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Tag: Alas Pilipinas

  • Eya Laure and Bella Belen urge focus on growth and team unity amid controversy in Philippine volleyball

    Eya Laure and Bella Belen urge focus on growth and team unity amid controversy in Philippine volleyball

    Philippine volleyball has been thrust into a period of instability following a developing governance controversy involving the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), after the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) imposed a suspension citing what it described as “serious governance concerns” and “multiple purported violations of the FIVB Code of Ethics.”

     

    The suspension, issued on May 29, immediately placed the country’s international volleyball standing under scrutiny and raised concerns about the continuity of its participation in FIVB-sanctioned competitions. Since the announcement, however, there has been limited public disclosure regarding concrete steps toward resolving the issues, leaving athletes, stakeholders, and fans waiting for clearer direction on the future of the sport’s national leadership.

     

    At the domestic level, tensions have further escalated. A majority of the PNVF Executive Board has reportedly withdrawn its support for federation president Ramon “Tonyboy” Liao, citing a loss of trust and confidence in leadership and governance practices. The internal rift has added another layer of uncertainty to an already fragile situation, with questions mounting over administrative stability and long-term planning for the national program.

     

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    Despite the off-court turbulence, members of the national team have called for unity and focus as Philippine volleyball attempts to steady itself amid the controversy.

     

    Two of the brightest stars of the women’s national program, Eya Laure and Bella Belen, have spoken out on the need to prioritize cohesion and collective progress for the sport’s future.

     

    Both Laure and Belen opted to withdraw from the Alas Pilipinas squad for the recent 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup hosted at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. However, they were present during the final day of the tournament, watching from the stands as regional competition unfolded on home soil.

    For Laure, the experience reinforced the importance of togetherness within the volleyball community despite ongoing challenges behind the scenes.

     

    “Unity. I am very happy, and the crowd is really passionate in cheering. It’s a good experience since we get to watch it live, and we are able to see different plays that we can also do. We are inspired and motivated after this,” Laure said on the issue.

     

    Belen echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing both admiration for the level of international play and the motivation it provides for the national program moving forward.

     

    “I hope that we can reach this level. It’s really nice to see how strong other national teams are. The level is very different, especially in terms of the difficulty of plays. I hope we can achieve this in the coming years,” Belen added.

     

    The two stars were originally part of Alas Pilipinas’ 14-woman roster for the Southeast Asian Games. However, only Alyssa Solomon among that group participated in the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, underscoring the evolving composition and ongoing adjustments within the national program.

     

    As Philippine volleyball navigates governance questions and internal divisions, the calls from its top players reflect a shared desire to keep the focus on development and international competitiveness. With uncertainty still surrounding the federation’s leadership and FIVB standing, the coming months are expected to be critical in determining the direction of the sport at both the national and international levels.

     

    While administrative issues continue to cast a shadow over Philippine volleyball, the voices of players like Laure and Belen highlight a unifying message: the sport’s future depends on stability, cooperation, and a renewed commitment to growth. How the governing bodies respond to the FIVB suspension may ultimately define the next era of Philippine volleyball.

     

     

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  • Fifi Sharma remains hopeful that Philippine volleyball will reach world-class level in the future

    Fifi Sharma remains hopeful that Philippine volleyball will reach world-class level in the future

    Fifi Sharma remains optimistic about the future of Philippine volleyball, believing that continued exposure to elite international competition will eventually help the country close the gap with some of the world’s top volleyball nations.

     

    Widely regarded as one of the Philippines’ premier middle blockers, Sharma has built a strong reputation through her performances in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and as a member of the Philippine women’s national volleyball team. At just 25 years old, she has already established herself as one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, known for her versatility, defensive presence, and leadership on and off the court.

     

    Although Sharma was not part of the Alas Pilipinas squad that competed in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Nations Cup in Candon City in June, she continued to support the national team’s efforts while keeping a close eye on the level of competition showcased during the tournament.

     

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    Having experienced international volleyball firsthand as both a player and spectator, Sharma understands the significant difference between local and world-class competition. Yet rather than being discouraged by the disparity, she sees it as motivation for Filipino athletes to continue improving and raising the country’s standards.

