Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Tag: Alas Pilipinas

  • Alas Pilipinas Girls keeps top-five hopes alive with dominant sweep of Uzbekistan 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls keeps top-five hopes alive with dominant sweep of Uzbekistan 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls made sure its AVC Girls’ U18 Championship campaign would not end on a disappointing note.

     

    After falling short of a quarterfinal berth, the Filipinas responded with one of their most commanding performances of the tournament, overwhelming Uzbekistan, 25-11, 25-7, 25-9, in the classification round on Sunday at Terminal 21 Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

     

    Rather than dwell on what could have been, the young national squad immediately shifted its focus to finishing the tournament on a winning note—and it showed from the opening serve.

     

    The Philippines needed just 58 minutes to dismantle Uzbekistan, controlling every phase of the match with relentless serving, efficient attacking, and disciplined defense.

     

    Sharina Rhyza Lleses and Ella Gonzalvo paced the offense with nine points apiece as Alas barely gave Uzbekistan any room to settle into the contest.

     

    Jhaynna Love Bulandres and Princess Khaira Manzano added five markers each, while Xyz Rayco and four other teammates chipped in four points to highlight the balanced attack.

     

    The Filipinas dictated the pace from start to finish, piling up 14 service aces while dominating the attacking battle, 35-12. They also displayed composure throughout the match, committing only eight errors compared to Uzbekistan’s 22.

     

    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.

    The victory served as a strong response after Alas saw its medal hopes disappear following a straight-set loss to Indonesia that ended its quarterfinal bid.

     

    Despite opening the tournament with an impressive victory over Iran, the Filipinas narrowly missed advancing after finishing with a 1-2 record in Pool C, with their only other defeat coming against eventual pool winner Japan.

     

    Instead of allowing that setback to define their campaign, the young squad quickly rediscovered the form that made it one of the tournament’s surprise teams during pool play.

     

    Uzbekistan struggled to keep pace throughout the one-sided contest, with Ugiloy Abduvalieva leading her team with just seven points before being relegated to the battle for last place.

     

    With confidence restored, Alas Pilipinas now turns its attention to another opportunity to improve its final standing.

     

    The Filipinas will face India on Monday at 1 p.m., with a place in the battle for fifth awaiting the winner as the team looks to end its continental campaign on a high note.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Alas Pilipinas Girls turn focus to Indonesia after loss to unbeaten Japan 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls turn focus to Indonesia after loss to unbeaten Japan 

    One loss has turned the road ahead into a do-or-die mission for Alas Pilipinas Girls.

     

    After opening the AVC Girls’ U18 Championship with an encouraging victory over Iran, the Filipinas were handed a reality check by tournament favorite Japan, absorbing a 20-25, 17-25, 24-26 defeat on Thursday in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

     

    The straight-set result dropped the Philippines to 1-1 in Pool C, making Friday’s clash against Indonesia the team’s biggest match of the tournament so far.

     

    With only the top two teams from the group advancing, Alas Pilipinas now controls its own fate—but only if it can bounce back.

     

    Despite the defeat, the Filipinas showed flashes of the resilience that powered their opening-day win.

     

    Japan dictated much of the first two sets through its disciplined defense and quick offensive combinations, but the Philippines refused to go quietly.

     

    The third set became a showcase of the team’s fighting spirit.

     

    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.

    Alas matched Japan point for point and pushed the perennial powerhouse to the limit before eventually falling just short, 26-24, in a tense finish that highlighted how close the young Filipinas came to forcing a fourth set.

     

    For head coach Ray Karl Dimaculangan, the match wasn’t defined by talent but by opportunities that slipped away.

     

    “We had many opportunities that we did not maximize. We know that Japan is tough, we gave it our best,” Dimaculangan said.

     

    Sharina Rhayza Lleses continued to anchor the Philippine attack, finishing with 15 points behind 13 attacks, one block, and an ace.

     

    Ellaine Gonzalvo added 10 points, while Ysabelle Patricia Cruz contributed seven as the Filipinas searched for answers against one of Asia’s most consistent youth programs.

     

    Now, the team’s attention shifts entirely to Indonesia.

     

    A victory would keep the Philippines firmly in contention for a quarterfinal berth, while another loss would leave its campaign hanging by a thread.

