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Tag: Alas Pilipinas

  • Tai Bundit to miss AVC Women’s Cup after Thailand accident, forcing Alas Pilipinas to scramble for interim coach 

    Tai Bundit to miss AVC Women’s Cup after Thailand accident, forcing Alas Pilipinas to scramble for interim coach 

    Alas Pilipinas Women has suddenly dealt another major challenge, as the newly-appointed head coach Tai Bundit will be unable to guide the Philippines in the upcoming AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup after suffering a foot injury in a scooter accident in Bangkok, Thailand.


    The accident, which required surgery, sidelines Bundit for the next two to three months and left the Philippine National Volleyball Federation scrambling to reorganize its coaching setup just weeks before the continental tournament scheduled from June 6 to 14 in Candon City.

     

    “So ‘yung nangyari kay coach Tai, na-aksidente nga very sad to say na he will be out 2-3 months. So definitely, he will be out for the AVC Women’s Cup. So, ang balik niya SEA V.League,” PNVF president Tonyboy Liao said.


    Instead of making his anticipated debut on home soil, Bundit’s return to Philippine volleyball will now have to wait until the 6th SEA V.League in July.

     

    The timing could not have been tougher for Alas Women, which is already undergoing a major transition after several core players from the previous national team pool declined invitations to return.

     

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    With Bundit out, the federation has turned its attention toward finding an interim tactician from within the current coaching group to oversee training camp and handle the AVC campaign.


    “I already talked with the coaches among yourselves, plan out sino ang pwedeng maging head coach sa inyo for the meantime to run the training,” Liao added.

     

    Among those being considered are former national coach Shaq Delos Santos, multi-time PVL champion tactician Sherwin Meneses, Adamson high school champion coach JP Yude, and La Salle statistics coach Benson Bocboc.

     

    Liao said the coaches themselves are expected to decide internally who will temporarily steer the national squad.

     

    “Ipa-plan out muna sino ang pwedeng maging head coach sa inyo for the meantime to run the training. I will be talking with them later and see,” he said.

     

    Bundit’s return to the Philippines had generated excitement after his successful runs with the Ateneo Blue Eagles and Creamline Cool Smashers, where he established himself as one of the most respected foreign tacticians in local volleyball.

     

    Now, however, Alas Pilipinas Women enters the AVC Women’s Cup facing uncertainty both on the sidelines and within the roster itself.

     

    Despite the setback, preparations are still expected to continue as the national team hopes to stabilize its program in time for a busy international calendar ahead.

     

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  • Jia De Guzman, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon among key Alas Pilipinas stars to skip AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup 

    Jia De Guzman, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon among key Alas Pilipinas stars to skip AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup 

    Just weeks before the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup in Candon City, Alas Pilipinas is suddenly facing a different kind of battle — not against another country, but against time and player availability.

     

    What was initially expected to be a continuation of the national team program following the Southeast Asian Games has instead turned into a major rebuilding process after several key members of the previous Alas core declined invitations to return.

     

    Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Anthony Liao confirmed that many of the players from the SEA Games squad, including longtime team captain Jia De Guzman, have already informed the federation that they will not be joining the upcoming AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup set for June 6 to 14 in Candon City.

     

    “The old Alas. We invited them, maybe they’re not available, or they’re not willing to play. They said no, eh. They said they are not interested in playing anymore, so wala na,” said Liao.

     

    “Yung naglaro ng SEA Games, we invited all of them, they said they will not play anymore,” he added.

     

    The withdrawals have left the national team program scrambling for answers less than a month before hosting one of the biggest women’s volleyball tournaments in the region.

     

    Aside from De Guzman, Liao revealed that Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Maddie Madayag have also opted to skip national team duties this time around.

     

    “Jia already replied to Ricky Palou. She’s not playing. Same with Maddie, kasi ang kumo-contact si Taj eh, ‘yung team manager. Ini-inform lang niya ako kung sinong umoo, sinong humindi. Even Belen, nag-no. Solomon daw next year na lang,” he said.

     

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    The uncertainty does not end there.

