with its personality. Alongside Milo, she still has Dilly, Kobe, Gigi, Coco, and Nini, along with the next generation – Fiona, Lisa, Liam, and Caramel. Milo, though the first and her favorite, has to share her love, as Jema makes a point to give each dog attention. “Minsan kapag nakakainis si Milo, gusto [ko] ‘yung iba ‘yung lalambingin ko. And syempre po, kailangan din na lahat nilalambing mo kasi magseselos po,” she shares with a chuckle.

For Jema, her dogs are more than just pets – they’re a source of comfort, joy, and mental relief from the demands of being a professional athlete. While volleyball requires intense focus and discipline, her time with her dogs allows her to fully unwind. After a long training session, Jema looks forward to returning home to her pack.

“Everytime na after training po, dogs lang po talaga ‘yung iisipin ko, ‘di na po volleyball,” she says. Her dogs, with their boundless affection and simple needs, give her the support she needs to reset and recharge. “Nakakatuwa kasi ‘yung dogs, wala, masaya lang sila. Ang gusto lang din nila gawin para sa’yo, eh pasayahin ka,” she adds. Despite the occasional responsibilities they bring, Jema knows that their happiness is as much for her as it is for them – a mutually uplifting bond that keeps her grounded.

Caring for a large family of dogs comes with its own set of challenges, both practical and emotional. Jema’s journey as a dog parent has been full of sacrifices, as she balances the demands of her career and her responsibility to her canine family. One of the most difficult moments early on was when she lived in a condo with her first dog, Milo. “Everytime na magttraining ako, sobrang sakit sa heart na iiyak siya or talagang gusto niya talaga umalis, makasama lang po ako,” she recalls. This experience taught her the importance of companionship for her dogs. “Dapat kahit isang tao, talagang may makakasama ‘yung dog. Kasi malulungkot talaga sila, meron talagang dogs na madedepress.”

This lesson has shaped how Jema approaches her role as a dog parent. She ensures that no dog is ever left alone, as she knows the emotional toll it can take on them. She remembers how one of her dogs comforted her during a difficult time: “Meron ‘yung time na nagsstruggle ako sa sarili ko po, so naffeel ko talaga na as in nagcocomfort po siya sa’kin, hinuhug niya po ako.” The emotional bond between them is mutual, with Jema feeling just as deeply for her dogs as they do for her. She also reflects on how keenly her dogs can sense when something is wrong, recalling a time when one of her dogs seemed to know her father was unwell before anyone else did: “Yung isang dog ko po, parang sad talag siya, ‘di po siya lumalabas ng room nila tatay po. So parang feeling ko, baka nafeel niya na may nararamdaman ‘yung father ko po na hindi kami aware.”

Despite the challenges, Jema’s commitment to her dogs remains unwavering, and their love is a source of endless joy and comfort in her life.

Advocating for Animal Welfare

Jema is a passionate advocate for adopting Filipino street dogs, or aspins, and her heart goes out to those in shelters or struggling on the streets. She believes in giving these often-overlooked dogs a second chance at a loving home.

“Ang gusto ko po sana is ‘yung mga ‘yung nagpapaadopt po ng mga aspin po,” she shares, emphasizing the deep connection she feels for these animals. Her compassion is evident as she reflects on the suffering of street dogs: “Naiiyak po talaga ako kapag may nakikita akong mga may sakit, may namamatay na dogs. ‘Yung mga hindi nakakakain, sobrang payat na mga dogs.”

For Jema, adoption is the best option, and she encourages others to consider it. “Nakakatuwa kasi recently po madami na rin pong nagpapaadopt na mga shelter ng dogs,” she says, noting a positive shift towards adoption in recent years. She wants to highlight aspins as a great choice for potential pet owners, pointing out their intelligence and loyalty: “Super smart din naman po ng mga aspin po.”

Her commitment to making a difference extends beyond her personal life, with a strong desire to use her influence for a greater cause. While she dreams of having unlimited funds to help more dogs, she has found practical ways to contribute to shelters. “Sabi ko nga po, yumaman lang po talaga ako. Kung meron po akong unlimited na funds po, wala pong problema sa’kin,” she says, with a genuine wish to see every dog safe and well-fed. “Kung kaya lang po sana. Soon, sana po.”

One of the ways Jema actively supports shelters is through her donations. “Yearly po, nagdodonate kami ng money or dog food sa dog shelter po,” she shares, emphasizing her ongoing efforts to help those in need. She also taps into the power of her community to amplify her impact, collaborating with communities to raise more resources for shelters.

In addition, Jema has found innovative ways to fundraise by utilizing platforms like Kumu. “Minsan po ginagamit ko rin po ang Kumu Stream,” she explains, where she streams live and donates all the diamonds she earns to the shelters. This thoughtful approach allows her to leverage her popularity to raise funds for a cause close to her heart. By using her platform for good, Jema is creating a ripple effect, encouraging others to contribute to the well-being of animals in need.

Vision for Volleyball’s Future

Jema’s vision for Philippine volleyball extends beyond her individual career and centers on the development of a stable and consistent national team, now known as Alas Pilipinas. She sees the key to success as teamwork and continuity, values that are sometimes hindered by frequent player changes. “Actually, nagsisimula na rin po sila sa program na long-term po,” she says, reflecting on the progress made by the national program. “Kailangan po talaga sa volleyball, teamwork and consistency din.”

The San Pedro, Laguna native believes that a steady squad is crucial for success, as it allows players to build the chemistry necessary to compete at the highest levels. “Kailangan nandiyan ‘yung bawat isa sa’min, or bawat isa sa National Team, so sana po sa mga susunod po na mga National po, kung sino man po naglalaro ngayon, sana tuloy-tuloy na po.”