     

    For Sharma, tournaments featuring top international teams provide valuable learning opportunities not only for players but also for coaches, officials, and fans. She believes that witnessing elite-level volleyball in the Philippines can inspire the next generation of athletes and accelerate the development of the sport nationwide.

     

    “That we get to experience playing like this – this level of atmosphere, this level of play. Hopefully, eventually, we will reach this kind of level in the near future. It’s always inspiring to watch international-level volleyball, especially here in our home country,” Sharma said in a media interaction.

    The Akari Chargers standout emphasized the importance of continued international exposure, noting that competing against and observing stronger teams allows Filipino players to better understand the demands of the global game. Such experiences, she believes, are crucial if the Philippines hopes to become a consistent contender in major regional and international tournaments.

     

    Despite the growing popularity of volleyball in the country and the continued success of the PVL, Sharma acknowledged that there is still considerable work to be done before Philippine volleyball can consistently compete with the sport’s traditional powerhouses in Asia and beyond.

     

    The PVL has enjoyed remarkable growth in recent years, attracting large crowds, increased media attention, and a deeper pool of talent. However, Sharma recognizes that the pace, physicality, and overall quality of international volleyball remain on a different level.

     

    “I think we still have a long way to go in terms of reaching the international level. But having this kind of exposure here and making it accessible for Filipinos is a big help in developing athletes in the country,” she added.

     

    Sharma’s perspective reflects the broader vision shared by many within the Philippine volleyball community. As more international competitions are hosted locally and Filipino athletes gain opportunities to train and compete abroad, hopes remain high that the country’s volleyball program will continue to evolve and become increasingly competitive on the world stage.

     

    For now, Sharma is turning her attention back to club duties with the Akari Chargers as preparations continue for the upcoming PVL On Tour preseason tournament, which is scheduled to begin on July 8. The preseason competition will provide teams an opportunity to fine-tune their systems and build chemistry ahead of the next PVL campaign.

     

    As one of Akari’s key veterans and leaders, Sharma is expected to play a significant role in the Chargers’ preparations. While she remains focused on helping her club succeed, her aspirations extend beyond domestic competition. Like many members of the current generation of Filipino volleyball players, Sharma continues to dream of the day when the Philippines can compete on equal footing with the world’s best teams.

     

    With her experience, leadership, and commitment to the sport’s growth, Sharma remains one of the strongest advocates for Philippine volleyball’s continued development. And while she acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, her belief in the country’s potential remains unwavering.

     

     

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  • Ara Galang turns national team comeback into inspiration for rising volleyball players 

    Ara Galang turns national team comeback into inspiration for rising volleyball players 

    After years of setbacks caused by injuries, Ara Galang finally returned to the international volleyball stage — and her biggest takeaway was not about personal redemption, but about inspiring the next generation of Filipino players.


    The veteran volleyball star was among the players selected for Alas Pilipinas’ campaign in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, giving her the opportunity to once again wear the national colors after missing previous chances due to health setbacks.

     

    With her long-awaited return complete, Galang hopes young Filipino volleyball talents recognize the importance of every opportunity to compete for the country.

     

    “Sana, ‘pag dumating ang opportunity sa kanila, ma-grab nila ‘yon at mabigyan nila ng karangalan ang Philippines,” Galang said.

     

    The Philippines ended its AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup campaign in eighth place, but Galang chose to look beyond the result and valued the experience of representing the national team on the international stage.

     

    For years, Galang was regarded as one of the country’s top volleyball talents. However, injuries repeatedly disrupted her momentum and limited her chances of building a longer run with the national team.

     

    “Siyempre, hindi naman ito basta-bastang opportunity. Sobrang grateful ako, pero siyempre proud ako na i-represent ang Philippines. And sana patuloy na suportahan ng mga tao ‘yung Alas Pilipinas,” the open hitter of Farm Fresh Foxies said.

     

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    Despite the challenges faced by Alas Women in the tournament, Galang focused on the lessons gained from competing against stronger international opponents and the value of the experience for the growing program.

     

    “Actually, hindi ko rin alam, pero ako, tinatry ko lang din ibigay ‘yung best ko,” she said.