     

    After proving they can compete with one of the continent’s volleyball powerhouses, Alas Pilipinas Girls now faces the challenge of quickly regrouping and delivering its strongest performance when it matters most.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Alas Pilipinas dealt major blow as Vanie Gandler, Jennifer Nierva, Shaina Nitura miss Asian Games 

    Alas Pilipinas dealt major blow as Vanie Gandler, Jennifer Nierva, Shaina Nitura miss Asian Games 

    Alas Pilipinas Women will head into the 20th Asian Games with a different look than initially envisioned after injuries sidelined three important pieces of the national team’s plans.

     

    Instead of spending the coming months building chemistry with its full roster, the coaching staff will now have to navigate preparations without Vanessa “Vanie” Gandler, Jennifer Nierva, and Shaina Nitura, each unavailable for different injury-related reasons.

     

    The latest setback involves reigning 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference Most Valuable Player Vanie Gandler, who opted to step away from national team duties after an exhausting run of competition that culminated in the biggest individual honor of her career.

     

    Rather than risk aggravating lingering physical issues, the former Cignal star chose recovery, prioritizing long-term health before returning to competition.

     

    Alas Pilipinas will also miss one of its most dependable defensive anchors.

     

    Veteran libero Jennifer Nierva has likewise been ruled out as she continues to recover from an injury, depriving the national team of one of its most experienced backcourt leaders entering continental competition.

     

    The biggest blow, however, may be the loss of one of Philippine volleyball’s fastest-rising stars.

    The Philippine Olympic Committee earlier confirmed that Shaina Nitura will miss the Asian Games after undergoing surgery to address an ankle injury.

     

    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.

    Initially named to the national team pool, the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player instead begins a rehabilitation process expected to last around three months, delaying what could have been her biggest international tournament to date.

     

    Nitura’s absence removes one of the country’s most explosive young scorers from the lineup and leaves Alas Pilipinas without a player many viewed as a cornerstone of its future.

     

    The trio’s unavailability significantly alters the complexion of the squad as preparations continue under head coach Taka Minowa, who now faces the challenge of assembling a competitive lineup despite losing three players expected to play major roles.

     

    While the setbacks are substantial, Alas Pilipinas will press on with the remaining members of its training pool as the national team continues preparations for the Asian Games, scheduled from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

     

    With less than three months before the continental showcase, the focus now shifts from assembling the strongest possible roster to ensuring the available group is ready to compete on Asia’s biggest stage.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Alas Pilipinas U18 beats Iran in four sets, braces for powerhouse Japan next 

    Alas Pilipinas U18 beats Iran in four sets, braces for powerhouse Japan next 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls could not have asked for a better start to its campaign in the 2026 AVC Girls’ U18 Volleyball Championship.

     

    The young Filipinas opened the continental tournament with a statement victory, defeating Iran in four sets, 25-19, 19-25, 25-23, 25-18, on Wednesday, July 1, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, to immediately put themselves in contention for a quarterfinal berth.

     

    The victory also sets the stage for an even bigger challenge as the Philippines now prepares to face perennial Asian contender Japan, last year’s silver medalist, in a crucial Pool C showdown on Thursday.

     

    With only the top two teams in the group advancing to the knockout stage, the win over Iran could prove vital in the race for qualification.

     

    Alas Pilipinas leaned on the firepower of Xyz Rayco, who once again emerged as the team’s offensive catalyst with 19 points. After helping steer the national squad to a historic qualification for the 2026 FIVB Girls’ U17 World Championship last year, Rayco continued to showcase why she remains one of the country’s brightest young volleyball prospects.

     

    Ellaine Gonzalvo also carried over her strong form from the recent 2026 Southeast Asian Girls’ U18 Volleyball Championship, where she was recognized as Best Outside Spiker. The Adamson standout finished with 15 points to provide steady support throughout the match.

     

    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.

    Jhaynna Love Bulandres and Adeleine Agustin added nine points each as the Filipinas displayed balanced scoring in overcoming a resilient Iranian side.

     

    The match was anything but straightforward.

     

    After comfortably taking the opening set, Alas Pilipinas lost momentum in the second as Iran answered emphatically to level the contest.

     

    The turning point came in the tightly contested third frame, where the Filipinas held their composure during the closing exchanges to seize a crucial 2-1 advantage.

     

    With confidence restored, the Philippine squad dictated the pace in the fourth set, pulling away late to secure its first victory of the tournament.

