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Category: Volleyball

  • Alas Pilipinas Girls make history despite Round of 16 exit after loss to unbeaten South Korea

    Alas Pilipinas Girls make history despite Round of 16 exit after loss to unbeaten South Korea

    The result may have ended Alas Pilipinas Girls’ championship dream, but it could not erase what the young Filipinas had already accomplished in Chile.

    The Philippines bowed to South Korea, 25-21, 25-18, 25-14, in the Round of 16 of the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship on Thursday at Liceo Mixto Los Andes.

    For a team that arrived in Chile simply hoping to make an impression, the defeat now feels like only a footnote.

    By reaching the Round of 16, Alas has guaranteed itself a finish between ninth and 16th place—the best-ever global placement by a Philippine national volleyball team.

     

    That achievement alone represents a significant leap for a program still building its foundation.

     

    Before this group, the benchmark belonged to the Philippine women’s team that finished 18th at the 1974 World Championship in Mexico. The men’s national team led by Bryan Bagunas finished 19th at last year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship, which was hosted by the Philippines.

     

    The young Filipinas have now moved beyond both marks.

     

    And they did it on a stage where they were rarely expected to be among the teams still standing when the knockout rounds arrived.

     

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    The loss to South Korea was certainly a difficult way to see their title hopes end. The Koreans controlled the match from the opening set and never allowed Alas to build the kind of momentum that carried the Philippines through the preliminary round.

     

    But the significance of this campaign goes well beyond Thursday’s scoreline.

     

    Alas has already shown that Philippine youth volleyball can compete on the world stage, withstand the pressure of international competition and reach a knockout round that no previous Philippine team had managed to enter.

     

    There is still more basketball to be played—just not for the championship.

     

    The Philippines will face Japan in the losers’ quarterfinals on Friday at the National Stadium Park in Santiago, with a ninth-place finish still within reach.

     

    For coach Edwin Leyva and his players, three more victories would extend an already historic campaign.

     

    But even if the Filipinas fall short of that mark, their place in Philippine volleyball history is already secure.

     

    They came to Chile carrying a dream.

     

    They will leave having given the next generation something far more tangible: a new standard to chase.

     

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  • Leila Cruz joins PLDT after two seasons with Capital1

    Leila Cruz joins PLDT after two seasons with Capital1

    The PLDT High Speed Hitters have added another promising piece to their roster as they continue to fine-tune their lineup ahead of the 2026-27 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season, signing opposite spiker Leila Cruz from the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    PLDT officially announced Cruz’s arrival on Wednesday, August 12, through its social media platforms, welcoming the former second overall pick as the team looks to build on its championship success from last season.

     

    “Aim just got sharper. You can never be late to your own time to shine. Opposite hitter Leila Cruz joins the High Speed Hitters starting in the 2026-27 PVL season. We are excited to see you at your best on the taraflex court! You got this and we got you,” PLDT said in its announcement.

     

     

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    Cruz joins a PLDT squad that is coming off its breakthrough campaign in the PVL. The High Speed Hitters captured their first league championship last year after ruling the Invitational Conference, giving the team added confidence heading into the new season.

     

    The 26-year-old Cruz was selected by Capital1 with the second overall pick in the inaugural PVL Draft two years ago. Despite her considerable potential, however, injuries hampered her progress during her two seasons with the Solar Spikers and prevented her from establishing herself as a consistent starter.

     

    Her move to PLDT now provides Cruz with a fresh opportunity to revive her career and showcase the talent that made her one of the most highly regarded prospects in her draft class.

     

    Cruz also faced increased competition for playing time at Capital1 following the arrival of Erika Santos, who quickly established herself as one of the league’s premier opposite spikers. With Santos occupying a prominent role in the Solar Spikers’ rotation, Cruz found her opportunities on the wing increasingly limited.

     

    A change of scenery could therefore be exactly what Cruz needs as she looks to regain her rhythm, confidence, and consistency.