     

    Other members of the SEA Games squad — including Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, Mars Alba, and Alleiah Malaluan — have yet to fully commit as the federation continues to piece together a workable pool.

     

    At the same time, some players willing to join are now dealing with physical setbacks.

     

    Rising star Shaina Nitura reportedly wanted to suit up for Alas Pilipinas but was forced to beg off because of an undisclosed injury, while Justine Jazareno has expressed interest in joining though no formal commitment has been finalized.

     

    “Nitura naman, injured pero gustong maglaro. ‘Yung Akari, Alba, Sharma, Jazareno, walang reply. Pero I was able to talk to Jazareno sa Candon nung All-Star, she’s willing to play,” Liao shared.

    With the original core slowly thinning out, the federation is now shifting its attention toward younger and available reinforcements.

     

    Liao disclosed that discussions are ongoing with De La Salle University regarding the possible participation of reigning UAAP champions Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, and Amie Provido.

     

    “Definitely, we will be adding. Kasi, right now we only have 11 to 12 players, eh. So the plan really is to have a pool of 20 to 25 players. We’ll talk with the coaches and Coach Tai,” Liao said.

    The timing could hardly be more challenging for the national team.

     

    Recently appointed Alas Pilipinas head coach Tai Bundit is also expected to miss the next two to three months after figuring in a car accident in Thailand, further complicating preparations for the host nation.

     

    Instead of building continuity from the SEA Games campaign, Alas Pilipinas now finds itself rushing to rebuild nearly from scratch — hoping to gather enough healthy and committed players before the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup finally arrives.

     

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  • Sam Cantada’s Alas Pilipinas Inclusion: Talent Is Clear, But Is She Ready? 

    Sam Cantada’s Alas Pilipinas Inclusion: Talent Is Clear, But Is She Ready? 

    The inclusion of Sam Cantada in the initial 27-player pool for Alas Pilipinas is both exciting and revealing. It signals belief in her potential—but at the same time, it raises a fair question: is she truly ready for the demands of the senior national team, or is this simply an early investment in a player still in development?


    There’s no denying that Cantada has the skills. In her debut season with National University, the rookie has already delivered standout performances. She opened her UAAP career with 21 points and 14 excellent receptions in a comeback win over UST, immediately showing poise under pressure. 

     

    She followed that up with consistent scoring outings, including a 32-point explosion against UP—one of the highest single-game outputs in the season. These are not ordinary rookie numbers. These are flashes of a future star.

     

    Her experiences backs it up. Cantada entered the collegiate ranks as a UAAP Season 87 Girls’ Volleyball MVP and is on track to be named UAAP Season 88 Rookie of the Year. On paper, that alone justifies her inclusion in the pool.

     

    But the national team is not built on potential alone. The reality is that the Alas Pilipinas pool is filled with players who have already proven themselves at a higher level. 

     

    Names like Angel Canino, Shaina Nitura, Shevana Laput, and Alyssa Solomon bring not just talent, but experience—UAAP championships, individual awards, and even exposure in international or professional settings. 

     

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    This is where the gap becomes clear. Cantada’s game, while explosive, is still evolving. She is learning how to adjust to faster systems, more complex rotations, and higher-level decision-making—things that veterans have already mastered through years of competition. 

     

    Even within the UAAP, there are arguments that other players, such as Angge Poyos or seasoned setter Lams Lamina offer either more consistency or experience at this stage.

     

    That doesn’t mean Cantada doesn’t belong, it just means she isn’t fully ready yet.

     

    In fact, her rookie season has shown both promise and areas for growth. While she has delivered big scoring nights, consistency, composure in crucial moments, and deeper understanding of the game remain aspects she needs to refine. 

     

    Moments like her reaction to a controversial net-touch call earlier in the season sparked discussion—not because of lack of talent, but because maturity and awareness are just as important at higher levels.

     

    Even NU’s system reflects this development phase. Surrounded by veterans like Vange Alinsug and Arah Panique, Cantada is still learning how to operate within a structured, championship-caliber team. She isn’t the finished product—she’s part of a system that’s helping shape her.

