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Tag: Volleyball

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

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

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

     

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  • Taka Minowa embraces tough Asian Games draw as Alas Pilipinas faces China, Kazakhstan

    Taka Minowa embraces tough Asian Games draw as Alas Pilipinas faces China, Kazakhstan

    The Philippine women’s national volleyball team faces one of its toughest assignments in recent memory after being drawn into a daunting Group B for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.


    Alas Pilipinas will open its campaign against two of Asia’s traditional powerhouses—defending champion China, a nine-time Asian Games gold medalist, and Kazakhstan, the runner-up in the 2024 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Nations Cup. With only the top teams advancing, the Filipinas will need to produce their best volleyball against elite opposition in what many consider the tournament’s “Group of Death.”


    Despite the difficult draw, newly appointed Alas Pilipinas head coach Taka Minowa believes the challenge presents an invaluable opportunity for the national program as it continues its long-term rebuilding process.

     

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    Rather than focusing solely on immediate results, the Japanese tactician sees the Asian Games as an important measuring stick for where the Philippines currently stands against the continent’s best teams.

     

    “This will be a big challenge for us because we will be facing some of the tallest teams in Asia,” Minowa said during a media interaction.


    “But if we think about the 2029 World Championship, this tournament is a great opportunity to see where we are, what we already do well, and what we need to improve over the next two years.”


    The Philippines is hoping to build a competitive program capable of consistently challenging Asia’s top volleyball nations, and Minowa believes competing against world-class opponents is a necessary part of that process.


    China remains one of the continent’s premier volleyball powers, boasting an impressive international pedigree that includes multiple Asian Games titles, Olympic medals, and World Championship success. Kazakhstan, meanwhile, has also emerged as one of Asia’s more consistent contenders after finishing runner-up in the 2024 AVC Nations Cup.


    For Minowa, however, the focus is less on the reputation of the opposition and more on how his players respond to the challenge.


    The Japanese coach officially took over the Alas Pilipinas women’s program earlier this year and has wasted little time immersing himself in Philippine volleyball. He is joined in the national team setup by his wife, former Alas Pilipinas standout Jaja Santiago, whose extensive experience representing the country has proven invaluable during the transition.

    Santiago, who was the cornerstone of the Philippine squad during its last Asian Games appearance in 2018, has been helping Minowa familiarize himself with the players, the team’s culture, and the expectations surrounding the national program.


    Among the athletes who competed in Jakarta eight years ago, only team captain Jia De Guzman and Dawn Catindig remain in the current national team pool. The rest of the roster has undergone a significant transformation, with a new generation of talent now taking center stage.


    Leading that youthful core are reigning collegiate stars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, who are expected to play key roles as Alas Pilipinas continues its transition toward a younger lineup capable of competing internationally for years to come.


    Minowa admitted that preparing the team has not been without challenges.


    The national squad only began formal training on July 6, leaving the coaching staff with less than three weeks to prepare before the Southeast Asian Volleyball Cup (SEA V.League), which serves as an important tune-up ahead of the Asian Games.


    Adding to the challenge is the condition of the players upon reporting to camp, with several athletes returning from injuries while others arrived at varying levels of fitness following their club commitments.


    “We only started training on July 6, and we will compete in the SEA V.Cup at the end of this month. That gives us only about 20 days to prepare,” Minowa said.


    “The players also came into training in different physical conditions. Some are returning from injuries, so our priority has been managing their health while gradually building our level as a team.”


    Despite the limited preparation time, Minowa has been encouraged by the attitude shown by his players during training.


    “Despite the short preparation, we are making good progress. The players are working hard, enjoying the process, and playing the sport they love,” he added.


    While expectations remain tempered given the caliber of competition awaiting the Philippines in Aichi-Nagoya, Minowa believes the experience of facing Asia’s elite will be instrumental in accelerating the development of the national team.


    For the Japanese mentor, success at the 2026 Asian Games will not be measured solely by wins and losses, but by the lessons learned against some of the continent’s strongest volleyball programs as Alas Pilipinas continues its journey toward becoming a consistent force in Asian volleyball.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas rookie Niña Ytang earns praise from South Korea captain after standout showing

    Alas Pilipinas rookie Niña Ytang earns praise from South Korea captain after standout showing

    Alas Pilipinas absorbed its second straight defeat in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Cup after falling to continental powerhouse South Korea, 25-16, 25-18, 25-22, at the Candon City Arena on Tuesday, June 9.