    At PLDT, Cruz will also reunite with several familiar faces from her UAAP days with the De La Salle University Lady Spikers. She will once again share the court with former teammates Alleiah Malaluan and Jessa Ordiales, while also joining a group of decorated La Salle alumni that includes Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, and Mika Reyes.

     

    The presence of those familiar teammates could help ease Cruz’s transition into a new system as she works to establish herself in a competitive PLDT lineup.

     

    High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort admitted that the opportunity to acquire Cruz came as a surprise, but said the team was delighted to welcome the young spiker and is eager to help her maximize her potential.

     

    “We were surprised but we are very happy with the acquisition. Hopefully, it’s a good problem to have. She is still young and has faced a few challenges, but hopefully we can help her learn and continue to improve. We will just take it one day at a time,” Ricafort said.

     

    For Ricafort and PLDT, Cruz’s arrival represents more than simply adding another player to an already talented roster. The coaching staff will have the task of helping her regain her form while finding the best way to utilize her attacking ability within the team’s system.

     

    The High Speed Hitters have already seen action in the ongoing 2026 PVL On Tour preseason conference, playing one match so far. PLDT opened its campaign with a victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, on Saturday, July 25.

     

    PLDT will return to action on Saturday, August 15, when it takes on the Akari Chargers in Lanao del Norte.

     

    While the On Tour serves as an opportunity for teams to assess their personnel and experiment with different combinations, PLDT will also use the preseason to prepare for the challenges of defending its championship in the upcoming PVL season.

     

    The High Speed Hitters enjoyed a landmark campaign last year, securing their maiden PVL championship by winning the Invitational Conference. With a strong core returning and Cruz now added to the mix, PLDT hopes her arrival can provide another dimension to an already deep roster.

     

    For Cruz, meanwhile, the move represents a chance to turn the page and make the most of a new opportunity.

     

    After two injury-plagued seasons with Capital1, the former La Salle standout will have another opportunity to prove why she was once considered one of the country’s top young volleyball prospects. With PLDT providing a new environment and familiar faces around her, Cruz will look to make her mark and finally establish herself as a key contributor in the PVL.

     

     

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  • Jia De Guzman reflects on Alas Pilipinas’ historic silver-medal run in SEA Volleyball Cup 

    Jia De Guzman reflects on Alas Pilipinas’ historic silver-medal run in SEA Volleyball Cup 

    The Philippine women’s national volleyball team capped a challenging stretch with a historic silver-medal finish in the recently concluded 6th Southeast Asian Volleyball Cup, giving Alas Pilipinas another reason to believe that its rebuilding process is heading in the right direction.

     

    Alas Pilipinas captain Jia De Guzman reflected on the team’s journey in a heartfelt Instagram post, emphasizing that the silver medal was the product of patience, adversity and the lessons they learned along the way.

     

    The achievement came during a turbulent period for Philippine volleyball, with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) facing a suspension from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and significant leadership upheaval surrounding the national program.

     

     

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    Alas Pilipinas had also endured a difficult opening leg, where the team struggled to find its rhythm and failed to secure a podium finish. Rather than viewing that setback as a failure, however, De Guzman believes the difficult moments ultimately played an important role in the team’s development.

     

    “Our only ask was simple: leave everything on the floor, no matter the result. To give ourselves the patience and grace to grow into the players and the team we are capable of becoming,” De Guzman wrote.

     

    “So the struggle we went through in the first leg? All of it was necessary. The losses, the mistakes, the moments where things didn’t click—it was all part of becoming a better team. We needed those experiences to learn, build chemistry, and understand what we are capable of,” she added.

     

    The veteran setter stressed that development cannot happen overnight, particularly for a national team still trying to establish its identity and build chemistry amid a constantly changing volleyball landscape.

     

    For De Guzman, the silver medal serves as tangible proof that the Philippines can make significant strides when given the time and opportunity to learn from its mistakes.

    “Every strong team in the world was once given the space to make mistakes, experience losses, and learn from them. We are no different,” she said.