     

    And that may be exactly why she was invited. The Alas Pilipinas pool is not the final roster. It’s a testing ground. As noted in reports, all 27 players—including Cantada—will still need to prove themselves to the coaching staff before earning a final spot. Her inclusion is less about immediate impact and more about exposure to a higher level of play.

     

    So, is she ready? Not yet, not in the same way the established names are. But she might be close.

    Cantada has the scoring ability, the confidence, and the early success that point toward a future national team mainstay. What she needs now is time—more UAAP battles, more high-pressure situations, and more refinement of her all-around game.

     

    Because making the national team isn’t just about being good. It’s about being ready to keep up and eventually lead against the best.

     

     

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  • Kianna Dy, Erika Santos lead new wave in Alas Pilipinas pool for AVC Women’s Cup 

    Kianna Dy, Erika Santos lead new wave in Alas Pilipinas pool for AVC Women’s Cup 

    FA new chapter is quietly taking shape for the Alas Pilipinas Women—and this time, it’s built on both fresh energy and familiar leadership.

     

    The Philippine National Volleyball Federation has unveiled a 27-player wishlist for the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, offering an early glimpse of a national team that blends rising collegiate standouts with proven names from the pro ranks.

     

    Among those drawing attention are new additions Kianna Dy and Erika Santos, who headline a group of reinforcements expected to inject depth and versatility into the pool. They are joined by fellow Premier Volleyball League performers Jean Asis and Riza Nogales, signaling a stronger pro presence in the national setup.

     

    The collegiate ranks also made a strong case for inclusion, with standouts like Sam Cantada, Shaira Jardio, Jaz Ellarina, Tin Ubaldo, and Niña Ytang earning spots in the expanded pool. Their inclusion reflects a clear direction—building a pipeline that bridges the college and professional levels.

     

    At the core of the group remains leadership and continuity. Veteran playmaker Jia De Guzman is set to captain the pool once more, joined by familiar names such as Eya Laure, Maddie Madayag, Mars Alba, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Alleiah Malaluan, Vanie Gandler, and Bella Belen—a group that ensures stability amid the influx of new talent.

     

    The mix extends further with collegiate holdovers like Angel Canino, Amie Provido, Shaina Nitura, and Arah Panique, alongside additional reinforcements such as Shevanah Laput and Alyssa Solomon, who is currently seeing action overseas.

     

    Rounding out the pool are NCAA standouts Zam Nolasco and Vanessa Sarie, further emphasizing the federation’s effort to widen its talent search.

     

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    0px;”>Beyond the names, however, the announcement also carried a different tone—one focused on rebuilding trust and improving player conditions.

     

    “The PNVF reaffirms its commitment to the welfare of all national team athletes. We have heard the voices of our players and take their concerns seriously. The federation is actively addressing outstanding financial obligations and is committed to ensuring timely compensation and transparent financial processes going forward,” the federation said.

     

    “Athletes joining the training pool will be entitled to clearly defined support structures, including competitive allowances, insurance coverage, and a communicated training and competition calendar that respects their club and personal schedules. PNVF commits to maintaining open dialogue channels with player representatives throughout the duration of the national team program.”

     

    The final composition of the training pool will depend on player availability, with preparations expected to begin in early May. Hosting the tournament from June 6 to 14 in Candon adds another layer of motivation, especially after the team’s silver-medal finish in the previous edition.

     

    This time, the goal is clear—not just to compete, but to complete the climb.

     

    And with a refreshed pool led by both rising stars and seasoned leaders, Alas Pilipinas is positioning itself for a stronger push toward gold on home soil.

     

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  • PNVF names 27 invited players for Alas Pilipinas Women pool ahead of 2026 AVC Women’s Cup 

    PNVF names 27 invited players for Alas Pilipinas Women pool ahead of 2026 AVC Women’s Cup 

    A new phase of national team preparation is underway as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation released an initial list of 27 invited players for Alas Pilipinas, marking the early stage of its buildup for the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup. The federation clarified that the roster is not yet final and remains subject to confirmation, availability, and final program alignment. 

     

    The list immediately drew attention for its fresh infusion of collegiate talent, with several standout names from the UAAP women’s volleyball scene earning their first major national team look. 

