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Tag: Alas Pilipinas

  • Alyssa Solomon drops 23 points, eyes improvement after Alas Pilipinas’ loss to Australia

    Alyssa Solomon drops 23 points, eyes improvement after Alas Pilipinas’ loss to Australia

    Alyssa Solomon’s long-awaited debut in the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup showcased both her scoring prowess and the challenges that still lie ahead for a developing Alas Pilipinas squad.


    Returning to the lineup after sitting out the Philippines’ opening victory over Uzbekistan, Solomon immediately made her presence felt on Sunday, delivering a game-high 23 points. 

     

    Despite her offensive explosion, the national team could not complete the job as Australia stormed back to claim a 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-25, 11-15 victory in a grueling five-set match.

     

    Solomon provided the firepower that kept the Filipinas in control. She finished with 23 points from 22 attacks and one block, helping Alas build momentum and move within striking distance of a crucial win in front of the home crowd.

     

    Yet while the statistics reflected a productive return, Solomon was far from satisfied with her overall performance.

     

    “Actually, ‘di ako nakontento sa naging game ko kanina, lalo na ’yung fourth set ata. Parang ‘di na ako gano’n naka-contribute, so parang ‘yun talaga ‘yung gusto kong i-improve pa,” the former NU Lady Bulldogs standout said.

     

    The loss unfolded as a tale of shifting momentum. After securing the opening set and eventually moving ahead two sets to one, Alas Pilipinas appeared poised to notch another victory. Australia, however, responded with a dominant fourth set before completing the comeback in the deciding frame as the Filipinas struggled to maintain their energy in the closing stages.

     

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    Solomon was not alone in carrying the offensive load. Middle blocker Niña Ytang continued her impressive tournament form with 13 points, while team captain Alyssa Valdez contributed 11 markers, all coming from attacks. 

     

    While the defeat halted the team’s momentum, Solomon viewed the match as another important step in the national team’s growth.

     

    “Maraming learnings na nakuha sa game na to,” Solomon said on the loss to Australia.

     

    The 23-point performance was particularly encouraging considering Solomon joined the squad only days before the tournament. Despite the limited preparation time, she said adjusting to the national team environment was not difficult because of her familiarity with several teammates.

     

    “Actually, ‘di naman siya naging mahirap since kilala ko naman ‘yung iba, and Creamline naman, and naki-training din naman kami sa Creamline dati. Hindi siya gano’n kahirap,” said Solomon.

     

    As one of the newest additions to the current Alas setup, Solomon believes the team still has significant room for improvement as chemistry continues to develop.

     

    “Magi-improve pa rin naman kami, since ilang weeks pa lang kami magkasama. Gagawin din namin to as (a way for) team (bonding),” the former Osaka import said.

     

    Rather than dwelling on the disappointment of letting a five-set match slip away, Solomon and the rest of Alas Pilipinas are turning their attention to the lessons gained from the defeat.

     

    The schedule offers little time for reflection, with the Philippines returning to action against Kyrgyzstan on Monday.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas opens new chapter at AVC Nations Cup amid coaching changes, fresh faces 

    Alas Pilipinas opens new chapter at AVC Nations Cup amid coaching changes, fresh faces 

    Alas Pilipinas enters the 2026 AVC Women’s Nations Cup carrying far different circumstances from the squad that captured the attention of Asian volleyball over the past two years.

     

    When the Philippines opens its campaign against Uzbekistan on Saturday at the Candon City Arena, it will do so with a revamped roster, a new coaching staff, and a renewed focus on developing the next wave of national team talent.

     

    The tournament, scheduled from June 6 to 14 in Candon City, serves as the Philippines’ first major international assignment since a turbulent offseason that reshaped the women’s program.

     

    At the center of those changes is newly appointed head coach Shaq Delos Santos, who takes over national team duties after a series of developments altered the program’s direction.

     

    Former head coach Jorge Souza de Brito has been involved in an ongoing dispute with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, while longtime consultant Tai Bundit has been unable to actively lead preparations after being involved in a road accident earlier this year.

     

    The coaching transition comes at a time when many of the players who formed the core of the national team’s resurgence have opted to sit out this tournament.