     

    “This silver is a beautiful reminder that growth takes time, patience, and a willingness to embrace every part of the journey. So proud of how far we have come, and even more excited for how much more we can become.”

     

    De Guzman also took the opportunity to recognize her teammates and the supporters who continued to stand behind Alas Pilipinas throughout its difficult campaign.

     

    “Thank you to every member of this team for all your hard work and dedication. Also to everyone out there who has given us unconditional love and support. Step by step, Philippines. On to the next,” she wrote.

     

    The 31-year-old setter has been one of the more vocal figures calling for changes and reforms within Philippine volleyball amid the controversies surrounding the sport’s national governing body.

     

    De Guzman was also absent from the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup in June, where Alas Pilipinas struggled to make an impact and settled for an eighth-place finish under the leadership of Alyssa Valdez.

     

    Despite the challenges surrounding the program, the SEA Volleyball Cup campaign offered a much-needed positive development for the Philippine women’s team.

     

    The historic silver medal not only marked a significant improvement from their previous showing but also provided the players with confidence heading into their next international assignments.

     

    For De Guzman, the result is less about the medal itself and more about what it represents: a team willing to embrace setbacks, learn from adversity and continue building toward its potential.

     

    With the Philippine women’s volleyball program still navigating a period of transition, Alas Pilipinas’ silver-medal run could prove to be an important step in its long-term development.

    And as De Guzman put it, the journey is only beginning.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball team sets sights to Korea  for FIVB Pro Tour 

    Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball team sets sights to Korea  for FIVB Pro Tour 

    The Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball Team is heading to Korea with momentum from a strong year on the sand, as the Filipinas prepare for another international test in the FIVB Beach Pro Tour from August 13 to 16.

     

    Leading the Philippine delegation are Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons, Dij Rodriguez, and Cherry Rose Macatangay, with the group bringing a mix of established national team experience and proven beach volleyball credentials.

     

    Rondina and Pons enter the competition with plenty of confidence after a breakthrough stretch that began with their historic gold-medal run at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand last December. The duo also reached the silver-medal match of the AVC Beach Tour’s Pingtung Open in Chinese Taipei in June, beating Australian and Thai pairs along the way.

     

    Rondina has also enjoyed success alongside Rodriguez this year. The two teamed up to dominate the BVR On Tour Sipalay Open in May, completing a five-match sweep and beating Kat Epa and Kizil Quijote in the championship match.

     

    The team’s international experience was further tested at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge in May, where Rondina and Pons faced Denmark’s Sofia Bisgaard and Cirkeline Hog. Although the Filipinas fell in straight sets, the match provided another opportunity to compete against higher-level opposition.

    For Rondina and Pons in particular, the Korea trip represents another step in their progression against the world’s best. The pair already made history last year by becoming the Philippines’ first women’s beach volleyball tandem to win SEA Games gold, helping the country dethrone Thailand on its home soil. 

     

    The renowned SiPons pair has also gained another milestone in the AVC Awards winning fan’s choice honors for beach volleyball, adding to the international achievements the pair already has. 

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    Now, the challenge shifts back to the international circuit.

     

    The FIVB Beach Pro Tour provides the Filipinas with an opportunity to gain more experience against established beach volleyball programs while building valuable ranking points and tournament experience. It also serves as another important stage in their preparation for bigger international competitions later in the year.

     

    For Rondina, Pons, Rodriguez and Macatangay, the objective is more than simply making up the numbers in Korea.

     

    After a year that has already produced gold medals, podium finishes and tournament victories, Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball will look to carry that momentum onto the international stage and show that Philippine beach volleyball can compete beyond Southeast Asia.

     

    The Korea Pro Tour runs from August 13 to 16, with the Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball Team hoping to make another statement on the international sand.