     

    The result gives Alas Pilipinas an ideal foundation before arguably its toughest assignment in the group stage.

     

    Japan enters the matchup as one of Asia’s traditional volleyball powers after finishing runner-up in last year’s tournament, making Thursday’s clash a major measuring stick for Karl Dimaculangan’s young squad.

     

    A victory would significantly boost the Filipinas’ chances of reaching the quarterfinals, while another competitive performance could further prove that the country’s next generation is ready to challenge the region’s elite.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Angel Canino confident Alas Pilipinas can come together for Asian Games  

    Angel Canino confident Alas Pilipinas can come together for Asian Games  

    The transition period for Alas Pilipinas continues, and Angel Canino is ready to help lead it.

     

    With the Philippine women’s national volleyball team entering a new era ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, the De La Salle standout has once again answered the call to represent the country, joining the national training pool assembled under newly appointed head coach Taka Minowa.

     

    For Canino, another invitation to wear the Philippine jersey carries the same meaning it always has—not just as recognition of her growth, but as an opportunity to contribute to something bigger than herself.

     

    “I’m very grateful talaga na napili ulit ako for the Asian Games,” Canino told reporters. “It’s really an honor for an athlete na ipatawag ka for the national team.”

     

    The latest pool signals the beginning of the Philippines’ buildup for the continental showcase, with the Philippine Olympic Committee temporarily taking charge of the national program following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

     

    Despite the changes surrounding the program, Canino remains focused on the common objective.

     

    “For me talaga, gusto ko talagang i-represent ang Philippines. ‘Yun talaga ang goal ko ever since I started very young,” she said.

     

    “And now, it’s still in the process, and hopefully talaga mag-connect at mag-in line ang bawat isa kasi we’re praying for it.”

     

    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.

    With a new coaching staff, returning veterans, and young collegiate stars coming together, she emphasized the importance of unity as Alas Pilipinas begins another international campaign.

     

    “Hopefully, lahat ng support, lahat ng pagmamahal ng bansa, pagmamahal ng mga tao, pagmamahal ng atleta, mapupunta doon sa magandang pamamaraan,” she said.

     

    The two-time UAAP champion also paid tribute to every athlete who has accepted the responsibility of representing the Philippines, acknowledging that national team duty demands sacrifice and collective commitment.

     

    “Thankful ako at grateful kami sa mga nagre-represent ng Pilipinas kasi it’s always an honor talaga to represent the Philippines,” she said.

     

    “But of course, kailangan talaga at some point we have to be in connection with one another and in line with one another.”

     

    Canino last suited up for Alas Pilipinas during the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, where the Filipinas finished fourth. She is now expected to reunite with several key members of the national team, including veteran setter Jia De Guzman, fellow collegiate stars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, and other top PVL standouts as preparations intensify for the Asian Games in Japan.

     

    As Alas Pilipinas begins rebuilding under a new system, Canino is among the players expected to help bridge the program’s present and future—one national team call-up at a time.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Alas Girls embrace toughest test yet in AVC U18 Championship 

    Alas Girls embrace toughest test yet in AVC U18 Championship 

    The road to contention begins with one of the toughest opening weeks imaginable for Alas Pilipinas Girls.

     

    Instead of easing into the 2026 AVC Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship, the Filipinas will immediately measure themselves against some of Asia’s most established youth volleyball programs, opening their campaign in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand with consecutive matches against regional heavyweights.

     

    The Philippines starts its Pool C campaign against reigning 2025 Asian Youth U19 champion Iran on Wednesday before facing perennial powerhouse Japan the following day. Indonesia completes the Filipinas’ group-stage schedule on Friday.

     

    While the draw leaves little room for error, head coach Karl Dimaculangan sees the tournament as more than just a race for results. For the national mentor, it is another opportunity for a young core to continue growing on one of the biggest stages in Asian volleyball.

     

    “We have talented players, they just need to improve their level of play,” said Dimaculangan, who will be joined on the coaching staff by Keenan Quitco and Marco Maclang.

     

    Leading the charge is Xyz Rayco, one of the country’s brightest youth prospects after helping steer the Philippines to a historic qualification for the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship in Santiago, Chile last year.

     

    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.

    She will once again be counted on to anchor the team’s attack alongside Adamson standout Ella Gonzalvo as Alas looks to carry over the confidence gained from its recent bronze-medal finish in the Princess Cup, where host Thailand emerged as champion.