     

    Absent from the roster are several familiar faces who represented the Philippines in recent AVC competitions and the Southeast Asian Games, including Bella Belen, Angel Canino, Jia De Guzman, Fifi Sharma, and other key members of the squad that helped elevate Alas Pilipinas’ standing in Asia.

     

    Their absence has opened the door for a different-looking national team—one that blends experienced veterans with some of the country’s most promising collegiate stars.

     

    Leading the veterans’ group is Alyssa Valdez, whose return provides leadership and experience to a youthful lineup. Valdez’s inclusion adds familiarity to a roster that features several players still transitioning from the collegiate ranks to the international stage.

     

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    The selection process for this AVC campaign leaned heavily on player availability, ongoing club commitments, health considerations, and long-term national team planning. With several established stars resting or unavailable, the coaching staff turned to emerging talents from the collegiate scene and younger prospects who now have an opportunity to prove they belong on the continental stage.

     

    That makes the Nations Cup as much a developmental tournament as it is a competition for results.

     

    The challenge will be immediate.

     

    The Philippines was drawn into Pool A alongside Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, and Uzbekistan, creating one of the tournament’s more competitive groups.

     

    Opening against Uzbekistan presents an important opportunity for Alas Pilipinas to establish momentum before facing the heavier favorites later in the preliminary round.

     

    For Delos Santos and his squad, however, success may be measured by more than wins and losses.

     

    The Nations Cup offers a glimpse into the program’s future—a chance to evaluate new combinations, accelerate the development of younger players, and maintain the progress that Philippine volleyball has worked hard to achieve over the past several years.

     

    As a new-look Alas Pilipinas takes the floor in Ilocos Sur, the focus shifts from the stars who helped build the program to the players now tasked with carrying it forward.

     

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez calls for unity as veteran-led Alas Pilipinas answers PNVF’s call 

    Alyssa Valdez calls for unity as veteran-led Alas Pilipinas answers PNVF’s call 

    At a time when the future of the women’s national volleyball team suddenly became uncertain, Alyssa Valdez stepped forward with a message that went beyond wins, lineups, or controversies.

     

    For the longtime face of Philippine volleyball, the bigger fight now is keeping the national team alive — and keeping everyone moving in the same direction.

     

    Speaking during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday, the former Alas Pilipinas captain openly acknowledged the difficult situation surrounding the formation of the squad that will represent the country in the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup in Candon, Ilocos Sur.

     

    After several members of the 2025 Alas core declined national team duties amid concerns regarding athlete welfare, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation was left rebuilding almost from scratch.

     

    That situation eventually opened the door for a veteran-led group bannered by Valdez, Ces Molina, Jov Gonzaga, and several experienced names to answer the call for flag and country.

     

    Rather than focusing on the noise surrounding the roster changes, Valdez chose to center her message on appreciation.

     

    “To our federation (the PNVF), despite all the challenges, we’re very, very grateful na patuloy pa rin ang paglaban nila para magkaroon ng national team,” said Valdez.

     

    The Creamline star also emphasized that the current version of Alas Pilipinas should not be viewed as divided between veterans, younger players, or previous members of the program.

     

    Instead, she hopes this latest chapter becomes an opportunity to strengthen the foundation of Philippine volleyball moving forward.

     

    “Hopefully, we’re all here—as mga veterans, mga bata, mga coaches, and mga former na mga naging part ng national team—to help, siguro, build a better and more, siguro, powerful PNVF,” she added.

     

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    Valdez’s return to the national team has drawn mixed reactions online, particularly because of her close ties with several players from the previous Alas core, including longtime teammate Jia De Guzman.

     

    But instead of fueling any tension, the three-time PVL MVP made it a point to acknowledge and thank the former national team members who previously carried the program.

     

    Without naming specific players, Valdez stressed that everyone involved with Alas Pilipinas ultimately shared the same intention — to help Philippine volleyball grow.

     

    “I want to take this opportunity to thank all the players—former, recent, and naging part ng national team—kasi we all mean well for the national team, and lahat ng commitment na binigay nila sa national team, talagang ang sarap sa pakiramdam bilang isang atleta,” she said.

