Moms and Dads

Selina Dagdag-Alas: A Journey of Faith and Motherhood

by Alexa Villano
February 27, 2025

PBA courtside reporter Selina Dagdag-Alas and her husband, PBA player Kevin Alas have been enjoying parenthood since the arrival of their daughter Cali

Every first-time mom has had their set of challenges. From the overwhelming amount of questions to figuring out what works, Selina Dagdag-Alas has been navigating it all since the arrival of their [Kevin Alas’s and her] daughter, Catalina “Cali” Noelle last September. But what has she discovered since battling cancer and then pregnancy before finally starting her journey into motherhood?

Reflections as First-Time Parents

Since Cali’s arrival in September, Selina Dagdag-Alas and Kevin Alas have been spending time with her and making adjustments. Although things were hectic at the beginning, Selina and Kevin’s faith served as their strength to climb over parenting’s “steep learning curve.” It was such a daunting task, Selina admits. “But the Lord reminded us that when He calls us to a ministry (this one of parenthood), He doesn’t call the qualified. Rather, He qualifies and equips those whom He calls! That truth steadies us.”

Selina Dagdag-Alas and Kevin Alas enjoying parenthood — Photo from selina_dagdag and kevinlouieala

Reflecting on her journey to motherhood, Selina expresses gratitude for a relatively smooth pregnancy despite some initial challenges. The nausea she dealt with during the early stages of her pregnancy was at least short-lived, allowing her to still stick to her routine.

“It wasn’t anything that stopped me from pursuing my daily activities. The Lord gave me strength to cook, participate in church ministries, and work out!“ She exclaims.

However, the appreciation for her family and faith in God she practices in motherhood was not something she discovered out of nowhere. They were hard won from her battle with a rare form of cancer: Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia.

A Closer Relationship After Cancer

It was in 2022 when Selina and Kevin went through two of their toughest moments. Pregnant with their first child, Selina unfortunately miscarried. As if that wasn’t bad enough, she felt something was wrong during and after the D&C (Dilatation and Curettage) procedure. Several tests and X-rays later, she discovered that she had a very rare cancer called Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN) — an aggressive cancer that forms in the uterus after conception. Cancer had always been her biggest fear, she admits on an Instagram video in 2023.

“To have it in my 20s was such a huge shock for me. I remember walking out to my first specialist clinic and I just fell into Kevin’s arms, crying.”

As a cancer that is almost always malignant, the treatment had to be just as aggressive. Weeks after her diagnosis, she underwent chemotherapy. Months after the treatment and in late 2022, Selina celebrated her being clear of the cancer.

“Looking back, I honestly don’t know how I got through it. Si God lang talaga,” she shares in the video.

Although the battle against cancer was over, recovering from the aftermath was the next step. Because chemotherapy destroys both the cancerous cells and healthy cells, Selina had to focus more on her recovery.

“We weren’t allowed to conceive for one year because my body needed to recover and be monitored. During that time, I tried to eat well, exercise, and strengthen my body. After some months, I started feeling like my old self again pre-chemo. After a year, we were cleared to try again for a baby.”

The ordeal not only strengthened her and Kevin’s relationship but also, deepened their ties with God.

“I just know that God should be in the center of our relationship. To add, knowing that the Lord is the one in control of our lives and knowing that He allowed and allows all things to happen for our good comforts me,” Kevin says.

He credits their faith for building the solid relationship they have today. “I saw how the Lord transformed her life in every aspect. I saw firsthand how the Lord used what we went through to mature Selina and me in our ministry as spouses and as parents now.”

How Kevin Alas and Selina Dagdag-Alas Are Now

Their strengthened relationship now serves as the foundation to withstand the necessary adjustments parenthood demands. Like any first-time parent, Kevin found those changes tough at first. “Everything had changed — daily routines, sleep schedule to name a few. But Selina made it easier for me because, after the initial weeks, she lets me sleep and recover at night.”

As a basketball player with a demanding schedule of training and games, Kevin is especially grateful that Selina has been hands-on with Cali, making the adjustments to parenthood easier for him.

“She feeds, changes diapers, and puts Cali to sleep at night on top of cooking and preparing what I eat. Of course, during the day, I try to help out as much as I can.”

Having Cali also means changes in Selina Dagdag-Alas’ career. Before the baby, she was active as a PBA courtside reporter. Sportscasting had to take the backseat as she focused on being a wife and homemaker. But not every woman will have that choice, she points out.

“They are called to something else, and that’s okay! There are blessings and wonderful plans there too!” She assures. “But as much as possible, my husband and I firmly believe if you could afford it lifestyle-wise, it would be great to be a homemaker and a stay-at-home mom.”

It’s because, for her, there’s no calling more noble than taking care of one’s child/ children. “You get to invest in their souls eternally as you disciple them and minister to them. I once read that our child/ children are the only ones we could possibly bring to heaven! That is a sobering thought for me,” she elaborates.

Enjoying Parenthood

As Selina Dagdag-Alas enjoys her time as a first-time mom, she develops a deeper devotion to her faith, especially after receiving help with Cali from family and friends.

“Although motherhood is a back-breaking job, it is such a privilege for it grants me the opportunity to be more like Christ,” Selina realizes as a parent. “More than that, it’s become my main mission field. As a Christian, God has put me in this unique position to minister and disciple my child, as I prayerfully hope she grows in her love and knowledge of Him.”

Looking back on their journey, Selina and Kevin are filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and the growth they have experienced as individuals and as a couple. They embrace the adventure of parenthood with open arms, confident that God’s grace will continue to guide them.