Alas Pilipinas’ core returns to action for 20th Asian Games
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Alas Pilipinas women’s national volleyball player pool core that everyone has been waiting for is finally making a comeback.
Following the old players’ mass withdrawal during the recently concluded AVC Women’s Cup due to administrative turmoil involving the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, Alas’ core group, led by Jia Morado-De Guzman and Bella Belen, is confirmed to banner the national team for the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4, 2026.
To make this happen, the Philippine Olympic Committee had to step up, committing to supervise and manage the national volleyball teams for all upcoming major international tournaments.
“The Philippine Olympic Committee remains steadfast in its mandate to safeguard the welfare of our athletes and ensure the unhindered development of Philippine Sports,” wrote the POC in a statement.
Leading Alas, aside from De Guzman and Belen, are Angel Canino, Vanie Gandler, Eya Laure, Alleiah Malaluan, Alyssa Solomon, Erika Santos, and Arah Panique.
On the defensive side, the middle blockers included in the pool are Amie Provido, Nina Ytang, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, and Jeanette Panaga.
Orchestrating the offense alongside De Guzman are Marionne Alba and Gel Cayuna, while filling the libero roles are Justine Jazareno, Jennifer Nierva, and Shaira Jardio.
“Under the leadership of POC President Abraham Tolentino and Secretary-General Atty. Wharton Chan, the POC has finalized and locked in the master plan for the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games,” the POC continued.
Japanese tactician Taka Minowa, who previously handled the under-18 national team in 2024, will call the shots for Alas in the 20th Asian Games.
After eight years as an assistant coach for Japanese club Saitama Ageo Medics, Minowa moved to the Philippines and served as director of volleyball operations for the Akari Chargers and Nxled Chameleons.
Aside from being an executive for both franchises, Minowa has also coached both teams in two separate Premier Volleyball League conferences.
“No hurdle will compromise our commitment to flag and country,” the POC wrote.
“The mission to elevate Philippine volleyball on the world stage continues. Mabuhay ang Atletang Pilipino. Laban, Pilipinas!”
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