Angel Canino confident Alas Pilipinas can come together for Asian Games  

The transition period for Alas Pilipinas continues, and Angel Canino is ready to help lead it.

With the Philippine women’s national volleyball team entering a new era ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, the De La Salle standout has once again answered the call to represent the country, joining the national training pool assembled under newly appointed head coach Taka Minowa.

For Canino, another invitation to wear the Philippine jersey carries the same meaning it always has—not just as recognition of her growth, but as an opportunity to contribute to something bigger than herself.

“I’m very grateful talaga na napili ulit ako for the Asian Games,” Canino told reporters. “It’s really an honor for an athlete na ipatawag ka for the national team.”

The latest pool signals the beginning of the Philippines’ buildup for the continental showcase, with the Philippine Olympic Committee temporarily taking charge of the national program following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

Despite the changes surrounding the program, Canino remains focused on the common objective.

“For me talaga, gusto ko talagang i-represent ang Philippines. ‘Yun talaga ang goal ko ever since I started very young,” she said.

“And now, it’s still in the process, and hopefully talaga mag-connect at mag-in line ang bawat isa kasi we’re praying for it.”

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#WATCH: VERY GRATEFUL AND SOBRANG BLESSED

Angel Canino shares her thoughts on Alas Women’s upcoming #AsianGames2026 campaign #ReadMore https://t.co/VnymAQZ36y

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With a new coaching staff, returning veterans, and young collegiate stars coming together, she emphasized the importance of unity as Alas Pilipinas begins another international campaign.

“Hopefully, lahat ng support, lahat ng pagmamahal ng bansa, pagmamahal ng mga tao, pagmamahal ng atleta, mapupunta doon sa magandang pamamaraan,” she said.

The two-time UAAP champion also paid tribute to every athlete who has accepted the responsibility of representing the Philippines, acknowledging that national team duty demands sacrifice and collective commitment.

“Thankful ako at grateful kami sa mga nagre-represent ng Pilipinas kasi it’s always an honor talaga to represent the Philippines,” she said.

“But of course, kailangan talaga at some point we have to be in connection with one another and in line with one another.”

Canino last suited up for Alas Pilipinas during the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, where the Filipinas finished fourth. She is now expected to reunite with several key members of the national team, including veteran setter Jia De Guzman, fellow collegiate stars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, and other top PVL standouts as preparations intensify for the Asian Games in Japan.

As Alas Pilipinas begins rebuilding under a new system, Canino is among the players expected to help bridge the program’s present and future—one national team call-up at a time.

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