     

    Despite the straight-sets result, the national team showed flashes of competitiveness—particularly in the third set—before ultimately succumbing to South Korea’s depth, discipline, and superior execution on both ends of the floor.

     

    For Alas Pilipinas, however, the match also served as another showcase of rising middle blocker Niña Ytang, who continued to build her reputation as one of the team’s most promising young standouts in her debut international campaign.

     

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    The former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons star finished as the second-leading scorer for the Philippines with eight points, tallying seven attacks and one block. While the numbers may not fully capture her impact, Ytang’s presence at the net provided consistent resistance against South Korea’s high-powered offense and quick-tempo system.

    Her performance did not go unnoticed.

     

    South Korea captain Kang Sohwi singled out the young middle blocker when asked which Alas Pilipinas player stood out during the match, offering rare praise from one of Asia’s elite competitors.

     

    “Number 9, the middle blocker,” Sohwi said when asked which Alas Pilipinas player impressed her the most.

     

    For Ytang, the recognition from a top-tier international opponent served as validation of her rapid adjustment to the demands of international volleyball, though she remained grounded in her response.

    “I must be doing something right kaya siguro ganun. Pero for me naman I’m just doing my best, doing everything I can para sa bayan,” Ytang stated.

     

    Ytang has quietly emerged as one of the bright spots for Alas Pilipinas in the tournament, showcasing both offensive efficiency and defensive timing in the middle. In the team’s opening win over Uzbekistan, she delivered a strong debut performance with 12 points built on eight attacks and four kill blocks, immediately establishing herself as a reliable presence in the rotation.

     

    She followed that up with an even more dynamic outing against Australia, where she produced 13 points highlighted by nine attacks, three service aces, and a block, demonstrating her expanding skill set and growing confidence against higher-level competition.

     

    Across three matches, Ytang has shown steady improvement in adapting to international pace, with her ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game becoming a valuable asset for Alas Pilipinas as it continues its campaign in the AVC tournament.

     

    Her emergence has also drawn attention beyond the national team setup, particularly given the significant decision she made prior to the competition. Ytang opted to withdraw her application for the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft, choosing instead to commit fully to Alas Pilipinas Women and her development within the national team program.

     

    The decision underscored her long-term focus on international experience and national team duty, prioritizing exposure against elite Asian opposition over immediate professional league opportunities.

     

    While Alas Pilipinas continues to navigate a challenging tournament against some of Asia’s strongest programs, performances like Ytang’s offer a glimpse of a developing core that could anchor the national team in future international competitions.

     

    As the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup progresses, the Philippines will look to regroup and build on its competitive moments, while Ytang’s steady rise remains one of the most encouraging storylines in the campaign.

     

     

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  • Bella Belen named Rookie of the Year after stellar PVL debut campaign 

    Bella Belen named Rookie of the Year after stellar PVL debut campaign 

    Former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout Bella Belen continues to elevate her status as one of the brightest rising stars in Philippine volleyball, further strengthening her growing reputation as the sport’s next major cornerstone.

     

    Now starring for the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), Belen capped off an impressive campaign by being named Rookie of the Year, a recognition that underscores her immediate impact at the professional level after a decorated collegiate career. The award will be formally presented during the 2nd Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night on Saturday, May 30, at Novotel Manila Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City.

     

    Belen dominated the voting process, collecting 69 media votes and 26 team votes, along with 91.284 statistical points for a total of 186.284 points. Her all-around brilliance placed her well ahead of her fellow 2025 PVL Draft classmates, including AC Miner (85 points), Jean Asis (83.89), and Riza Nogales (64.47), in a decisive win that highlighted her immediate rise as a professional force.

     

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    Beyond her Rookie of the Year recognition, Belen also secured a spot in the league’s elite Mythical Team and was named Best Outside Spiker, further cementing her status as one of the most complete young players in the league today.

    Her performance throughout the season reflected both offensive firepower and defensive consistency. Belen finished third overall in the PVL scoring charts during the preliminary round with 218 total points, posting a 35.16% spiking success rate. She also proved her versatility on the defensive end, finishing second overall in reception with an impressive 40.84% efficiency rating, showcasing her ability to contribute in all phases of the game.

