MANILA, Philippines — Led by a veteran core of Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ara Galang, and Royse Tubino, the 20-player Alas Pilipinas roster is bracing for the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, taking place from June 6–14 at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.
Host Philippines is slated in Pool A and will go against tough guns Australia, Taiwan, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has faced significant turmoil over the past few days, following its suspension by the FIVB, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) due to allegations of fund misuse.
Still, the nationals will do whatever it takes to win for the country.
“In 2019, we were almost there, but unfortunately… It’s nice to be back, that’s what I, Jov, and Ces are talking about. That’s our motivation; hopefully, we can win and represent the country with pride and honor this time. We are very excited,” Philippine volleyball icon Valdez told the media.
Knowing that the country has high expectations from them, Alas needs to match or top the historic silver finish of the Philippines in the last edition of the AVC.
“Everything is still uncertain; the team has been formed for just a week, and we are focusing on the preparation. We need to work on our team chemistry, there are no expectations. But we know how hungry we are, we are confident with the work we put in,” Gonzaga shared.
The new Alas team already arrived in Candon last June 1 and was welcomed by Eric Singson.
With the core of the Alas roster—Julia De Guzman, Bella Belen, Angel Canino, and Eya Laure—skipping the AVC, the current Alas roster will bank on veteran outside hitters Valdez, Galang, Molina, and Gonzaga—along with Trisha Tubu to anchor the wing position.
They will be joined by top prospect Alyssa Solomon, who recently withdrew her name from the 2026 PVL draft.
The playmaking duties will be handled by Kyle Negrito, Cloanne Mondoñedo, and Tin Ubaldo, while Thea Gagate, Jazlyn Ellarina, Clarisse Loresco, and Nina Ytang form a formidable wall at the middle-blocker position.
Providing stability in floor defense are PVL’s top libero Kyla Atienza and Alyssa Eroa.
Shaq Delos Santos has been named interim head coach, taking over for Tai Bundit, who is currently sidelined by an injury he sustained while riding a tuk-tuk in Thailand.
“We just need to prepare. Skills-wise, all of us have it. The system we should apply, and the goal. We all know what it feels like to compete internationally. The young members, we need to help them with how to adapt, and the mindset.”
Delos Santos will be accompanied by the country’s finest coaches, Sherwin Meneses, Benson Bocboc, JP Yude, Geuel Asia, and Krung Arbasto.
Alas Pilipinas secured a historic second-place finish in the 2025 AVC Cup last June 14. This achievement marked the Philippines' best finish in an Asian-level competition in 64 years.
Team Philippines will open its campaign on Saturday against Uzbekistan at 3 p.m.