     

    Among them are National University rookie Sam Cantada and teammate Shaira Jardio, along with Far Eastern University’s Jaz Ellarina and Tin Ubaldo, plus University of the Philippines’ Nina Ytang.


    They are joined by proven Premier Volleyball League contributors such as Kianna Dy of PLDT, Erika Santos of Cignal, Jean Asis of Galeries Tower, and Riza Nogales of ZUS Coffee, strengthening the pool with professional league experience.

     

    At the core of continuity, 16 players from previous Alas Pilipinas Women lineups have been retained pending availability. 

     

    Leading the group is captain Jia De Guzman, who continues to anchor the program alongside seasoned names like Eya Laure, Maddie Madayag, Mars Alba, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Alleiah Malaluan, Vanie Gandler, and Bella Belen.

     

    The collegiate backbone remains strong as well, with De La Salle’s Angel Canino and Amie Provido, Adamson’s Shaina Nitura, NU’s Arah Panique, and DLSU’s Shevanah Laput all included.

     

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    Internationally active hitter Alyssa Solomon also returns to the fold, while NCAA standouts Zam Nolasco and Vanessa Sarie round out the developmental core.

     

    Beyond roster construction, the federation also underscored its ongoing commitment to athlete welfare and program support. 

     

    The PNVF acknowledged recent concerns raised within the system and reiterated efforts to improve conditions, resources, and overall support structures for players in the national pool as preparation intensifies.

     

    While the roster is still subject to final adjustments depending on availability and program alignment, early indications point to a carefully curated mix of youth and experience designed to elevate competitiveness ahead of a demanding international campaign.

     

    With Pool A of the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup set to include South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, and Uzbekistan, the Philippines enters its home campaign in Candon City with a carefully structured roster aimed at balancing immediate competitiveness and long-term growth. 

     

    Defending champion Vietnam headlines Pool B alongside Kazakhstan, Iran, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Lebanon, setting the stage for a highly competitive continental tournament.

     

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  • PSC urges swift resolution in PNVF–Jorge de Brito dispute

    PSC urges swift resolution in PNVF–Jorge de Brito dispute

    With Philippine volleyball gearing up for bigger roles on the global stage, a brewing dispute off the court is drawing concern at the highest level.

     

    Patrick Gregorio made it clear that the ongoing legal conflict between the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and former national team coach Jorge Souza de Brito cannot be allowed to linger.

     

    The Brazilian mentor has taken his complaints to the National Labor Relations Commission, citing unpaid bonuses, salary issues, and what he described as illegal deductions during his tenure with Alas Pilipinas Women. While the case now moves through formal channels, Gregorio emphasized that its impact extends far beyond paperwork.

     

    “Dapat ayusin nila ‘yan,” Gregorio said. “Kasi alam mo, ang focus natin is ‘yung 2029 World [Championship] hosting natin. Ang focus natin, ‘yung mga marami nating hosting. You cannot afford any internal conflict.”

     

    Speaking on the sidelines of the Asian Beach Games, the PSC chief framed the issue as one that could affect the country’s broader sporting ambitions—particularly as the Philippines positions itself as a host for major international events.

     

    While de Brito was originally brought in during the leadership of former federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, Gregorio stressed that the responsibility now lies with the current administration under Tony Boy Liao.

     

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    “I encourage President Tony Boy [Liao], he’s the head of the federation, to really just fix this kasi mahirap ‘yung ma-negative publicity pa tayo sa ibang bayan,” he said.

     

    Beyond the immediate dispute, Gregorio pointed to a deeper concern: credibility.

     

    As Philippine sports increasingly taps foreign expertise, unresolved issues like this could cast doubt on the country’s ability to uphold agreements and protect professionals working within its programs.

     

    “Otherwise, how can we welcome foreign coaches in the future? Naniniwala ako, maaayos ni President Tony Boy, at sana sa lalong madaling [panahon] pa rin,” he said. “Ang dami nating foreign coaches na magagaling ngayon. Kung ano ‘yung pinagkasunduan, dapat lang masunod, and I will make sure na matulungan rin natin ‘yung PNVF in solving this.”

