After falling short of the podium a year ago, Alas Pilipinas enters the 2026 SEA V Cup with a renewed opportunity to reestablish itself among Southeast Asia’s volleyball contenders.
The national men’s team begins its Group B campaign on Wednesday against Cambodia at 5:30 p.m. at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur, hoping to build momentum in a tournament that not only offers regional bragging rights but also valuable FIVB World Ranking points.
The Philippines is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign, when it finished fourth in both legs of the tournament, then known as the SEA V.League.
Before that, the Filipinos captured bronze medals in both legs of the 2024 edition, a standard they are determined to reach again.
Veteran leadership will once more anchor the squad as Josh Ybañez, Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez, and Vince Lorenzo spearhead the team’s bid under Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni.
Although Alas Pilipinas will be without two of its biggest stars in Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, the roster welcomes additional versatility through SEA Games beach volleyball bronze medalist Jude Garcia, who strengthens the team’s wing rotation.
Joining the lineup are setters Greg Ancheta and Adrian Villados, spikers Jian Salarzon, Axel Van Book, Lirick Mendoza, and Al-Bukharie Sali and middle blockers Rodge Alejos and Joshua Magalaman.
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The SEA V Cup also serves as an important measure for Alas Pilipinas following its breakthrough campaign at the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
With FIVB World Ranking points at stake, every match carries added significance as the Filipinos look to improve their standing internationally while building momentum for future continental competitions.
The six-team tournament has also grown more competitive this year with the inclusion of Myanmar, expanding the field from five to six nations.
Myanmar joins defending 2025 first-leg champion Thailand and Vietnam in Group A, while Indonesia rounds out Group B alongside the Philippines and Cambodia.
The tournament opens with Thailand facing Vietnam at 2 p.m. before Alas Pilipinas takes the court in the second match of the day.
Only the top two teams from each group will advance to Saturday’s semifinals, with the gold and bronze medal matches scheduled on Sunday.
Hosted by Candon City Mayor Eric Singson and backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, the SEA V Cup gives Alas Pilipinas another chance to measure its progress on the regional stage while collecting crucial ranking points that could boost its standing in international competition.
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