     

    “So, nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng mga atleta at nag-represent ng national team and Alas din.”

     

    She also used the opportunity to call for stronger unity and long-term commitment around the national team setup as the federation attempts to move forward from one of its most turbulent stretches in recent years.

     

    “We’re really hoping na magtuloy-tuloy, and sana mas maging ano tayo, siguro, united and mas committed for the betterment of the PNVF,” she added.

     

    Before ending her remarks, Valdez also thanked Rebisco, the mother company behind Creamline, for continuing to support both her career and her national team journey.

     

    Now, with less than two weeks before the AVC Women’s Cup begins, the spotlight shifts toward whether this reassembled Alas Pilipinas squad can transform uncertainty into another meaningful run for the country.

     

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  • From Suspensions to Team Fallout: Philippine Volleyball’s Biggest Controversies 

    From Suspensions to Team Fallout: Philippine Volleyball’s Biggest Controversies 

    Philippine volleyball has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade. The rise of the Premier Volleyball League, the emergence of Alas Pilipinas, and the sport’s growing television and online audience have transformed volleyball into one of the country’s most followed sports. 

     

    But behind the packed arenas, viral highlights, and passionate fanbases lies a series of controversies that exposed deep cracks within the sport’s governance and decision-making. From legal battles and federation disputes to controversial officiating and player unrest, these moments have significantly shaped the modern volleyball landscape in the Philippines.

    1. PSL vs. Tats Suzara case

    One of the biggest controversies in Philippine volleyball history emerged in 2018 when the Philippine Superliga (PSL) filed a qualified theft complaint before the National Bureau of Investigation against former league president Tats Suzara and finance director Donaldo Caringal. The PSL board alleged that the two were involved in “irregular and unauthorized disbursement of company funds,” amounting to millions of pesos discovered through an independent audit. Suzara and Caringal denied the accusations and claimed they were victims of “unfounded lies.”


    The PSL later elevated the complaint to the Taguig prosecutor’s office in 2019, turning the issue into a major legal controversy within the volleyball community. Although the case generated headlines, no widely reported final court ruling has surfaced publicly. Ironically, Suzara later continued serving in major volleyball leadership roles, while the PSL itself eventually collapsed in 2021 after most of its teams transferred to the rival PVL.

    1. Jia De Guzman speaks out against the Alas draft

    Former Alas Pilipinas captain Jia De Guzman became one of the strongest critics of the proposed “Alas Draft,” a plan that would have given the national team priority access to top players. Critics believed the proposal could limit player movement and complicate club and national team commitments. Jia stressed that athletes should still be able to balance professional club careers alongside national team duties.


    She also highlighted concerns regarding player welfare, scheduling, recovery, and communication between the federation and athletes. The tensions remained as several members of the former Alas Pilipinas core later declined invitations for the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, with many observers linking the withdrawals to frustration over the federation’s handling of the national team program.

    1. PNVF–PVL tension over delayed ITCs

    In 2025, tensions escalated between the PNVF and the Premier Volleyball League after foreign players and Filipino-foreign reinforcements were initially barred from competing in the PVL Reinforced Conference due to delays in International Transfer Certificate (ITC) endorsements. The PVL stated that all required documents had already been submitted, yet the federation withheld endorsement.


    The situation disrupted the tournament and left imports sidelined despite already arriving in the country. Public backlash quickly followed as fans questioned why administrative disputes were affecting players and the competition itself. The issue was eventually resolved after the PNVF signed the transfer certificates, but the controversy exposed the strained relationship between the federation and the country’s biggest professional league.

     

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    1. Jorge de Brito’s labor complaint against the PNVF

    Former Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Jorge de Brito filed a labor complaint against the PNVF over alleged unpaid salaries and bonuses. The Brazilian tactician claimed negotiations with the federation failed after what he described as attempts to delay resolution. He later brought the issue before the National Labor Relations Commission with legal representation.

