In a series of exclusive interviews on ABS-CBN Sports' "Settling the Score by Rexona", hosted by Migs Bustos, we get a glimpse into the challenges and expectations faced by the Filipinas in their historic Women's World Cup debut, the factors that influence basketball players to choose between playing at home or overseas, and the intense rivalry between Ateneo and La Salle in UAAP Women's Volleyball.

FOOTBALL

For the first time in history, the Philippine Women's National Football Team, Filipinas, represented the country at the FIFA Women's World Cup in New Zealand last July 21, 2023.

After going up against the higher-ranked Switzerland team in their first-ever FIFA match, the Filipinas suffered a 2-0 loss. But with their unstoppable determination and fresh approach to the game, the Filipinas are not backing down from the competition, and are set to leave a mark on the international stage.

In an interview on "Settling the Score by Rexona", former players of the national team, Samantha Nierras and Camille Rodriguez shared the national team's incredible journey, and the tough road ahead for the Filipinas.

The magical run of the Filipinas

According to Rodriguez, the national team's recent achievements were "magical."

"It is every national team athlete's pride and honor to be able to win something as historic as qualifying for the World Cup, winning the bronze medal in the Southeast Asian Games for the first time in 37 years, and especially to win a regional gold medal here at home."

The tough road ahead

The Filipinas are in Group A of the FIFA Women's World Cup along with New Zealand, Switzerland, and Norway, which are known to be tough and experienced teams according to Nierras.

"I think Norway is in the Top 12 and Switzerland is very experienced. I looked up the rosters, and a lot of them are about late 20s to early 30s. They are full of experience, whereas our roster is full of younger players - early 20s, mid 20s," she said.

Rodriguez mentions the additional challenge being a visiting team playing in front of a large crowd.

"Last year when we were doing friendly games, the coaching staff was big on being able to communicate with each other. Most especially non-verbal kasi hindi talaga kayo magkakarinigan (because you will not be able to hear each other). It is going to be the first time that the team will be playing in front of that big of a crowd."

As for Nierras' expectation for the team, she said "I would like to see the Filipinas play how they play. I am hoping that they are not too nervous and decide that they do not want to get scored on or they are focusing on defense too much. For years they worked really hard to be in this position, so I hope they can show the world exactly why they deserved it."

The Filipinas are set to face co-host New Zealand on July 25 in Wellington, before traveling back to Auckland for the duel with Norway on July 30 to wrap up the group stage.

BASKETBALL

The decision to play professional basketball in the Philippines or overseas has become a hot topic of debate among Filipino players. With an increasing number of Filipino ballers opting to pursue careers abroad.

Financial rewards and family support

According to Racela, "when you play professionally, play for pay, 'di ba? Factor 'yung financial reward. When you play abroad, aminado tayo na mas malaki 'yung chances of you getting a bigger contract. And that helps you a lot in really providing for your family."
(When you play professionally, you play for pay. Financial reward is a factor. When you play abroad, we admit that there is a chance of you getting a bigger contract. And that helps you a lot in really providing for your family.)

Pros and cons of playing abroad

While the financial rewards and international exposure are appealing, there are also challenges associated with playing abroad.

"Going abroad is always a sacrifice. Sacrifice rin 'yun sa taong umaalis. The family that he leaves behind, sometimes it becomes motivation for them. Really, you have to know your why, kung bakit ka maga-abroad," Racela advised.
(Going abroad is always a sacrifice. Sacrifice for the person who will leave. The family that he leaves behind, sometimes it becomes motivation for them. Really, you have to know you why, why you will work abroad.)

However, players who overcome these challenges often return to the Philippines with more confidence, improved skills, and a higher level of competitiveness, benefiting both their personal growth and the national team.

"You will gain experience, which tayo rin ang makikinabang, the Philippine basketball. Kasi some of those players who play abroad will come back to play for Gilas, for the national team. Mas maganda 'yung confidence level nila kasi alam nila kaya nilang maglaro internationally," Ritualo said.
([When you play abroad] you will gain experience, which we will all benefit from, the Philippine basketball. Some of those players who play abroad, will come back to play for Gilas, for the national team. Their confidence level is better because they know that they can play internationally.)

Advantages of playing in the Philippines

Playing in front of a home crowd and the familiarity of routines were highlighted as significant advantages of playing in the Philippines. Racela mentioned the comfort and support that players experience when playing in their home country, which may positively impact their performance on the court.

Preparation and hard work

Whether one decides to play in the Philippines or abroad, Ritualo reminded that maintaining maximum performance during games starts with rigorous practice sessions. He invested significant time and effort in mastering shooting angles. Racela also emphasized that "there is no substitute for hard work."

VOLLEYBALL

The Ateneo-La Salle rivalry in UAAP Women's Volleyball is a fierce competition that has captivated die-hard fans for years. Former UAAP champions, Alyssa Valdez and Michele Gumabao, took a trip down memory lane to relive the intensity and heart-stopping moments of this historic matchup.

The beginning of the rivalry

The interview kicked off with the volleyball icons reminiscing about the intense rivalry that started in Season 74 of the UAAP. Gumabao mentioned the significance of volleyball as the foundation of their rivalry. Valdez added that the hype and pressure surrounding Ateneo-La Salle games were different from any other matchup.