     

    For Gregorio, the message is simple but urgent: settle the issue, protect the program, and keep the focus where it belongs—on growth, not conflict.

     

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  • “We will play, let’s see”: PNVF president keeps Alas Pilipinas expectations measured ahead of AVC Cup

    “We will play, let’s see”: PNVF president keeps Alas Pilipinas expectations measured ahead of AVC Cup

    The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks amid growing concerns over athlete welfare, program structure, and its proposed draft system for the Alas Pilipinas Women.

     

    At the center of the debate is the reported draft mechanism for the national women’s program, which includes provisions requiring invited players to commit exclusively to the national team pool. The proposal has sparked discussion across the local volleyball community, with stakeholders raising questions about player autonomy, eligibility, and long-term athlete welfare.

     

    PNVF president Ramon “Tonyboy” Liao has moved to address the issue while steering attention back to competition, emphasizing that the immediate focus remains on preparation for the upcoming 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation Women’s Volleyball Cup. The continental tournament will be hosted in the Philippines in June, with Alas Pilipinas Women entering the competition following a silver-medal finish in the 2025 edition.

     

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    Liao stressed that while expectations are naturally elevated due to the team’s recent success and home-court advantage, the federation is not imposing rigid targets on the squad.

     

    “I don’t want to maybe say na we will copy what was garnered the last time. So ang amin is, we will play, and let’s see from then kung anong magiging resulta ng ating games,” Liao said in a press conference.

    The Philippines has been placed in a highly competitive Group A alongside Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Australia, and Uzbekistan. Liao acknowledged the difficulty of the draw, noting that all participating teams bring strong credentials into the tournament.

     

    “If you look at it, kahit saan ka mapunta, Pool A or Pool B, parang mabigat. Looking at it, parang the four teams are really, like in our pool, we have Korea and Chinese Taipei, and then Australia. The other side naman, you have Vietnam, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan.

     

    “So these are really countries na malalakas din ang women’s team. Pero siyempre, yung atin naman Alas Women’s Team, we always prepare for these kind of events. So hopefully, pagdating ng tournament sa Candon, this coming June, maganda na maging preparation,” he added.

     

    Liao also addressed the transition in leadership, particularly the appointment of head coach Tai Bundit following the departure of Brazilian tactician Jorge de Brito. Known for his intense coaching style and high expectations, Bundit is expected to begin shaping the team’s system in the coming training phase.

     

    “Coach Tai Bundit is sabihin nating he hates losing, as you know. So talagang ang preparation niya will be especially ngayon, ang tinitingnan kasi niya na past performance was silver. So parang challenge na kagad siya. Sabi ko, huwag muna iisipin yan. Banuin muna natin yung team at saka tayo mag-training ng mga ano,” Liao said.

     

    Despite the ongoing controversy, the PNVF has already begun assembling its training pool, sending out invitations to potential Alas Pilipinas Women prospects. The federation is awaiting confirmations from clubs and universities, with national team training expected to begin in the coming weeks.

     

    The 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup is scheduled from June 6 to 14 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, where Alas Pilipinas Women will aim to build on their recent podium finish while navigating both heightened expectations and internal program challenges.

     

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Women at risk of disbandment over allowance issues ahead of AVC Nations Cup 

    Alas Pilipinas Women at risk of disbandment over allowance issues ahead of AVC Nations Cup 

    The challenge for the Alas Pilipinas Women is no longer confined to the court. What was supposed to be a period of rebuilding has instead turned into a moment of reckoning, as concerns from both former and prospective players cast doubt on the stability of the national program.

     

    At the center of the uncertainty are issues that go beyond systems and rotations—questions of trust, welfare, and commitment. Reports indicate that several athletes have grown hesitant about joining or returning to the program, not because of competition, but because of unresolved matters behind the scenes.

     

    Among the most pressing concerns are delays in allowances, with some players allegedly waiting months without compensation. For athletes weighing the decision to represent the country, financial clarity has become just as important as the opportunity itself.

     

    Alongside this are concerns about player welfare, particularly in areas related to health and safety—factors that are increasingly shaping how modern athletes evaluate national team commitments.