In addition to team continuity, Jema is eager for more international competition for Alas. She recognizes the importance of exposure to different playing styles and the growth it fosters. “Sana rin po more international leagues pa po every year,” she adds, noting that this year has seen an increase in international tournaments. “I think nagp-plan din naman po sila next year na mas marami pa pong masasalihan na tournament.”

Her hope is that the national team’s program continues to grow and align with the programs of leagues like the PVL and PNVL, creating a unified volleyball community that can propel the sport forward. “Sana po tuloy-tuloy lang din po… para iisa lang po ‘yung volleyball community,” she concludes, underscoring the importance of collaboration for long-term success.

Jema’s perspective on the sport goes beyond just performance; she advocates for inclusivity and equal opportunities for players, regardless of their physical attributes. The 5-foot-7 superstar believes that height or build should not define a player’s potential or limit their ability to compete at the highest levels.

“Kahit maliit ka, may opportunity ka pa rin makalaro internationally,” Jema asserts, pointing out the challenges of finding tall players in the Philippines, but also highlighting that skill can surpass physical limitations.

While she acknowledges the rarity of taller players locally, she emphasizes that volleyball should be about building and maximizing the potential of those who are available, regardless of their stature. “Sana, alam mo ‘yon, may mga program ana kung ano ‘yung nasa harap mo, kung sino ‘yung nasa harap mo, iyon ‘yung palalakasin mo.” Her belief is clear: every player, regardless of size, has something unique to offer.

She stresses that the core focus should always be on creating a unified system where all players, no matter their build, can thrive. “Which is kung maliit man, kung super laki ba, gan’yan, ang importante lang po, iisang sistema. Iisa ‘yung goal mo.” Her vision is a volleyball community where players are recognized for their talent, and the goal is collective success, not just physical attributes. “Kumbaga, makikita at alam nila na mapapakita mo ‘yung talent mo sakanila,” Jema concludes, advocating for a sport that values skill, determination, and teamwork above all else.

Personal Passions and Interests

Jema’s love for traveling is rooted in her desire to explore new places, immerse herself in nature, and indulge in one of her greatest joys – eating. “Favorite ko pong maglakad nang maglakad,” she shares, describing how she enjoys walking through new destinations to discover both natural beauty and unique tourist spots.

Whether it’s trekking through scenic landscapes or visiting popular landmarks, she finds walking to be the best way to fully experience a place while also burning off the calories from all the delicious food she enjoys. “Syempre, favorite ko pong kumain, and ‘yon lang din po kasi ‘yung time maka-bakasyon kaya susulitin ko talagang kumain,” she adds.

Among her top countries to visit, Japan takes the crown. She loves the country’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and, of course, the food. Her favorite dish in Japan? Yakiniku, a type of Japanese barbecue that satisfies her love for savory meals. She fondly recalls how she typically walks up to 23,000 steps a day when traveling – an ideal way to explore while treating herself to as much food as she can during the trip.

Other countries on her travel favorites include Switzerland and Amsterdam, places she hopes to visit again for their charming sights and rich history. Whether it’s exploring nature or enjoying the local flavors, Jema’s passion for travel is all about unwinding and making the most of her time away from the court.

Jema’s passions extend beyond volleyball and travel – she’s also a huge fan of K-Pop, particularly the global sensation BLACKPINK. Her love for K-Pop is not just about the music, but also the performances, the energy, and the dedication of the artists, which are factors similar to how she thrives on a volleyball court.

Galanza shares a playful yet endearing thought of how, at one point, she was serious about auditioning to become a K-Pop idol herself. “Alam niyo po ba dati, dapat po mag-au-audition ako sa KPOP, pero ibang entertainment po,” she laughs, remembering how she considered the possibility of participating in one of the many online auditions that became so popular. However, her journey took a different direction when volleyball captured her full attention.

Despite not pursuing that dream, Jema still keeps the door open, humorously saying, “Di natin alam. Pwede naman po. Sana, kung mag-improve po ‘yung boses ko. Abangan niyo na lang po.” Her playful spirit reflects her openness to new opportunities and her willingness to embrace different facets of her dynamic personality. K-Pop is one of the many layers, and it feels as if there are more to uncover down the line.

Looking Ahead

As Jema looks toward the future, both in volleyball and in life, her determination and heart continue to shape her journey. Her vision is clear: to continue growing as a player, leader, and advocate, both on and off the court. She dreams of a volleyball community that is stable, united, and inclusive, where opportunities are available to all athletes, regardless of their height or build. She hopes to see the national team grow into a powerhouse, consistently competing on the international stage, and giving more players a chance to shine. For Jema, success is not just about personal victories but about lifting others up, whether through her work with dog shelters or by inspiring the next generation of athletes.

But beyond her professional ambitions, Jema envisions a life filled with joy, love, and meaningful connections. She knows that her path as an athlete will eventually come to an end, but her commitment to her passions – whether that’s through animal advocacy, K-Pop, or her unyielding dedication to her sport – will remain a part of her forever.

In everything she does, Jema embodies a unique balance of strength and warmth. On the court, she’s a fierce competitor, fighting for every point, every win. Off the court, she’s a person who cares deeply about her family, both human and canine, and stays grounded in the values that matter most. Jema is a reminder that true greatness lies not just in what we achieve, but in the connections we create along the way.

As she continues her journey, there’s no telling where Jema’s heart and ambition will take her next. One thing is for certain: the world will be watching, and we will all be eager to see what that is.