THE star trio of Angel Canino, Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon will suit up for Alas Pilipinas once again when the Philippine women’s volleyball team competes in the 5th Southeast Asian Volleyball League (SEA V.League) in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The Philippines, which made a historic bronze medal finish here in 2024, will open its campaign against host Thailand at 6 p.m. on Friday.
PLAYMAKER Alas Pilipinas team captain Jia de Guzman (center) is tasked to activate the team’s offense in the 5th Southeast Asian Volleyball League beginning on Aug. 1, 2025, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. FILE PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO
Before Alas Pilipinas barged into the podium last year with Jorge Souza de Brito calling the shots, the Philippines has not won a game in the tournament since 2022.
Now ranked at No. 47 in the world, the Philippines guns for more ranking points in the SEA V.League.
Canino, Belen and Solomon, who all played a pivotal role in the team’s silver medal finish in the AVC Nations Cup last June, were not part of the bronze medal team. Their addition boosts the team’s chances of another podium finish.
Also included in the Alas Pilipinas lineup are Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, Cla Loresco and UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura.
Team captain Jia de Guzman will serve as the floor general of the team once more, alongside with setter-spiker Mars Alba, who will suit up for the first time with the national team.
Coach De Brito can also lean on long-stretch middle blockers Fifi Sharma, Thea Gagate, Maddie Madayag and Dell Palomata.
Filipino American standouts Brooke Van Sickle, and MJ Phillips, meanwhile, are awaiting for their clearance from the FIVB to transfer federations.
De Brito previously said that the two-time PVL MVP Van Sickle and PVL Finals MVP Phillips were already done with the paper works required for them to play for the Philippines in international meets.
The SEA V.League will be from Aug. 1-3.
