The Alas Pilipinas teams are set to dazzle local fans at the Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championships kicking off this Wednesday in the vibrant City of Santa Rosa. Hosted at the renowned Nuvali Sand Courts, this championship, organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), promises exhilarating matches featuring top teams from the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and FIVB.

Exciting Matches Ahead

“This event marks another moment where the Philippines, particularly Nuvali, becomes the epicenter of beach volleyball, showcasing some of the continent’s—and the world’s—finest talents before our enthusiastic fans,” said Ramon “Tats” Suzara, president of both the AVC and PNVF.

Ran Abdilla and James Buytrago, who proudly brought home the bronze medal from the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia last year, will team up once again. They aim to outshine strong rivals from Asia and Oceania in this high-stakes competition, supported by esteemed sponsors including Nuvali, Ayala Land, Rebisco, and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Notable Competitors

In addition to the Philippine duo, top competitors from around the globe will be present. Iran’s Abbas Pourasgari and Alireza Aghajanighasab are looking to replicate their success from the AVC Beach Tour Nuvali Open held in April. They will face formidable opposition from three Australian pairs and two from New Zealand, all part of the 24-team lineup.

Rancel Varga, who previously secured silver with Buytrago at the 2024 FIVB Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures in April, is ready to take on a new challenge with partner Lerry John Francisco from the Philippine Coast Guard.

Strong Local Talent

Twenty pairs have already secured their spots in the main draw, with four additional spots available through a qualifying event that includes another Philippine tandem: former Perpetual Help star Ronniel Rosales and former National University standout Edwin Tolentino.

Among the players to watch are Khylem Progella and Sofiah Pagara, who recently made it to the quarterfinals of the 2024 FIVB Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures in Qingdao. Their impressive 2-1 record in the preliminaries, which included a thrilling three-set victory over compatriots Gen Eslapor and Kly Orillaneda, positions them as strong contenders.

Aiming for Victory

Shiba and Maruyama, the dynamic duo who won bronze in Qingdao, are set to compete at the championships alongside Australian champions Stefanie Fejes and Jana Milutinovic. Eslapor and Orillaneda, who had a mixed performance in Qingdao, are eager to impress their home crowd after scoring a decisive win over a young Argentine team.

In the qualifying rounds, the Army’s Alexa Polidario and the Coast Guard’s Jenny Gaviola, both familiar faces from the Nuvali Open in April, will strive to secure their place in the main draw. A total of seven teams will compete in this qualifying event for the chance to advance.

As the Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championships unfold, the Alas Pilipinas teams are ready to showcase their talent and determination. Fans can expect thrilling matches filled with high-level competition, all while supporting local athletes in their quest for glory on home soil. Don’t miss the action at the Nuvali Sand Courts!