"Hindi kasi ako very exposed sa volleyball noon. So, ang kilala ko lang talaga is within the La Salle community. So, hindi ko sila friends," Gumabao said. She jokingly added, "so pagdating sa court, magkaaway talaga kami. Personalan talaga."
(I was not very exposed to volleyball before. So, the only people I knew were the ones within the La Salle community. That is why I was not friends with them [Valdez and other volleyball players]. She jokingly added, so in the court, we were really rivals. It was really personal.)

According to Valdez, "Dati talaga magkikita lang kami during games. Talagang 'pag nagtatapat kami, parang it is the first time that we will play against each other. So iba 'yung gigil talaga."
(Before, we would only see each other during games. Whenever we would go up against each other, it is as if it is the first time that we will play against each other. It is a different level of excitement.)

Memorable moments

"The first two years, I was playing against La Salle with Michele. Finals kami. Doon kami second lang. (We got in the finals, but we were only second place) And then, after she graduate,” Valdez shared.

Bustos jokingly finished her sentence, saying that "thanks to Michele, nag-champion kayo." (Thanks to Michele [after graduating from the UAAP], you guys became champions.)

To which Valdez humorously added while shaking Gumabao's hand "thank you. We're teammates now,” referring to their being teammates in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

"Disclaimer, friends na kami ngayon," (we are friends now), Gumabao said.

The importance of confidence

For both Gumabao and Valdez, confidence emerged as a crucial factor in their success.

"You can never play your all or your 100%, or you can never know yourself inside the court if you do not have the confidence in you," Valdez said

"You develop your confidence by preparing yourself and by working hard para pagdating mo sa court, talagang wala kang doubts and fears," Gumabao said.
(You develop your confidence by preparing yourself and by working hard, so that when you are on the court, you will not have doubts and fears)

When asked where they find their confidence when facing their biggest rivals, Gumabao highlighted the crucial role of teammates and the people that you surround yourself with in boosting confidence.

For Valdez, aside from the teammates and coaches, confidence should also come from within.
"It has to start from yourself. And aside from that, I think it is from all the supporters and the people who believe in you. You have to always keep in mind, to look back and really thank all of them."

The Hot Seat

In a rapid-fire segment called the "Hot Seat," Rodriguez and Nierras were put on the spot without filters.

Nierras was asked a tough choice: Heartbreak in love or heartbreak in the game?

She chose heartbreak in love, believing that "it is easier to get over love than it is to get over the game."

Rodriguez also opted for heartbreak in love, emphasizing that "there is only one game. You cannot repeat moments."

Given the choice between having sweaty palms or sweaty underarms, Rodriguez chose sweaty palms, as she values feeling fresh. Nierras also shared the same sentiment and opted for sweaty palms, mentioning that she always wears protection under her arms.

When it came to their preference between tawas or deodorant, both of them found the choice easy and went for deodorant.

And when asked to pick between being unstoppable or fearless, Nierras chose unstoppable, noting that "if you are unstoppable, you are already fearless."

While the basketball legends were asked about sweating during games. Racela revealed that he does not perspire much. On the other hand, Ritualo admitted that his game may change, especially during rugged or physical matchups.

Racela jokingly added that the best person to guard Ritualo is an opponent without protection or who has an unpleasant odor, since Ritualo would surely avoid him.

Ritualo then shared that his defenders would often stick so close to him on the court, jokingly comparing their proximity to that of a girlfriend.

"'Yung bantay sakin, dikit na dikit. Kala mo girlfriend ko 'yung bumabantay sa akin lagi. Nakakahiya naman 'pag hindi ako naka-deodorant, 'di ba?"
([During a game] my opponent is so close to me. It is like my girlfriend who is always watching over me. It is embarrassing if I do not wear deodorant.)

He recalled using Rexona White deodorant to keep him fresh even during intense moments on the court.

Gumabao and Valdez, on the other hand, answered the questions as they demonstrate some of their volleyball moves.

When asked to choose between "serve" or "receive,"
Gumabao jokingly suggested that she can be the one to choose for Valdez.
Eventually, Valdez settled for "receive," and both players expressed their amusement.

Gumabao opted for "serve" as she admitted that she does not know how to receive.

The lighthearted banter continued as the topic shifted to "pawisang palad" (sweaty palms) or "pawisang kili-kili" (sweaty underarms), both volleyball players burst into laughter. They both ended up choosing "pawisang palad." (sweaty palms)

They also expressed their preference for deodorant over tawas."

When asked to choose between "sleeves" or "sleeveless."
Gumabao answered, "since confident tayo today, sleeveless," to which Valdez "totally agreed" with.

Lastly, Valdez preferred spray deodorant over roll-on, citing that she likes the sensation, while Gumabao prefers roll-on deodorant.

Throughout the conversations with athletes from different sports, we witnessed three traits that they all possess: passion, commitment, and confidence. Their experiences and expertise have taken them to the next level and allowed them to share their talents with other players, and inspire Filipinos who share their love for the games.

To watch the full interviews on “Settling the Score by Rexona”, visit these links:
Football Episode (Sam Nierras & Cam Rodriguez)
Basketball Episode (Olsen Racela & Renren Ritualo)
Volleyball Episode (Alyssa Valdez & Michele Gumabao)

Having maximum strength, maximum efficacy, and freshness despite the stress and pressure may help boost your confidence. And a deodorant like Rexona will help keep you fresh and 72-hour protected from sweat and odor.

For more information, visit Rexona's website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube pages.