    Beyond her performance inside the court, Galang also embraced the role of becoming an example for younger players who look up to the national team.

     

    “Siyempre, nakakataba ng puso na nai-inspire ko pa rin sila hanggang ngayon, at dadalhin ko ‘yon sa araw-araw,” Galang added.

     

    Her return was also part of a veteran presence in the Alas Pilipinas lineup, with experienced players helping guide a squad still developing chemistry on the international stage. 

     

    While the team finished eighth, the campaign gave the Philippines valuable exposure against some of Asia’s strongest volleyball nations.

     

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  • Ara Galang embraces mentor role in first Alas Pilipinas stint 

    Ara Galang embraces mentor role in first Alas Pilipinas stint 

    Ara Galang arrived in Alas Pilipinas without the expectations that once followed her during the height of her career.

     

    There were no discussions about carrying the offense, dominating opponents, or recreating the version of herself that once ruled the collegiate and professional ranks.

     

    Instead, Galang brought something the national team arguably needed just as much: perspective.

     

    At 31 years old and making her first appearance for the national team, the former La Salle superstar found herself in a unique position. She was no longer the young player chasing opportunities but the veteran finally getting one.

     

    And somewhere along the way, she became one of the most influential figures inside the Alas camp.

     

    The impact wasn’t necessarily measured in points or statistics.

     

    It was felt in the admiration of teammates who once watched her from afar.

     

    Veteran libero Alyssa Eroa admitted she had always dreamed of sharing the court with Galang, while younger national team standouts Niña Ytang, Alyssa Solomon, and Kyla Atienza drew inspiration from playing alongside one of Philippine volleyball’s most recognizable names.

     

    Even Alyssa Valdez, whose fierce battles against Galang helped define an era of the Ateneo-La Salle rivalry, found herself embracing a new role as a teammate rather than an opponent.

     

    For Galang, the realization came as a surprise.

     

    “Honestly, I don’t really know,” said Galang in Filipino. “I just try to give my best every day. But it’s heartwarming to know that I still inspire them until now, and that’s something I’ll carry with me every day.”

     

    The veteran opposite hitter understands the rarity of her journey.

     

    Unlike many national team mainstays who earn international exposure at a young age, Galang received her chance later than most.

     

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    That reality has shaped how she approaches her role with Alas Pilipinas.

     

    Rather than focusing on personal achievements, she hopes her story encourages younger players to value every opportunity that comes their way.

     

    “I know that’s one of the biggest dreams of every athlete. I hope that when the opportunity comes for them, they’ll seize it and make the most of it. Hopefully, they’ll be able to bring honor and pride to the Philippines as well,” said Galang.

     

    “This isn’t just any opportunity. I’m incredibly grateful, and at the same time, I’m proud to represent the Philippines. I hope people continue to support Alas Pilipinas.”

     

    As much as Galang appreciates the admiration she receives from younger teammates, she is equally excited about the generation poised to lead Philippine volleyball forward.

     

    Among them is Alyssa Solomon, whom Galang believes possesses the talent to become a cornerstone of the national team for years to come.

     

    “She’s a special talent. She has so much potential and still has a long journey ahead of her. She’ll be able to contribute a lot to Philippine volleyball, and I’m really looking forward to seeing her in future games with the national team,” Galang said.

     

    Alas Pilipinas may still be searching for consistency on the international stage, but Galang sees reason for optimism.

     

    And while her first national team stint may have arrived later than expected, her influence on the program could end up lasting far longer than the tournament itself.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez breaks silence on challenges facing Philippine volleyball amid poor AVC Cup campaign

    Alyssa Valdez breaks silence on challenges facing Philippine volleyball amid poor AVC Cup campaign

    The Philippine women’s national volleyball team concluded its 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup campaign on a disappointing note, suffering a straight-sets 21-25, 12-25, 21-25 defeat to Iran on Sunday, June 14, at the Candon City Arena.

     

    The loss capped a difficult tournament for Alas Pilipinas, which finished in eighth place—its worst result in AVC Women’s Cup history and a step back from its seventh-place finish in 2023. The Philippines ended Pool A play with a 2–4 record, struggling for consistency throughout the competition as it failed to sustain momentum against higher-ranked opposition.