     

    These issues come at a critical time for the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, which had been preparing for a fresh start under newly appointed head coach Anusorn Bundit.

     

    Part of that plan included a proposed special draft tied to the PVL rookie selection process, designed to give the coaching staff a structured way to build the next core of the national team.

     

    The idea, on paper, offered direction. Selected players would commit to a two-year stint under the national program while remaining under contract with the federation—an arrangement meant to ensure continuity and long-term development.

     

    But the hesitation surrounding the draft reflects a deeper issue.

     

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    With reports of nearly six months of delayed allowances and unclear contractual terms, players are now approaching the opportunity with caution, weighing not just the honor of wearing the national colors, but the realities that come with it.

     

    All of this uncertainty comes as the national team approaches a major international test. Alas Pilipinas Women has been drawn into a challenging Pool A alongside South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, and Uzbekistan for the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup set from June 6 to 14 in Candon City.

     

    Instead of focusing solely on preparations and matchups, however, the program now finds itself balancing external expectations with internal stability.

     

    What emerges is a team at a crossroads.

     

    On one side is the opportunity to compete on home soil against some of the region’s toughest squads. On the other is the urgent need to resolve issues that could determine whether the team takes the court at full strength—or at all.

     

    Until those concerns are addressed, the future of Alas Pilipinas Women remains uncertain—not because of a lack of talent, but because of questions that still need answers.

     

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  • PNVF, Jorge de Brito begin talks in bid to resolve ongoing dispute

    PNVF, Jorge de Brito begin talks in bid to resolve ongoing dispute

    After months of silence, stalled communication, and growing uncertainty, the first real movement has finally come in the standoff between the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and former Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Jorge Souza de Brito.

     

    What happened on Tuesday may not have settled the dispute, but it did something just as important — it got both sides back to the same table.

     

    In a development that could shape how the situation unfolds moving forward, PNVF officials and de Brito formally opened discussions, signaling what appears to be the federation’s first meaningful step toward addressing the issues that have lingered since his departure from the national team setup.

     

    The timing was notable.

     

    The meeting took place just hours before de Brito was set to coach Capital1 in its play-in clash against Galeries Tower, underscoring how even amid club duties, the unresolved matters tied to his national team stint continue to follow him.

     

    At the center of the initial talks were de Brito’s longstanding concerns over unpaid bonuses, which reportedly cover five separate tournaments. Those concerns, according to those involved in the discussions, were formally raised and acknowledged during the meeting.

     

    That alone represented a shift. For months, the issue had largely remained in the background — discussed publicly at times, but without visible signs of progress. Tuesday’s dialogue, at the very least, moved the matter from public frustration into an actual negotiation setting.

     

    The federation is now expected to further review the financial concerns raised by de Brito and his camp, a step that could determine whether the dispute begins moving toward a settlement or stretches into a longer process.

     

    Notably, however, both camps appeared to take a measured approach in how they handled the meeting.

     

    Rather than immediately diving into the most contentious parts of the dispute, the discussion reportedly steered clear of the more legally sensitive issues surrounding de Brito’s contract and working visa. That decision may have been less about avoidance and more about strategy.

     

    At this stage, the apparent priority is progress over confrontation.

     

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    By focusing first on the less explosive but still significant concerns, both sides seem to be testing whether common ground can still be found before the conversation shifts into more complicated legal territory.

     

    That reading was echoed by Atty. Rex Cruz, de Brito’s legal counsel, who was present during the talks and indicated that the process is only beginning.

     

    According to Cruz, Tuesday’s meeting should be viewed not as a final resolution, but as the first of what is expected to be a series of discussions aimed at sorting through all unresolved matters between the coach and the federation.

     

    That means the real test may still lie ahead.

     

    Still, for de Brito, even this initial dialogue appears to have carried significance. After months of uncertainty and what had been a frustrating lack of direct engagement, the former national team coach welcomed the opening of communication and viewed the development as a step in the right direction.

     

    He described the meeting as a “positive thing,” seeing it as the first tangible movement toward obtaining the compensation he has long maintained is owed to him.