    The controversy raised questions regarding the federation’s handling of contractual obligations and organizational stability within the national team program. As the 2026 AVC Cup approaches, Tai Bundit was initially named as the new head coach of Alas Pilipinas but an accident in Thailand prevented him from taking the role. He was then replaced by Cignal HD Spikers head coach Shaq Delos Santos, who stepped in to lead the team on short notice.

    1. Akari-PLDT semifinal call

    The 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals between Akari and PLDT produced one of the league’s most debated officiating moments. With PLDT leading 14-13 in the deciding fifth set and one point away from its first Finals appearance, the High Speed Hitters challenged a possible net touch involving Akari middle blocker Ezra Madrigal during a crucial rally.


    After a review that lasted more than ten minutes, officials ruled the challenge unsuccessful, sparking frustration from PLDT’s side. Akari eventually capitalized on the momentum shift and secured a historic Finals berth. PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo later defended the decision by citing the FIVB casebook, but the incident still fueled debate regarding transparency and officiating consistency in high-pressure matches.


    These controversies reveal a recurring pattern within Philippine volleyball are governance issues, communication breakdowns, leadership disputes, and inconsistent decision-making. Whether involving legal cases, league-versus-federation tensions, officiating concerns, or athlete welfare, each controversy affected not only administrators and officials, but also the players and fans who continue to elevate the sport. 


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  • Alyssa Valdez embraces new role as mentor in Alas Pilipinas return 

    Alyssa Valdez embraces new role as mentor in Alas Pilipinas return 

    For Alyssa Valdez, returning to Alas Pilipinas is no longer just about scoring points or carrying the offense.

     

    At this stage of her career, the longtime face of Philippine volleyball sees her latest national team stint as something deeper — an opportunity to guide, inspire, and grow alongside a new generation wearing the country’s colors.

     

    That mindset became one of the biggest reasons why Valdez immediately accepted the call to rejoin the Alas Pilipinas Women pool for the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, despite limited preparation time and a roster still trying to find its chemistry.

     

    Instead of viewing another national team campaign as an obligation, the Creamline captain sees it as another chance to evolve.

     

    “Parang ang dami pa ring things na gusto kong matutunan sa mga coaches and sa mga batang makakasama namin dito sa national team. Kaya parang hindi rin ako nagsasawa and hindi ako nagdadalawang-isip kapag tinatawag ng national team,” said Valdez during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.

     

    Now 32 years old and already one of the most decorated names in Philippine volleyball, Valdez believes experience has changed the kind of value she can bring to the program.

     

    The three-time PVL MVP last represented the country during the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, but this latest return comes with a different perspective — one centered less on individual production and more on leadership behind the scenes.

     

    “Pero at the end of the day, at this point in my career also, sabi nga ni coach, nag-mature na rin kami. Hopefully, our experience will bring so much more to this team,” said Valdez.

     

    “Not only in terms of playing, but also hopefully helping the coaches guide the players and hopefully inspiring din kami sa loob ng national team. Siguro isa ‘yun sa mga hopefully madala namin dito sa national team.“

     

    The veteran winger joins a heavily reshaped Alas Pilipinas pool composed of established stars and emerging collegiate standouts alike, creating a mix that Valdez believes can still grow into a competitive unit despite the short buildup.

     

    Included in the pool are fellow veterans Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ara Galang, Tots Carlos, and Trisha Tubu, alongside younger names such as Niña Ytang, Cla Loresco, Tin Ubaldo, Jaz Ellarina, Vanessa Sarie, and Nat Estreller.

     

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    For Valdez, simply being part of another national team remains something she never wants to take for granted.

     

    “I think it’s ano naman, once you’re part of the national team, you’re always going to be part of the national team. And once you’re called, part of me talaga laging buo ‘yung puso to serve dahil alam ko kung gaano naghihirap and gaano kasaya rin mag-represent din ng country. Siguro ‘yun din,” Valdez said.

     

    Alas Pilipinas heads into the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup carrying both uncertainty and urgency after several players from the previous national team core became unavailable for the tournament.

     

    Still, Valdez said expectations inside the camp remain grounded, with the team choosing to focus more on maximizing every training day rather than making lofty promises.