     

    As the results fell short of expectations, attention has largely turned toward the national team’s leadership group, with veteran outside hitter Alyssa Valdez once again at the center of discussion following her return to the national team setup for the tournament.

     

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    Valdez, widely regarded as the face of Philippine volleyball, was among the senior players who rejoined Alas Pilipinas after several key stars withdrew from the lineup. Despite the criticism surrounding the team’s performance, the 32-year-old emphasized that her commitment to the national team remains rooted in her long-standing passion for representing the country.

     

    “Siguro one thing I realized all throughout this experience rin, I have been also asking myself kung bakit ko rin ginawa ‘tong desisyon na ‘to sa volleyball career ko. And I think one thing that actually came out was kung ano ‘yung love ko nung bata ako para sa volleyball, hanggang ngayon. Hanggang ngayon, ‘yun pa rin ‘yung love ko sa pagre-represent sa bansa,” Valdez said in a media interaction.

    Beyond reflecting on her personal motivations, Valdez also addressed the broader issues currently surrounding Philippine volleyball, including governance concerns following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) by the FIVB. Her remarks highlighted the need for stability, unity, and stronger leadership within the sport’s national structure.

     

    “I am aware of the challenges and conversations surrounding our sport, and I understand the concerns being raised from different sides. Bilang nagging bahagi ng national team, alam kong marami pang kailangang linawin at ayusin. At a time like this, what the sport needs is not more division, but leadership in all its forms. Leadership that listens. Leadership that puts the welfare of athletes first. For the sports community, for the fans, for the country.

     

    “Pero ngayon, higit kailanman, kailangan natin ang suporta ng volleyball community. Ngayon, hindi man pare-pareho ang paraan, ang mahalaga ay iisa ang hangarin, isang mas maayos, patas, at mas matatag na sistema para sa susunod na henerasyon ng atletang Pilipino,” she added.

     

    The statement underscored the ongoing challenges facing Philippine volleyball amid organizational uncertainty, with calls growing louder for reforms that prioritize athlete welfare and long-term development.

     

    Despite the setbacks on and off the court, Valdez remained focused on the bigger picture—ensuring that the next generation of Filipino volleyball players inherits a more stable and supportive system.

     

    “Para sa bawat atletang patuloy na nangangarap, lalo na sa mga kabataang nagsisimula pa lang, padayon tayo. Sana hindi kayo mapagod, matakot, o sumuko sa pangarap n’yong magrepresent ng bansa sa kabila ng ingay at gulo sa paligid,” Valdez concluded.

     

    As Alas Pilipinas reflects on another challenging international campaign, the focus now shifts toward rebuilding and addressing structural issues, with hopes that future tournaments will bring both improved results and a stronger foundation for Philippine women’s volleyball.

     

     

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  • Niña Ytang grateful for Alas Pilipinas debut despite early AVC exit 

    Niña Ytang grateful for Alas Pilipinas debut despite early AVC exit 

    Niña Ytang chose to focus on the experience rather than the result after completing her first campaign with Alas Pilipinas in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup.


    Despite the Philippine women’s volleyball team’s disappointing finish in the continental tournament, the young middle blocker expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the country and play alongside some of the sport’s most accomplished veterans.

     

    Alas Pilipinas ended its campaign with a 21-25, 12-25, 21-25 loss to Iran in the battle for seventh place on Sunday at the Candon City Arena, ultimately finishing eighth out of 12 participating nations.

     

    The result marked the national team’s lowest placement in the tournament in three years, a significant drop from its recent podium finishes. 

     

    The Philippines captured the bronze medal in 2024 and advanced to the championship match in 2025 after placing seventh in 2023.

     

    This year, Alas Pilipinas fielded a different-looking roster after several members of the previous core were unavailable. 

     

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    Veterans Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ces Molina, and Ara Galang led the squad, but the Filipinas struggled to sustain momentum throughout the competition.

     

    The Philippines finished Pool A with a 2-3 record, suffering losses to eventual finalists South Korea and Chinese Taipei, as well as a five-set defeat against Australia.