     

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  • Alas Girls fall to Venezuela in five sets, still punch ticket to U17 Worlds round of 16 

    Alas Girls fall to Venezuela in five sets, still punch ticket to U17 Worlds round of 16 

    The Philippines dropped a 19-25, 16-25, 25-22, 25-19, 11-15 decision to Venezuela on Wednesday (Philippine time) in San Felipe, Chile, yet the four-set rally was enough to send Alas Girls into the Round of 16 of the FIVB U17 World Championship.

     

    Down 0-2 and seemingly on the brink, the young Filipinos refused to let the match end quietly. Caera Celis and Xyz Rayco spearheaded the turnaround as Alas Girls won the third and fourth sets to force a decider.

     

    Although Venezuela regained control in the fifth, the Philippines had already secured the tiebreak point it needed to move ahead of Mexico for the final Round-of-16 ticket.

     

     

    That result made Alas Girls the first Philippine team to advance to the knockout stage of a volleyball world championship.

     

    The Philippines now faces an even tougher challenge: an unbeaten South Korean side that swept all five of its Pool D matches. The Round of 16 clash is set for Thursday, August 13, in Santiago, Chile.

     

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    Celis once again delivered at the top of the Alas offense, matching her tournament-high with 24 points. She finished with 22 kills and two aces.

     

    Rayco provided the other major offensive spark with 19 points, coming from 17 attacks, one block, and one ace.

     

    Jhaynna Bulandres added eight points, including six attacks and two blocks, while Madele Gale chipped in six points with three blocks.

     

    Irish May Mahinay contributed five points through two blocks and three aces. Sharina Rhyza Lleses added four, while Taj Teves and Khaira Manzano scored two points apiece. Jhenica Sadia completed the scoring with one point.

     

    Meanwhile in Venezuela, Yalesca erupted for a game-high 27 points, with Amanda Pacheco adding 15 and Fabianny Carima producing 14. Antonella Lovera Pacheco also reached double figures with 12 points.

     

    The match was decided by a handful of statistical edges as Venezuela held the advantage at the net, particularly on blocks, where it outscored the Philippines 16-8. The Venezuelans also had the slightest edge in attacks, 58-57, and finished ahead in service aces, 7-6.

     

    Errors, meanwhile, were dead even at 25 apiece wherein the numbers reflected a match in which Alas Girls were never far from Venezuela despite falling behind early. The Philippines found a way to extend the contest and, more importantly, collect the point that kept its world championship journey alive.

     

    Venezuela finished second in Pool B at 3-2, behind unbeaten China. While for Alas Girls, the loss ultimately became a milestone rather than an ending.

     

    Their reward is a place among the world’s best U17 teams—and a meeting with South Korea, the undefeated Pool D champion, in the Round of 16 on Thursday, August 13.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Girls face crucial Venezuela test after Peru setback 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls face crucial Venezuela test after Peru setback 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls came within touching distance of taking control against Peru, only to watch a promising lead slip away.

     

    The young Filipinas fell to Peru, 28-26, 22-25, 23-25, 20-25, in the FIVB Girls’ U17 World Championship early Tuesday in Chile, turning what looked like a potential statement victory into a crucial setback in their bid to reach the Round of 16.

     

    The defeat dropped the Philippines to 2-2 in Pool B, while Peru improved to 3-1 and strengthened its position in second place behind unbeaten China, which remained perfect at 4-0. Venezuela also sits at 2-2, keeping the race for the remaining knockout spots wide open.

     

    For Alas, the equation is now straightforward.

     

    The Philippines needs to beat Venezuela on Wednesday at 2 a.m. (Manila time) to keep its Round of 16 hopes alive.

     

    The Filipinas showed early signs that they could pull off another upset after winning the opening set in dramatic fashion.

     

    Down 26-25, middle blocker Cristina Gale answered with a soft touch that caught Peru off guard and forced another deadlock. Caera Celis then put the Philippines at set point before Gale came through again, denying Fernanda Pinto at the net to complete the 28-26 escape.

     

    Peru responded in the second set, however, as the two sides remained within striking distance of each other before an attack error from Xyz Rayco allowed the South Americans to level the match.

    The Philippines appeared to regain control in the third.