     

    “Siguro realistically, we really cannot predict anything this AVC. We’re formed just recently din. All we could do now is prepare talaga para mabigyan naman natin ng magandang laban kung sino po ‘yung mga makakalaban natin this AVC,” Valdez said.

     

    “That’s something that we keep in mind din talaga na kahit hindi kami ganun pa siguro hundred percent ready, pero pagpasok namin ng court 101 pa yung effort na ibibigay namin para makapagbigay ng magandang laban.”

     

    One familiar presence helping ease the transition is interim head coach Shaq delos Santos, whom Valdez previously played for during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games campaign.

     

    That reunion, alongside reconnecting with fellow veterans Gonzaga and Molina, has added another layer of motivation for the longtime national team mainstay.

     

    “Honestly, I’ve played for coach Shaq in the national team way back in 2019. We were actually almost at the end. But unfortunately, I think ‘yun nga rin isa sa mga things na napag-usapan namin nila Ate Jov, nila Ces din, na it’s nice to be back and having that motivation na hopefully makakuha rin talaga kami ng panalo or ma-represent din namin ‘yung bansa with pride and honor,” she said.

     

    “Very, very excited kasi nakalaban din namin si coach Shaq sa Finals recently so iba rin kapag nasa same side ng court—this time, it’s for the national team so lahat tayo, all one for the national team.” 

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Women coach Shaq delos Santos embraces committed core amid AVC buildup 

    Alas Pilipinas Women coach Shaq delos Santos embraces committed core amid AVC buildup 

    For interim head coach Shaq delos Santos, the biggest victory for the current version of Alas Pilipinas Women may have already happened long before the team steps onto the floor in Ilocos Sur.

     

    With less than two weeks left before the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup, the national team continues to navigate roster adjustments, late call-ups, and unavailable players. But amid the uncertainty surrounding the buildup, Delos Santos has found reassurance in one thing: the players who stayed.

     

    “ We invited lots of players and some of them had the personal decisions [to beg off], but we’re still so happy and lucky,” Delos Santos said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.

     

    “We have these players who are committed to representing our country.”

     

    Instead of dwelling on the names no longer available for the tournament, Delos Santos has shifted the team’s identity toward willingness, sacrifice, and collective purpose.

     

    The coach pointed to the presence of veterans and rising stars like Alyssa Valdez, Niña Ytang, Ces Molina, and Jovelyn Gonzaga as proof that the national team still carries both experience and hunger despite the changes around the roster.

     

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    For Delos Santos, chemistry and commitment now matter just as much as talent.

     

    “We’re focused on the idea that this team built and the players included will do their roles in not just working together but also in fighting for the Philippines.”

     

    The current Alas pool features a blend of decorated veterans, PVL standouts, and younger collegiate stars, many of whom are getting their first extended exposure to the senior national team environment.

     

    And while preparations may not have unfolded as smoothly as originally planned, the coaching staff believes the shared willingness to represent the country could become this team’s defining strength entering the regional tournament.

     

    The 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup begins on June 6 at the Candon City Arena, where Alas Pilipinas hopes to quickly come together despite the limited preparation time.

     

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  • Nina Ytang embraces lifelong dream with Alas Pilipinas call-up  

    Nina Ytang embraces lifelong dream with Alas Pilipinas call-up  

    Long before she became one of the most dominant middle blockers in the UAAP, representing the Philippines was already part of Nina Ytang’s vision for herself.

     

    Not because of the spotlight that comes with wearing the national colors, but because of what she believes it stands for.

     

    Now officially part of the Alas Pilipinas pool for the 2026 AVC Women’s Nations Cup, the former University of the Philippines standout is finally stepping into a role she once only imagined — carrying not just her own dreams, but the responsibility that comes with playing for the country.

     

    For Ytang, the call-up feels deeply personal.

     

    “Grateful ako sa magiging experience, sa opportunity na ibinigay sa amin,” Ytang shared during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.

     

    The four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker has spent years building a reputation as one of collegiate volleyball’s most reliable frontliners, but she believes her time at UP shaped her perspective beyond individual success.

     

    Inside the Fighting Maroons program, Ytang said athletes were constantly reminded that representing something bigger than themselves always mattered most.

