As Philippine volleyball works through one of the most uncertain periods in its history, one familiar face is back at the center of the national team’s plans.
Jia de Guzman headlines the 22-player training pool for Alas Pilipinas Women, signaling the start of a rebuilding process under new leadership as the team shifts its focus toward the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
The national squad enters a new chapter with Japanese coach Taka Minowa taking over the program while the Philippine Olympic Committee temporarily oversees national team operations following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).
Rather than building from scratch, the new coaching staff is leaning on the players who helped establish Alas Pilipinas as one of Southeast Asia’s rising programs over the past few years.
De Guzman, who skipped the team’s most recent campaign in Candon City, returns to lead a roster that blends experienced veterans with the country’s brightest young stars.
Joining the longtime national team setter are Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Angel Canino, Shaina Nitura, Fifi Sharma, Vanie Gandler, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, Dawn Catindig, Dell Palomata, and Mars Alba.
Also receiving invitations are Alyssa Solomon, Thea Gagate, Niña Ytang, veteran middle blocker Pangs Panaga, Erika Santos, Gel Cayuna, Arah Panique, and Shaira Jardio.
Many of these players formed the backbone of the Alas squad that captured a historic silver medal in last year’s AVC Women’s Challenge Cup, one of the country’s biggest achievements in recent international volleyball.
This year’s campaign, however, proved far more difficult. A younger and retooled Philippine squad, led by Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ces Molina, and Ara Galang, failed to reach the semifinals and ultimately settled for eighth place.
The transition comes during a turbulent period for Philippine volleyball.
Sources told that the suspended PNVF has invited De Guzman, Valdez, and Gonzaga to serve on the federation’s Athletes’ Commission, a requirement imposed by the FIVB ad hoc committee as part of efforts to resolve the federation’s ongoing issues.
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The Alas Pilipinas women’s national volleyball player pool core that everyone has been waiting for is finally making a comeback.
READ: https://t.co/mTKvrZMOzv pic.twitter.com/OIg4xVcbH2
— Daily Guardian (@dailyguardianph) June 30, 2026
Meanwhile, Minowa officially steps into the program after previously working with Philippine volleyball.
The Japanese mentor, who coached Akari in the Premier Volleyball League and handled the Alas women’s squad in 2024, recently served as an assistant coach for Japan SV.League club Aisin Tealmare Hekinan. He also shares a close connection to Philippine volleyball as the husband of former national team standout Jaja Santiago.
On the men’s side, continuity remains the priority.
Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni will continue steering Alas Pilipinas Men into the Asian Games, hoping to maximize a talented core highlighted by Japan SV.League champion Bryan Bagunas, Taiwan league winner Marck Espejo, and reigning Spikers’ Turf MVP Jude Garcia.
Also included in the men’s pool are Owa Retamar, Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, Lloyd Josafat, Al Bukharie Sali, Louie Taguibolos, Josh Ybañez, Adrian Villados, Vince Lorenzo, Kristofer Rodge Alejos, and Trevor Valera.
Frigoni remains one of the most successful coaches in the program’s recent history, having guided the Philippines to a historic appearance in the FIVB Men’s World Championship and a bronze medal finish in last year’s Southeast Asian Games.
As preparations begin for Aichi-Nagoya, both national teams now face the challenge of building momentum despite the uncertainty surrounding Philippine volleyball’s governing body, with experienced leaders once again expected to provide stability when it matters most.
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