     

    Completing the Philippine roster are Sharina Lleses, Frances Ramos, Micaella Gould, May Mahinay, Venus De Guia, Bubay Belen, Ysabelle Cruz, Slash Obera, Ysabelle Tuballas, Princess Manzano, Jhaynna Bulandres, and Adelaine Agustin.

     

    The squad also reflects the country’s growing youth pipeline, with reigning 2026 Palarong Pambansa champion National University providing the bulk of the roster. Lleses stands as the lone representative from King’s Montessori of Quezon City.

     

    Elsewhere in the tournament, host Thailand headlines Pool A together with Uzbekistan, Australia, and Mongolia. China leads Pool B alongside Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, and Kyrgyzstan, while Pool D features Chinese Taipei, Korea, India, and Princess Cup runner-up Vietnam.

     

    For Alas Pilipinas Girls, the challenge begins immediately—but so does the chance to prove that the country’s next generation belongs among Asia’s rising volleyball powers.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Angel Canino welcomes Alas Pilipinas return, fresh off being named CPC Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year

    Angel Canino welcomes Alas Pilipinas return, fresh off being named CPC Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year

    Angel Canino barely had time to celebrate one of the greatest collegiate seasons in recent memory before another opportunity arrived.

     

    Fresh off leading De La Salle University to a flawless UAAP championship campaign and being recognized as the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year, the Lady Spikers star is once again preparing to wear the Philippine colors after earning another invitation to Alas Pilipinas.

     

    For Canino, the recognition is rewarding, but the focus has already shifted toward the bigger mission waiting later this year—the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

     

    Speaking after receiving her Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Player of the Year award at Discovery Suites, the reigning collegiate star said every call-up to the national team remains something she never takes for granted.

     

    “Of course, I’m very grateful. I feel incredibly blessed that when the lineup was announced, I was included. But of course, we’re still in the process of preparing,” said Canino in Filipino.

     

    “So hopefully, everything leading up to the Asian Games will fall into place. I hope everything aligns well, and I also hope we can all continue to support one another even more.”

     

    The latest invitation marks another chapter in Canino’s growing international résumé after suiting up for Alas Pilipinas during last December’s Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where the Filipinas finished fourth.

     

    Her return to the national team comes after a collegiate campaign that elevated her status as one of Philippine volleyball’s brightest stars.

     

    Canino was among the driving forces behind La Salle’s perfect 16-0 championship run in UAAP Season 88, helping the Lady Spikers reclaim the title despite the early-season absence of Finals MVP Shevana Laput. 

     

    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.

    She also delivered when the stakes were highest.

     

    In the championship opener against National University, Canino powered La Salle with 17 points, nine digs, and five excellent receptions before following it up with another all-around performance of 11 points, 10 digs, and 10 receptions in Game 2 as the Lady Spikers completed a straight-set sweep of the defending champions.

     

    Those performances earned her the Collegiate Press Corps’ UAAP Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year recognition.

     

    Joining Canino among this year’s volleyball awardees are National University’s Leo Ordiales as the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year, Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s Lara Silva as the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year, and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Reymark Betco as the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year.

     

    The four standouts will be honored during the 2026 Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night presented by Strong Group Athletics.

     

    While another individual award now sits beside her growing collection, Canino’s attention is already on the next challenge.

     

    This time, the goal extends beyond collegiate glory as she hopes to help Alas Pilipinas compete against Asia’s best on one of the continent’s biggest sporting stages.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Alas Pilipinas reloads for Asian Games with familiar stars and fresh faces  

    Alas Pilipinas reloads for Asian Games with familiar stars and fresh faces  

    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.

     

    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.

    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.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • POC appoints Taka Minowa as the new Alas Pilipinas Women coach

    POC appoints Taka Minowa as the new Alas Pilipinas Women coach

    The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has officially begun its oversight of the country’s national volleyball program, unveiling a new coaching setup and the preliminary player pools that will carry the Philippines into the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.


    In its first major volleyball decision following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the POC appointed Japanese coach Takayuki “Taka” Minowa to lead the Alas Pilipinas women’s team while retaining Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni at the helm of the men’s squad.

     

    The appointments, announced alongside the national team pools on Sunday, June 28, set the stage for the country’s Asian Games campaign scheduled from September 19 to October 4.