     

    Still, Ytang viewed the tournament as a valuable learning experience.

     

    “I’m just very, very grateful for the experience that I am experiencing right now, with my ates, of course I will cherish these memories with them,” said Ytang.

     

    The University of the Philippines standout was among the bright spots for Alas Pilipinas, stepping into a starting middle blocker role and holding her own against some of Asia’s top teams.

     

    Ytang said representing the national team alongside players she had long admired made the experience especially meaningful.

     

    “It’s just a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me so it’s been my dream to play with them, so I’m very, very grateful for all the experiences that I have right now,” she said.

     

    While the campaign ended in disappointment, Ytang’s emergence provided a positive takeaway for a Philippine squad looking to regroup after falling short of its recent international standards.

     

    For the young middle blocker, the tournament served as both a learning opportunity and the realization of a longtime dream—one she hopes will be the first of many appearances in national team colors.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas closes AVC Women’s Cup with loss to Iran, finishes eighth 

    Alas Pilipinas closes AVC Women’s Cup with loss to Iran, finishes eighth 

    The final score against Iran was only part of the story.

     

    When Alas Pilipinas walked off the floor of the Candon City Arena on Sunday, it marked the end of a tournament that demanded far more than wins and losses from the national team.

     

    A campaign that began with hopes of another podium finish instead concluded with an eighth-place result after Iran handed the Filipinas a 25-21, 25-12, 25-21 defeat in the AVC Women’s Cup classification match.

     

    It was the country’s lowest finish in the tournament in recent years, a stark contrast from the bronze-medal breakthrough in 2024 and the silver-medal run in 2025.

     

    But unlike those squads, this version of Alas Pilipinas entered the competition carrying a completely different reality.

     

    Several key members of the previous core were unavailable, forcing the national team to lean heavily on veterans Alyssa Valdez, Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, and Ara Galang while integrating younger players into major international roles.

     

    The challenge became even greater when the team had to navigate uncertainty surrounding the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) by the FIVB, creating distractions away from the court during the tournament.

     

    Against Iran, those growing pains surfaced once more.

     

    The Filipinas struggled to find offensive rhythm as Iran dictated the tempo behind the dominant play of Elaheh Poorsaleh Shahdehsari, who erupted for 18 points and spearheaded the victory in just 70 minutes.

     

    Iran seized control of the match after a competitive opening set and never allowed Alas to gain momentum, particularly in a lopsided second frame.

     

    The Filipinas showed fight late in the third set.

     

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    Trailing at match point, Gonzaga and Kyle Negrito helped stave off elimination briefly by trimming the deficit to three points at 24-21. But Gonzaga’s ensuing service error sealed the result and officially closed the chapter on Alas Pilipinas’ AVC campaign.

     

    Fatemeh Khalili Chermahini added nine points for Iran, while Zahra Salehi and Yasna Ahankoub Roo chipped in eight each. Ayda Valinezhad contributed seven markers in the balanced Iranian attack.

     

    For the Philippines, Gonzaga led the scoring with six points. Niña Ytang finished with five, while team captain Valdez and Tots Carlos added four and three points, respectively.

     

    Despite the disappointing finish, Valdez chose to focus on what the tournament may ultimately mean for the program’s future.

     

    “The results may not have gone our way, but our biggest hope is that the younger players continue to answer the call and represent the Philippines in the future,” said an emotional Valdez in Filipino.

     

    That message may ultimately define Alas Pilipinas’ 2026 AVC Women’s Cup campaign.

     

    The Filipinas battled through a difficult Pool A schedule, finishing with a 2-3 record that included victories over Kyrgyzstan and Australia, while suffering defeats to eventual finalists South Korea and Chinese Taipei.

     

    There were flashes of promise from emerging players, valuable experience gained against elite Asian competition, and lessons learned from competing under difficult circumstances.

     

    The final standing may show eighth place.

     

    But for a team in transition, the tournament may be remembered more as the beginning of a new chapter than the end of a disappointing one.

