What was once expected to be the continuation of Alas Pilipinas’ core is now beginning to look more like the start of an entirely new chapter.
Just days after committing to return to De La Salle University for one final UAAP campaign, Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, and Amie Provido have officially stepped away from consideration for the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, further thinning an already depleted national team pool ahead of the June tournament in Candon City.
The announcement came through Canino’s Instagram story on Thursday, where the reigning UAAP champion explained that recovery—not reluctance—ultimately drove the trio’s decision.
“To be invited to the National Team training pool is a privilege I never take for granted, and playing for the Philippine flag is the highest honor,” Canino wrote.
“However, coming off the high intensity of UAAP Season 88, Amie, Shevana, and I have decided to prioritize our physical recovery. We first need to let our bodies heal and reset so that we can give our best to the game.”
The withdrawal of the three La Salle standouts adds another major layer to the uncertainty surrounding Alas Pilipinas, which has seen key names steadily become unavailable over the past several days.
With Canino, Laput, and Provido now out, the national team effectively loses the remaining core connected to the Philippines’ campaign in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. Former Alas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito is also no longer part of the setup, leaving the program heading into the AVC Women’s Cup with an increasingly unfamiliar look.
The timing could hardly be more difficult.
The Philippines is already navigating a turbulent buildup to the June 6 to 14 tournament in Ilocos Sur after dealing with multiple player withdrawals, injuries, and coaching setbacks. Newly appointed head coach Tai Bundit is also sidelined following a car accident in Thailand, while several established national team names have either declined invitations or remain unavailable.
Among those who have already begged off are Jia de Guzman, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Shaina Nitura, Mars Alba, and Justine Jazareno.
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.
Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, and Amie Provido will skip Alas Pilipinas duties in the 2026 #AVCWomensCup from June 6-14 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur to prioritize rest and recovery after DLSU’s title run in the #UAAPSeason88 women’s volleyball tournament. #AlasPilipinas pic.twitter.com/V56IzIZRHt
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) May 14, 2026
For the La Salle trio, though, the choice was less about stepping away from the flag and more about finally allowing themselves to pause after one of the most demanding collegiate seasons in recent memory.
Canino, Laput, and Provido played central roles in La Salle’s dominant championship march, helping the Lady Spikers complete just the third 16-0 sweep in UAAP women’s volleyball history. The emotional and physical toll of that run, paired with their decision to return for Season 89, ultimately pushed recovery to the forefront.
Even then, the trio emphasized that their absence from the AVC Women’s Cup should not be mistaken for a lack of support for the national team program.
“We’ve communicated this to the PNVF and while we won’t be on the court this time, our hearts are with the team as they compete in the AVC Women’s Cup 2026,” Canino wrote.
As the tournament draws closer, Alas Pilipinas now faces the challenge of rebuilding its roster almost from scratch — a reality that could force the program to lean heavily on younger collegiate players and untested combinations in hopes of forming a competitive squad on short notice.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!
Leave a Reply