     

    Whether that optimism leads to an actual settlement remains to be seen.

     

    But in disputes like this, where tension can easily harden into legal deadlock, the willingness to begin talking again often matters more than any single statement issued in public.

     

    For now, the dispute between PNVF and Jorge Souza de Brito is far from over. But after months of distance, the conversation has finally started — and that alone may have changed the tone of what comes next.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas skipper Jia De Guzman breaks silence on Philippine volleyball draft controversy

    Alas Pilipinas skipper Jia De Guzman breaks silence on Philippine volleyball draft controversy

    Philippine volleyball is currently facing a period of intense scrutiny, as controversies surrounding athlete welfare and program structure continue to dominate headlines. At the center of the debate is the proposed draft system for the Alas Pilipinas Women, which has sparked widespread discussion across the volleyball community.

     

    The proposed system reportedly requires invited players to commit exclusively to the national team pool, a provision that has raised serious questions about athlete autonomy and long-term career planning. Many players and stakeholders have voiced concern that such a policy may force athletes into difficult decisions, potentially compromising their professional opportunities in domestic leagues.

     

    The situation has been further complicated by lingering issues regarding alleged unpaid bonuses to former head coach Jorge de Brito, adding another layer of tension to an already sensitive matter. These financial disputes, combined with structural concerns in the federation, have fueled criticism from fans, former athletes, and industry insiders alike.

     

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    Amid the controversy, Jia De Guzman, captain and star player of Alas Pilipinas, spoke out in a series of Instagram posts, sharing her thoughts after taking time to “step back and process everything before speaking.”

     

    “Representing the country has always meant a lot to me, and I know that pride is shared by so many athletes—but more than that, it’s something we have a responsibility to protect and build for generations that come after us,” De Guzman wrote.

     

    The 30-year-old superstar addressed key concerns about the draft system and the overall environment for national team athletes, emphasizing the need for support and balance.

     

    “At the same time, I believe athletes should be in an environment where they can continue to grow, compete, and be supported—without being put in a position where they have to choose between the national team and their careers in the league. That part I don’t really understand. But again, despite this, we also remain open to dialogue. We just hope that it is formal, meaningful, and talaga with a genuine desire to address the needs of the athlete,” she said.

    De Guzman also highlighted broader issues in Philippine volleyball, noting that athlete welfare extends beyond financial compensation. She outlined three areas that require urgent attention:

    1. Comprehensive athlete welfare: “It’s not just compensation, but development, preparation, and long-term sustainability.”
    2. Structured and meaningful competition: “It’s not just about the volume of games that we play, but the right kind of exposure at the right time, ensuring athletes have the opportunity to grow without being overworked.”
    3. Alignment between the federation and local leagues: “There needs to be coordination so that competition, training, and recovery are properly balanced, creating a sustainable ecosystem for athletes at every level.”

    Her comments shed light on the complexity of managing national teams in a developing volleyball landscape, where professional, developmental, and international priorities must all be carefully balanced.

     

    The Philippine National Volleyball Federation, led by Tony Boy Liao, has acknowledged the concerns and expressed its commitment to listening and evolving.

     

    “The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) acknowledges the sentiments and concerns shared by our volleyball community, including those surrounding the Alas Draft and athlete welfare. As the sport’s governing body, we remain committed to building a sustainable, inclusive, and athlete-centered path forward,” the federation said in a statement.

     

    As tensions continue, stakeholders are watching closely to see what concrete steps the federation will take to address these issues. While policy adjustments may be necessary, De Guzman’s comments underscore the broader need for open communication, transparency, and collaboration between players, coaches, leagues, and governing bodies.

     

    For Philippine volleyball to progress sustainably, the community agrees that reforms cannot focus solely on rules and regulations. Instead, meaningful change will require shared responsibility, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to placing athlete welfare at the forefront—ensuring that the pride of representing the country does not come at the expense of players’ careers or well-being.

     

    With the upcoming international competitions and domestic league schedules looming, the decisions made in the coming months could have lasting implications for the sport and its athletes, shaping the future of volleyball in the Philippines for years to come.

     

     

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