     

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  • Tats Suzara sees VNL hosting as key part of Philippines’ 2029 FIVB World Championship preparations

    Tats Suzara sees VNL hosting as key part of Philippines’ 2029 FIVB World Championship preparations

    The Philippines’ preparations for hosting the 2029 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship will begin in earnest this month as the country stages the Women’s Volleyball Nations League at Philsports Arena from June 17 to 21. 

     

    According to Asian Volleyball Confederation president and FIVB Executive Vice President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, the country’s hosting of the Women’s VNL over the next three years is part of the long-term buildup toward the World Championship, which the Philippines will host in 2029. 

     

    Speaking during his visit to Candon City Arena on Thursday, Suzara emphasized the significance of securing the VNL for multiple years.

     

    “The reason for having the Women’s (VNL) for the next three years is because of the hosting of the World Championship in 2029,” Suzara said.

     

    The first major test comes from June 17 to 21 when the Philippines hosts Pool 5 of the Women’s VNL at Philsports Arena. The tournament will bring some of the sport’s biggest international programs to Philippine soil, including defending champion and world No. 1 Italy, No. 4 Japan, No. 7 United States, No. 9 Serbia, No. 12 Dominican Republic, and No. 13 Czechia.

     

    For Philippine volleyball officials, the event provides a rare opportunity to evaluate not only competition operations but also venue readiness, logistics, fan engagement, and overall organizational capacity ahead of the World Championship.

     

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    Suzara believes the quality of teams arriving in Manila will immediately provide local fans with a world-class showcase.

     

    “We have Italy here coming, Japan, Japan is playing well now. We have Serbia, although I heard Boskovic is not there, but it’s still a strong team. Of course, the Dominican Republic is still strong. Czechia, they already arrived and I think nagti-training na sila sa Philsports. And one more team, USA,” he added.

     

    The VNL’s return is also significant because it marks the first time the women’s competition will be staged in the Philippines since 2022, when the country hosted Pool B featuring Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Japan, Poland, Thailand, and the United States.

     

    Beyond the matches themselves, the upcoming week could prove crucial for the future direction of Philippine volleyball. Suzara revealed that officials from the FIVB are expected to arrive during the tournament to inspect preparations and assess the current state of the sport locally amid ongoing issues involving the suspended Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

     

    “So ito nakaka-support sa women’s national team natin. But hopefully, things will be better. Hopefully, next week when the FIVB comes to check the status of volleyball here, they’re coming here next week during the VNL and I think there will be some MOA signing between PSC and FIVB, so just be ready,” he said.

     

    The planned visit highlights how the VNL has become more than a sporting event. It will also serve as a checkpoint for Philippine volleyball’s readiness both on and off the court as it works toward hosting responsibilities on a much larger scale.

     

    Looking beyond this year, Suzara disclosed that organizers are already exploring the possibility of bringing the Women’s VNL to Cebu in 2027. This year’s matches were moved to Philsports Arena, a venue that has become a regular site for international competitions after hosting the AVC Women’s Champions League and other major sporting events.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez sees bright future for young Alas Pilipinas core despite AVC Cup semifinal miss

    Alyssa Valdez sees bright future for young Alas Pilipinas core despite AVC Cup semifinal miss

    The Philippine women’s national team concluded its pool stage campaign in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup with a 2-3 record, capped by a 25-16, 25-14, 25-10 defeat to Chinese Taipei on Thursday that officially ended its hopes of reaching the semifinals.

     

    Yet for Alas Pilipinas captain Alyssa Valdez, the tournament was never solely about the final standings.

     

    With the Philippine National Volleyball Federation facing mounting scrutiny over governance concerns and several established national team players declining invitations to suit up, the federation was left to rebuild around a mix of veteran PVL standouts and young UAAP prospects.

     

    That situation could have easily fractured the program. Instead, Valdez saw a squad that chose to embrace the challenge.

     

    “One thing that we wanna, something that we’re proud of is to actually represent the country. Despite all the things that are happening everywhere, despite the noise,” Valdez said.

     

    The statement reflected the mindset that has guided the retooled squad throughout the tournament. While the previous roster of Alas Pilipinas were defined by breakthrough podium finishes—a historic bronze medal in 2024 followed by a silver-medal run in 2025, the current team entered the competition carrying a different mission.