     

    “Coming from the University of the Philippines, it focuses talaga on serving the Philippines,” she said. “So I think it’s also part of our need to serve the Philippines and represent the country sa upcoming AVC.”

     

    That mindset now follows her into a national team loaded with experience.

     

    Ytang joins a veteran-heavy Alas Pilipinas pool bannered by established names such as Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ces Molina, Ara Galang, and Tots Carlos — players she once watched from afar and now trains beside every day.

     

    Rather than feeling overwhelmed, the 22-year-old middle blocker sees the environment as another opportunity to grow. 

     

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    “Bilang bago pa lang sa team na ‘to, ngayon po focus lang ako din po sa learnings na makukuha ko from my ates,” she shared.

     

    Even with the excitement surrounding her inclusion, Ytang knows the challenge ahead extends far beyond simply making the roster.

     

    The AVC Women’s Nations Cup will pit the Philippines against some of Asia’s toughest volleyball programs, placing heavy expectations on a team currently blending veterans with emerging young talent.

     

    For her part, Ytang insists the focus inside camp remains simple: work.

     

    “I think magtrabaho lang po kami nang maayos,” Ytang said. “Ibibigay naman po namin yung best po namin every day. Every single training pa lang po.”

     

    The national team stint also comes during a major transition period in Ytang’s career as she prepares to enter the upcoming PVL Rookie Draft, where she is widely expected to become one of the top selections.

     

    But before the professional stage fully arrives, Ytang is savoring what she considers the fulfillment of a lifelong goal.

     

    “It has always been my dream to represent the country,” she said. “Kaya sobrang thankful po ako na mabigyan ng opportunity na maging parte ng national team.”

     

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  • Ara Galang returns to national team spotlight with Alas Pilipinas call-up 

    Ara Galang returns to national team spotlight with Alas Pilipinas call-up 

    At a time when Alas Pilipinas Women is searching for stability amid major roster changes, one of Philippine volleyball’s most respected veterans is quietly stepping into the picture.

     

    Ara Galang, long regarded as one of the most recognizable faces in local volleyball, has officially joined the expanded Alas Pilipinas Women training pool ahead of the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup set for June 6 to 14 in Candon City.

     

    The development adds another experienced presence to a national team currently navigating transition following several withdrawals and unavailable players in the lead-up to the regional tournament.

     

    Interim head coach Shaq Delos Santos confirmed that Galang has already begun training with the squad.

     

    “Yes, nagte-training na po siya [Ara],” Delos Santos told said in an interview. 

     

    For Galang, the call-up represents another chapter in a career that has already seen nearly every stage Philippine volleyball has to offer.

     

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    Now 31 years old, the veteran winger enters the national team setup not just as another addition to the roster, but as a player capable of providing calm, maturity, and leadership to a younger and evolving Alas squad.

     

    Over the years, Galang has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most resilient figures, overcoming injuries and career setbacks while remaining a steady presence in both the collegiate and professional ranks. 

     

    Her experience in high-pressure matches and championship environments could become a valuable asset for a national team still trying to reshape its identity ahead of a busy international calendar.

     

    Her inclusion also reflects the growing urgency surrounding Alas Pilipinas Women preparations as the program works to rebuild depth following the absence of several key players from previous national team campaigns.

     

    While the spotlight has largely focused on younger stars and emerging names in recent months, Galang’s arrival gives the team something equally important — familiarity, composure, and veteran leadership at a crucial time.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas gets major lift as SGA-backed stars flood national team pool 

    Alas Pilipinas gets major lift as SGA-backed stars flood national team pool 

    The Alas Pilipinas Women has received a significant boost ahead of the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, as a deep pool of reinforcements from Strong Group Athletics (SGA) officially joins the national team buildup.

     

    With veterans Alyssa Valdez and Myla Pablo leading the core, the program is now set to benefit from at least 12 SGA-backed players coming from various PVL clubs and collegiate programs as preparations intensify for the tournament in Candon City.

     

    Multiple sources confirmed that several of the invited players have already started training under interim head coach Shaq delos Santos, signaling an early push to build chemistry ahead of the international competition.

