HAIKOU, China — The Alas Pilipinas Under-18 boys’ volleyball team is determined to finish in the Top Four of the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Volleyball Championship as it begins its campaign with hopes of securing a coveted berth in the 2027 FIVB Volleyball World Championship.
Bannered by a talented 14-man roster, the young Filipinos are embracing the challenge of facing some of Asia’s traditional volleyball powerhouses, with team captain John Howard Guerra expressing confidence in the squad’s preparation and determination.
“Our goal is to make it to the Top Four. We really want to make it to the World Championships, and we’re going to give our best. This is for the Philippines. We know it is difficult, but we will do the best that we can,” said the 16-year-old playmaker.
Guerra believes the team’s chemistry and months of preparation will be key as Alas Pilipinas looks to improve on its previous showing in the continental tournament.
The playmaking duties will be handled by Guerra together with Loui Jeff Gallego and Vieyl Wyzny Tadeo, while the team’s offensive firepower will come from Al-Raquib Dais, Terrence Marticion, Zeus Troy Ramirez, Raphael Galapin, Elijah Yeuzef Guzman, and John Daniel Dela Cruz.
Clarenz Altoveros and Ricardo Membrere will anchor the team’s floor defense as liberos, while Djomari Gamotea, Francis Kyle Cabotage, and Allen Rey Lanez will provide the team’s presence at the net as middle blockers.
The squad is coached by Oliver Balse, who will guide the Filipinos in what is expected to be a tough tournament featuring many of the region’s strongest youth programs.
The Philippines is bracketed in Pool B alongside seven-time champion Iran, Bahrain, and India. Iran enters the tournament as one of the favorites, making the opening match a major test for the young Filipinos.
Alas Pilipinas arrived in Haikou on Saturday and will immediately plunge into action against Iran at 4 p.m. before taking on Bahrain on Monday. The team will also face India in the preliminary round as it seeks one of the coveted semifinal berths.
The Filipinos are looking to bounce back from their 11th-place finish in the 2024 AVC championship in Bahrain and make a deeper run this year, with a Top Four finish enough to keep their dream of qualifying for the 2027 FIVB Volleyball World Championship alive.