     

    The recognition places Belen among an elite group of PVL standouts honored for their performances throughout the season. Other major awardees include Savannah Davison of the PLDT High Speed Hitters and Creamline Cool Smashers veteran Pangs Panaga, both of whom were also recognized as Best Outside Spikers and Best Middle Blocker, respectively.

     

    Cignal Super Spikers playmaker Gel Cayuna was named Best Setter, while PLDT’s defensive anchor Kath Arado took home Best Libero honors. Farm Fresh Foxies standout Trisha Tubu earned Best Opposite Spiker, and PLDT’s Ralf Ricafort was recognized as Coach of the Year for his leadership throughout the campaign.

     

    Creamline Cool Smashers, meanwhile, were named Team of the Year following another dominant season, further solidifying their status as one of the league’s premier dynasties.

     

    Other individual recognitions included Erika Santos of Cignal Super Spikers as Most Improved Player, Kim Kianna Dy of PLDT High Speed Hitters as Comeback Player of the Year, and Alyssa Valdez of Creamline Cool Smashers receiving the Miss Quality Minutes award.

     

    With her latest accolades, Belen’s rapid ascent from collegiate standout to professional star continues to draw attention, as she further establishes herself as one of the key figures expected to shape the future of Philippine volleyball.

     

     

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  • “Opinion niyo ‘yan, i-respect ko”: Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure on dealing with public criticism

    “Opinion niyo ‘yan, i-respect ko”: Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure on dealing with public criticism

    Two of the Philippines’ brightest stars in women’s volleyball, Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure, continue to capture the attention of fans both on and off the court. With numerous individual accolades and team honors for Alas Pilipinas and their respective clubs in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), the duo has established themselves as not only top-tier athletes but also household names in the local sports scene.

     

    Being professional athletes and public figures, however, comes with intense scrutiny. Rondina and Laure have both experienced criticism from fans and the media, which they openly discussed in a recent appearance on the talk show “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.” In the conversation, the two stars reflected on the lessons they learned from facing public backlash, highlighting the pressures of being in the spotlight.

     

    For Rondina, the most memorable instance of “bashing” came in 2024, not because of her performance on the volleyball court, but due to a social faux pas: she admitted she did not know about SB19, a popular Filipino boy band. The revelation drew a wave of criticism online, with some fans questioning her cultural awareness.

     

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    “Aminado naman ako na hindi ko naman intensyon ‘yon and at least that pangyayari is may natutunan ako and it is being more cautious kung hindi naman kilala and maging maingat na lang,” Rondina said, reflecting on the experience. She emphasized that while the criticism was initially difficult, it ultimately taught her to navigate public interactions with more awareness and care.

    For Laure, public scrutiny has been a different, yet equally valuable learning experience. The seasoned player reiterated that all forms of criticism have taught her to focus on what truly matters: self-improvement and maintaining perspective amidst external pressures.

     

    “Kung sino ‘yung nakakakita ng paghihirap mo, sila ‘yung parang may ano talaga, kung ano ‘yung kailangan ko pang i-improve sa sarili ko. Opinion niyo ‘yan. I-re-respect ko ‘yan, parang ganun na lang,” Laure said. Her reflection underscores a maturity that comes from balancing the demands of professional sports with the constant presence of social media and fan commentary.

     

    Both Rondina and Laure serve as examples of how top athletes in the Philippines handle the dual pressures of performance and public expectation. While the accolades and spotlight are often celebrated, the reality of being a professional athlete also includes navigating criticism, managing personal image, and maintaining focus on long-term goals.

     

    Their candid discussion on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” offers fans a rare glimpse into the human side of professional volleyball, showing that even the country’s most successful players encounter challenges off the court. By sharing their experiences, Rondina and Laure not only provide inspiration for young athletes but also highlight the importance of resilience, humility, and perspective in professional sports.

     

    As the PVL season continues, both stars remain focused on their teams and the next milestones in their careers. Yet, their experiences with public scrutiny will likely continue to inform how they engage with fans and handle the pressures that come with being among the Philippines’ most prominent athletes.

     

     

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