     

    The former head coach of Akari, Minowa inherits a program that has steadily regained its footing over the past two years, and the POC has opted for continuity by bringing back many of the players who fueled that resurgence.

     

    Leading the 22-player women’s pool is team captain Jia De Guzman, who returns after missing the recent AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup in Candon City.

     

    Also rejoining the national team are Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Angel Canino, Vanie Gandler, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Priovido, Arah Panique, Dawn Catindig, Dell Palomata, Mars Alba, and Shaina Nitura.

     

    Only Thea Gagate, Alyssa Solomon, and Nina Ytang remain from the hastily assembled Alas Pilipinas squad that represented the country in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup just weeks ago.

     

    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.


    Completing the women’s pool are Jeanette Panaga, Shaira Jardio, Gel Cayuna, and Erika Santos, giving Minowa a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents as preparations begin.

    On the men’s side, stability remains the priority.

     

    Frigoni will continue to call the shots after guiding the Philippines through last year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship, with much of that core expected to stay intact for the Asian Games.

     

    The men’s pool is once again bannered by veteran stars Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, while five-time Spikers’ Turf MVP Jude Garcia earns an opportunity to make his debut with the indoor national team.

     

    Also included in the men’s lineup are Michaelo Buddin, Leo Ordiales, Al Bukharie Sali, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Owa Retamar, Josh Ybañez, Adrian Villados, Vince Lorenzo, Kristofer Alejos, and Trevor Valera.

     

    According to POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, POC secretary-general Atty. Wharton has already informed both Minowa and Frigoni of their appointments, which will officially run from July 1 until October 15.

     

    The simultaneous announcement reflects the POC’s approach as it takes over the national volleyball program—maintaining continuity where it matters while introducing new leadership on the women’s side.

     

    With the Asian Games less than three months away, the focus now shifts from assembling the roster to building chemistry, as both Alas Pilipinas teams prepare to test themselves against Asia’s best under the POC’s new direction.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Tia Andaya officially closes Philippine chapter after one season with Choco Mucho 

    Tia Andaya officially closes Philippine chapter after one season with Choco Mucho 

    What began as a leap of faith from the United States to the Philippines has now come full circle for Tia Andaya.

     

    The Filipino-American setter officially announced her departure from Choco Mucho on Wednesday, ending a journey that was fueled by a desire to reconnect with her roots and pursue a dream of eventually wearing the national team colors on the international stage.

     

    “Maraming salamat, Choco, at maraming salamat, Philippines,” said the Filipino-American setter.

     

    Andaya arrived in the country carrying both pedigree and promise. A product of Gonzaga University and Central Washington University, she entered the 2025 PVL Draft as one of the more intriguing prospects and was selected seventh overall by Choco Mucho.

     

    But while the move opened the door to Philippine volleyball, carving out a larger role proved difficult.

     

    The 25-year-old spent much of her stay learning behind veteran playmakers Deanna Wong and Alina Bicar, with opportunities coming sparingly across two conferences. Though her minutes were limited, Andaya remained part of a Flying Titans squad that consistently contended near the top of the league standings.

     

    Her move to the Philippines was never solely about club volleyball.

     

    Andaya also joined the Alas Pilipinas pool under then-head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, hoping to contribute to the national team program. Yet international competition remained out of reach as eligibility issues tied to her continued connection with USA Volleyball prevented her from representing the country in official FIVB-sanctioned events.

     

    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.

    Despite the obstacles, Andaya views her time in the Philippines as a meaningful chapter rather than an unfinished one.

     

    “It truly was an unforgettable journey. The road wasn’t always smooth, but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Andaya said.

     

    “Thank you all for your support and love these past few years. Whether it was with Choco or Alas, it was an honor to play both with and for all of you.”

     

    Her departure also comes as Choco Mucho enters a new phase at the setter position. The Flying Titans have already moved to reinforce their playmaking corps by selecting Tin Ubaldo with the No. 3 overall pick in the latest PVL Draft and bringing in veteran setter Ivy Perez through free agency ahead of the upcoming PVL On Tour.

     

    For Andaya, however, the story is less about statistics and playing time and more about the experience of embracing a new home, reconnecting with Filipino fans, and chasing a dream that brought her across the Pacific.

     

    Though her stay lasted only a season, the journey left an imprint on both player and supporters alike.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.