     

    Alas built an eight-point advantage at 21-13, with Zoe Koechlin producing a timely block on Pinto to help put the Filipinas in position to reclaim the lead.

     

    Instead, Peru produced the decisive run of the match.

     

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    The South Americans stormed back with a 10-1 surge, flipping the deficit into a 23-22 advantage. Alas managed to stop the run momentarily, but Peru grabbed the next two points to complete the comeback and move ahead 2-1.

     

    The fourth set offered no similar opening for the Philippines.

     

    Peru controlled the frame from the outset and eventually closed out the match when Celis’ final attack from the left wing sailed wide.

     

    Sharina Lleses led Alas with 18 points, while Celis added 17 and Rayco finished with 12.

     

    The result was a frustrating one for a Philippine side that had entered the match with plenty of momentum after consecutive victories over higher-ranked Mexico and Tunisia.

     

    But the tournament is far from over.

     

    With China already sitting comfortably at the top and Peru holding second place, the Philippines now faces a direct battle with Venezuela for a place in the next round.

     

    Both teams own 2-2 records.

     

    One match will decide which side keeps its world championship journey alive.

     

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  • “This achievement is the result of everyone’s hard work”: Taka Minowa on Alas Women’s SEA V.Cup silver finish 

    “This achievement is the result of everyone’s hard work”: Taka Minowa on Alas Women’s SEA V.Cup silver finish 

    Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Taka Minowa viewed the breakthrough at the 2026 SEA V.Cup Leg 2 as the payoff from years of work beyond the national team setup, crediting the players, coaches, and mother clubs that have continued to raise the level of Philippine women’s volleyball.

     

    The silver-medal finish carried extra weight after the Philippines finally ended its seven-year drought against Vietnam and followed it up with a victory over Indonesia in its final match to secure second place.

      

    For Minowa, however, the story goes beyond those two results.

     

    “I believe this moment is not only about the players who are with us in the national team pool. It is the result of the hard work of so many players, coaches, and clubs who have continued to develop and make Philippine volleyball more competitive over the years,” the Japanese mentor said.

     

    It was a particularly significant achievement for Minowa, who had only recently taken charge of Alas Pilipinas. Appointed in June, the 34-year-old coach had little time to impose his system or build chemistry before being thrust into his first major assignment with the national women’s team.

     

    Rather than treating the limited preparation as an excuse, Minowa and his players quickly put together a competitive campaign. 

     

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    After going without a podium finish in Leg 1 in Vietnam, Alas Pilipinas responded in Thailand by beating Vietnam and Indonesia and claiming the silver medal.

     

    “I hope everyone can be proud of the players and coaches who gave their time, effort, and heart to this team,” he said.

     

    “This achievement is the result of everyone’s hard work, and I’m very grateful to be part of this journey with all of you.”

     

    The breakthrough was also reflected in the individual performances of the Alas Pilipinas players. Alyssa Solomon was named Best Opposite Spiker in both Leg 1 and Leg 2, while Eya Laure earned a place among the Best Outside Spikers in Leg 2.

     

    The challenge now gets significantly bigger as Minowa will continue to lead the national team into the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where Alas Pilipinas has been drawn into Group B with reigning champion China and Kazakhstan.

     

    The Philippines will be looking to improve on its previous Asian Games finishes, having placed fourth in both the 1962 and 1966 editions.

     

    For a team that just broke through against Vietnam and reached the SEA V.Cup podium, the next assignment offers an opportunity to prove that the silver medal was not simply a one-off breakthrough—but another step in the Philippines’ long-term climb toward becoming a more competitive force in Asian volleyball.

     

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  • Bella Belen helps Alas Pilipinas add another chapter to Philippine volleyball history

    Bella Belen helps Alas Pilipinas add another chapter to Philippine volleyball history

    Bella Belen has become increasingly familiar with moments when Philippine volleyball history is waiting to be rewritten.

     

    On Sunday, she found herself at the center of another one.

