PVL officials are once again discussing the possibility of including Alas Pilipinas in next month’s PVL Invitational, a move that could transform the tournament into more than just a preseason competition.
With the Asian Games scheduled for September, the event presents a timely opportunity for the national team to gain valuable match experience before heading to the continental stage.
In previous years, scheduling conflicts prevented the plan from materializing. This time, however, the calendars appear to align more favorably, opening the door for new national team head coach Taka Minowa and his squad to use the Invitational as part of their preparations—provided it fits within the federation’s training program.
PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo said the league is carefully studying the possibility but emphasized that the decision is not theirs alone.
“‘Di ko pa kasi alam ‘yung program ni coach Taka at saka ng whoever’s running,” Malonzo said.
He added that Minowa’s primary responsibility is coaching the players placed under his care, while decisions regarding the team’s schedule rest with those managing the national program.
“Si coach Taka kasi, coaching lang ‘yan eh. Kung ano ibigay sa kanya, susunod lang ‘yan. But ultimately, ang trabaho niya is ‘yung team. Where they go, hindi siya ‘yun.”
While discussions continue regarding the national team’s potential participation, the league has already outlined how it intends to complete the tournament field.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
Alas Pilipinas Women is being considered as a PVL guest team, pending schedule alignment.
(via @johnmarkdg_ ) pic.twitter.com/jqqhMWav1U
— Torey Canino-Celis (@tj_canino) July 11, 2026
According to Malonzo, invitations will first be extended to the top four PVL clubs based on the combined weighted rankings from the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference and the ongoing PVL On Tour.
Should any of the qualified clubs decline, the league will simply move down the weighted standings until all four PVL representatives have been finalized.
The Invitational is also expected to feature two guest teams, continuing the tournament’s tradition of bringing international competition to the league.
If Alas Pilipinas ultimately joins the field, the national squad would essentially resemble an all-star selection, with many of the country’s top PVL players expected to wear the Philippine colors.
The initial national team pool includes Jia De Guzman, Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Angel Anne Canino, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Dawn Catindig, Vannie Gandler, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, Nina Ytang, Pangs Panaga, Erika Santos, Arah Panique, Mars Alba, Shaira Jardio, Dell Palomata, and Alyssa Solomon.
Should the invitation push through, those players would compete under one banner instead of representing their respective PVL clubs.
It was also reiterated that players included in the Alas Pilipinas roster will remain unavailable for their club teams for as long as they are carrying out national team duties, making coordination between the league and the national federation a key factor in determining whether the proposal becomes a reality.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.
Leave a Reply