     

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    Many of the players who helped engineer those achievements are no longer part of the national team setup, with only Alyssa Solomon and Thea Gagate remaining from the core group that previously elevated the Philippines to its highest finishes in continental competition.

     

    The transition has thrust a younger generation into larger roles against seasoned international opponents.

     

    That experience gap was evident against Chinese Taipei, which controlled the match from the opening set behind the combined 27-point effort of Hsu Wan-Yu and Tsai Yan-Cheng, who scored 14 and 13 points, respectively.

     

    Alas Pilipinas struggled to find offensive rhythm throughout the 68-minute contest, with no player reaching double figures. Solomon led the Filipinas with six points, while Ces Molina and Niña Ytang added three points apiece.

     

    Despite the one-sided result, Valdez pointed to a larger lesson that she believes will benefit the team moving forward.

     

    “We really need preparation and most especially veterans na din mga nakakalaban namin dito. Kami, as veterans din pero siyempre kailangan din ng quality time together as a team,” the three-time PVL MVP said.

     

    For a roster still learning to play together at the international level, building chemistry may be just as important as the results themselves.

     

    And while the semifinal dream ended sooner than hoped, Valdez remains convinced that the experience gained by the team’s younger members could pay dividends in the years ahead.

     

    “Madami pang maabot ‘yung mga bata dito, so hopefully magandang experience ito para sa kanila,” she said.

     

    As Alas Pilipinas turns its attention to future tournaments, the captain believes the foundation has already been laid—not through medals or victories, but through a group that remained committed to wearing the national colors despite the challenges surrounding the program.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas misses AVC semis after Chinese Taipei rout

    Alas Pilipinas misses AVC semis after Chinese Taipei rout

    For a few days in Candon City, Alas Pilipinas kept the possibility alive.

     

    A win over Chinese Taipei, combined with help from other results, was the narrow path to the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup semifinals. But by Thursday afternoon, that door had slammed shut.

     

    Chinese Taipei overwhelmed the host nation from the opening exchanges and never looked back, completing a commanding 25-16, 25-14, 25-10 sweep at the Candon City Arena to end the Philippines’ pool-phase campaign.

     

    The loss dropped Alas Pilipinas to 2-3 in Pool A and sent the team into the classification phase, where it will now play for either fifth or seventh place depending on the remaining results.

    What made the defeat more painful was how little rhythm the Filipinas were able to establish against one of the tournament’s most organized teams.

     

    Chinese Taipei controlled the match with disciplined blocking, cleaner transition play, and sustained pressure from the service line, preventing the home crowd from ever seeing the extended momentum swings that had fueled earlier Philippine victories in the tournament.

     

    Alyssa Solomon, expected to carry much of the scoring burden, was held to six points on five attacks and one block. Veterans Alyssa Valdez and Nina Ytang added only three points each as the Philippine offense struggled to break through the Taiwanese defense.

     

    On the other side, Chinese Taipei showcased the balanced attack that made it one of Pool A’s strongest teams throughout the tournament. Hsu WY and Chang YC led the way with 14 and 13 points, respectively, while the Taiwanese side repeatedly punished loose receptions and overpasses.

     

    The result also highlighted how much this year’s Alas Pilipinas group differs from the squads that produced the country’s recent continental breakthroughs.

     

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    The Philippines entered the tournament without much of the veteran core that powered the program to a historic bronze medal in 2024 and a silver-medal finish in 2025. This edition leaned more heavily on younger players and a reconfigured rotation, and the inconsistency showed during the five-match pool campaign.

     

    Still, the tournament has offered glimpses of promise amid the disappointment.

     

    Young contributors like Ytang and Thea Gagate showed they can compete at the international level, while the team’s earlier wins over Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan provided valuable experience for a roster still trying to build chemistry.

     

    For now, though, the immediate reality is harsher.

     

    Chinese Taipei improved to 4-0 and secured the first semifinal berth from Pool A, while Alas Pilipinas was left to regroup and refocus on finishing the tournament strongly despite missing out on the medal round.

     

    The classification phase may no longer carry championship stakes, but for a national team trying to develop a new identity, the remaining matches still matter.

     

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