     

    Belen delivered 17 points as Alas Pilipinas Women outlasted Indonesia, 25-13, 23-25, 25-19, 33-31, to secure the Philippines’ first-ever silver medal in the seven-year, 11-leg history of the SEA V.Cup.

     

    More importantly, the Filipinas did not have to leave their fate to another match.

     

    With the silver medal within reach, Alas Women took control of the situation themselves, closing out Indonesia in a fourth-set thriller that featured eight deadlocks and seven Indonesian set points.

     

    “We really prepared for this game because we had a chance to get the silver medal, and I believe in the team, and I know that we can win this game, and I’m so happy that we won this game,” Belen said.

     

    The achievement marked a remarkable turnaround for Belen individually.

     

    She was held to just two points when the Philippines opened its Leg 2 campaign with a loss to Thailand, but quickly rediscovered her rhythm with 16 points in the four-set victory over Vietnam.

    By the time Indonesia stood between Alas Women and the silver medal, Belen was once again ready to play a major role.

     

    The opponent also made the occasion more significant.

     

    Indonesia had previously denied the Philippines a bronze medal in both the opening leg of the SEA V.Cup and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. This time, however, Alas Women had a chance to reverse that trend on the biggest possible stage.

     

    After taking a 2-1 advantage, the Filipinas found themselves within touching distance of history.

     

    “We knew that Indonesia would play better against us because we lost the last leg. We had a chance. We already won two sets. It was up to us to finish the game early,” she said.

     

    Indonesia, however, refused to surrender.

     

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    The fourth set became a test of patience and composure as both teams repeatedly traded momentum. Alas survived seven set points before finally breaking through at 33-31, turning what could have been another painful chapter against Indonesia into the biggest achievement yet in the tournament.

     

    For Belen, the moment carried a familiar feeling.

     

    The National University standout has already experienced what it means to be part of historic achievements during her collegiate career. Now, she has added another milestone to that résumé with the national team.

     

    This time, the accomplishment was bigger than an individual record.

     

    It helped push Philippine women’s volleyball beyond its previous SEA V.Cup ceiling of six bronze medals and four fourth-place finishes.

     

    And Belen made sure the team understood what the moment meant.

     

    “I believe in the team, and I’m very happy. I hope the Philippines is proud of us,” she said.

    After years of settling for bronze or falling just short of the podium, Alas Pilipinas Women finally moved one step higher.

     

    Belen, fittingly, was there to help lead the way.

     

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  • Frank Lao takes PNVF helm as volleyball federation begins new chapter

    Frank Lao takes PNVF helm as volleyball federation begins new chapter

    The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) is turning the page on a turbulent stretch, with Strong Group Athletics owner Frank Lao taking over as president following a new leadership election supervised by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

     

    Lao returns to the federation’s top post after his previous election in June was declared invalid by the POC. The earlier polls were held while the PNVF was under suspension and without proper POC representation.

     

    This time, the election was conducted under POC supervision, giving the federation a new leadership structure as it works toward satisfying the requirements needed to lift its suspension by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

     

    The change in leadership comes after the FIVB sanctioned the PNVF in May over governance issues during Tony Boy Liao’s administration and later laid out sweeping measures that the federation must address before it can regain its full standing.

     

    For Lao, the new mandate comes with an immediate priority: helping put the federation back on solid organizational footing while keeping Philippine volleyball moving forward.

     

    “This is a ‘committed team’ and I believe they could sustain the progress of volleyball that started when the PNVF was established in 2021,” said POC president Bambol Tolentino.

     

    The new leadership group will see Atty. Donn Kapunan serve as vice president, while Rommel Ng takes over as treasurer. Wharton Chan was elected auditor and will also represent the POC.

     

    Joining them on the Board of Trustees are Sienna Olaso, Francis Chad Salimbangon, Carmela Gamboa, Otie Camangian, Mohamad Bernan Jr., and Atty. Jonas Cabochan.

     

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    The 13-member board is not yet complete, with the remaining spots—including a POC appointee and male and female representatives from the athletes’ commission—still to be announced.