     

    At the forefront of the new additions are Farm Fresh standouts Ces Molina and Trisha Tubu, along with University of the Philippines middle blocker Nina Ytang, a dominant force in the UAAP who has earned multiple individual distinctions and is widely regarded as one of the country’s top young frontliners.

     

    ZUS Coffee provides the biggest bulk of reinforcements, sending a loaded group that includes Jov Gonzaga, Riza Nogales, Alyssa Eroa, Thea Gagate, Clo Mondonedo, Royse Tubino, and NCAA Season 101 MVP Zam Nolasco from the Lady Blazers, strengthening the national pool with both experience and emerging talent.

     

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    The collegiate representation continues with the Colegio de San Juan de Letran trio of Vanessa Sarie, Lara Mae Silva, and Natalie Estreller, adding more depth across multiple positions.

     

    Rounding out the expanded roster are a mix of PVL and UAAP standouts, including Creamline’s Kyla Atienza and Nxled’s Jules Tolentino, Far Eastern University’s Cla Loresco, Tin Ubaldo, and Jaz Ellarina, Adamson’s Lhouriz Tuddao, and a strong National University contingent composed of Arah Panique, Vange Alinsug, Celine Marsh, and Shaira Jardio.

     

    With a deeper and more diverse pool now in place, Alas Pilipinas enters its next phase of preparation with heightened expectations and a significantly strengthened lineup heading into its AVC campaign.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez keeps door open for Alas return: ‘I will never get tired of representing the country’ 

    Alyssa Valdez keeps door open for Alas return: ‘I will never get tired of representing the country’ 

    As Alas Pilipinas Women continues to navigate a major transition ahead of the AVC Women’s Cup, one familiar figure once again emerged willing to answer the call for the country.

     

    Alyssa Valdez may no longer be the young face of Philippine volleyball she once was, but the passion to represent the flag clearly remains unchanged. 

     

    Amid reports linking her to a possible return to the national team setup following several withdrawals from the previous Alas core, the longtime team captain admitted she remains open to helping the program in whatever way she can.

     

    “I will never get tired of representing the country,” Valdez said during a thanksgiving event on Wednesday in Makati.

     

    The 32-year-old, however, stopped short of fully confirming whether she would officially suit up for Alas Pilipinas once more in the upcoming continental tournament set for June 6 to 14 in Candon, Ilocos Sur. Valdez explained that she herself is still waiting for clarity regarding the plans surrounding the team moving forward.

     

    “Hopefully, hopefully, makatulong po tayo in our own little ways,” she shared. “‘Yung mga details and every other things, pasensiya na po, wala rin po ako masyadong alam. But definitely, once we all have the answers, we will all let you know and sana maintindihan niyo po.”

     

    Her comments come during a crucial period for the national volleyball program after several key members of the 2025 Alas Pilipinas squad reportedly begged off from rejoining the training pool. 

     

    Among the most notable names was team captain Jia de Guzman, whose absence leaves a significant leadership void within the squad as the federation works to rebuild the roster ahead of international competitions.

     

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    That situation has naturally shifted attention toward veteran players capable of helping stabilize the team, both on and off the floor. 

     

    Few names carry as much experience and influence within Philippine volleyball as Valdez, who has represented the country in multiple international tournaments over the years and became one of the defining figures of the sport’s rise in popularity locally.

     

    Still, what stood out most from Valdez’s remarks was not necessarily her openness to return, but the excitement she expressed about being around the younger generation expected to carry the future of Alas Pilipinas.

     

    “Napakasaya to be surrounded by young, talented girls. Hopefully, dumami pa rin. Sana talaga magtulung-tulungan din tayo in supporting these girls kasi… they deserve to be here,” she said.

     

    At this point in her career, Valdez no longer needs to cement her legacy. She has already become one of the most accomplished and respected athletes in Philippine volleyball history. Yet despite everything she has already achieved, the opportunity to once again wear the national colors still clearly means something deeply personal to her.

     

    Whether she ultimately joins the final lineup or contributes in another capacity, Valdez’s message remained clear: her commitment to Philippine volleyball and the national team has never faded.

     

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