Recommended Video
Justine Jazareno has quickly proven her mettle as a national team libero.
It didn’t take long before Justine Jazareno’s impressive form for Alas Pilipinas was recognized internationally.
Jazareno was recently named Best Libero in Leg 2 of the SEA V.League, joining Kyla Atienza and Alas co-captain Dawn Macandili-Catindig as the Filipina floor defenders to be recognized in the regional meet.
In an interview along the sidelines of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship kickoff event on Wednesday, August 14, Jazareno said that her first international award is the product of the work that she has put in behind the scenes.
“Super happy lang ako, kasi syempre lahat naman nag-work hard. And ‘yun nga, lagi ko lang sinasabi na hard work pays off. ‘Yun, parang hindi ako titigil, even if nakuha ko na ‘yun, I’ll do more and I’ll be better,” Jazareno told assembled media at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall during the kickoff event.
“Sobrang naiiyak talaga ako, pero pinigilan ko kasi nahihiya ako, pero pinigilan ko kasi nahihiya talaga ako, makikita nila ‘yung reaction ko na umiiyak! Pero ‘yun, super happy,” Jazareno, who was emotional on her way to the podium, added.
The Akari star made her debut for Alas Pilipinas during the 2025 VTV International Cup last June, where she helped the Nationals finish fourth among an eight-team field. Prior to this, she was also part of the 33-prospect wishlist released by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) ahead of Alas’ 2025 calendar.
According to Jazareno, a huge part behind her seamless adjustment was none other than Macandili-Catindig, who acted as a mentor and role model towards her.
“More on naging role model ko si Ate Dawn, naging mentor ko siya na tinutulungan niya ako even if mayroon siyang mga responsibility na ginagawa for herself para matulungan niya ‘yung team. Naging anchor ko siya,” Jazareno said of their dynamic.
Already one of the country’s finest young stars, Jazareno said that playing with Alas helped her mature further as a player.
“Mas naging mature lang ako, and being consistent sa mga ginagawa ko. Madadala ko rin naman ‘yung leadership ko from international to mother team,” the former DLSU standout said.
With Alas now setting its sights on the Southeast Asian Games this December, Jazareno knows that their bronze medals, as well as experiences in the SEA V.League will serve as an added bout of confidence moving forward.
At the same time, she knows that trusting the process will be crucial as the Nationals continue to establish themselves as a perennial contender on the international scene.
“Siguro we always have to stick to the system, always go back to the system. Kasi ‘yun naman palagi ‘yung pinanghuhugutan namin to be better and improve more, para mapatunayan namin na we’re getting better and stronger.”
Images from the Southeast Asian Volleyball Association on Facebook.