     

    One of the notable developments from the election is the return of Ramon “Tats” Suzara to the PNVF board. Suzara, who previously served as federation president, was among those who were removed from leadership before Liao took over. Former secretary-general Caringal is also making a return.

     

    Their comeback adds another layer to a leadership transition that effectively brings together familiar figures and new officials at a critical moment for Philippine volleyball.

     

    FIVB Ad Hoc Committee chair Hila Asanuma of Palau and FIVB external legal consultant Atty. Alexa Dabao were present at the proceedings, witnessing and certifying the election.

     

    The polls were held at the Solaire Theater Southlinks Boardroom 2M, with the POC overseeing the process.

     

    The election also signals the end of the POC’s temporary role as caretaker of the national volleyball federation. The POC assumed that responsibility after the FIVB suspension, but with a duly elected board now in place, governance of the PNVF has been returned to its own leadership.

     

    With the organizational structure restored, the Lao-led PNVF must work through the FIVB’s requirements and prove that it can establish the governance standards needed to end the international suspension.

     

    For Philippine volleyball, the election is therefore more than a change at the top. It is the first major step toward restoring stability and getting the national federation back on the international volleyball map.

     

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  • Bella Belen hopes “the Philippines is proud of us” after Alas Women claim historic SEA V. Cup silver 

    Bella Belen hopes “the Philippines is proud of us” after Alas Women claim historic SEA V. Cup silver 

    Bella Belen helped turn Alas Pilipinas Women’s SEA V Cup disappointment into a historic breakthrough.

     

    After going winless in the opening leg, Belen and the Filipinas found their response in Chiang Mai, Thailand, holding their nerve through a dramatic fourth-set finish to defeat Indonesia, 25-13, 23-25, 25-19, 33-31, on Sunday and secure the Philippines’ first silver medal in any division of the SEA V Cup.

     

    Belen was at the heart of the turnaround, delivering 17 points on 15 attacks and two blocks as Alas survived a fourth set that seemed determined to slip away from them.

     

    The Philippines needed three match points to finally close out the contest while Indonesia fought off seven set points. With the score deep into deuce, Alas continued to find answers until an Indonesian attack sailed out, triggering the celebration on the Philippine side.

     

    For Belen, the victory carried extra meaning after the team’s frustrating showing in Leg 1, where Indonesia handed the Filipinas a four-set defeat.

     

    “We know that Indonesia will play better against us because we lost last game [against them]. So, we had a chance, we won two sets, so it’s up to us if we finish the game early. And I believe in the team, and I’m very happy,” Belen said during the post-match interview.

     

    “And I hope the Philippines is proud of us.”

     

    The young star was not the only one who delivered in the comeback. Alyssa Solomon led all scorers for Alas with 19 points, while Eya Laure also finished with 17 as the Philippines repeatedly found ways to answer Indonesia’s late rallies.

     

    But beyond the numbers, Belen felt the energy inside Chiang Mai Stadium helped push Alas through one of the most important finishes in the program’s recent history.

     

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    “I really love the Thai fans because it feels like we’re playing in the Philippines. They always cheer for us, and they’re very welcoming,” Belen said.

     

    The silver medal also provided an encouraging early result for head coach Taka Minowa, who had only 15 days to prepare the team before the two-leg SEA V Cup campaign.

     

    For Minowa, the turnaround from a winless first leg to a historic silver finish showed that Alas still has plenty of room to grow.

     

    “We just trained for 15 days and came to Vietnam and Thailand [for both legs]. For sure, we’re just starting the program and we have a lot of opportunities, a lot of space to improve [after] this game,” he said.

     

    For Belen and Alas Pilipinas Women, the medal represents more than a consolation prize. It is the product of a team that absorbed a setback, returned with renewed belief and delivered when the pressure was at its highest.

     

    The first leg may have exposed the team’s growing pains. In Chiang Mai, Belen and the Filipinas showed just how quickly they can learn from them.

     

     

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