The stage is set for an exciting showdown as Filipino beach volleyball players Khylem Progella and Sofiah Pagara prepare to compete in the Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championships at the Nuvali Sand Courts in Santa Rosa, Laguna. This tournament, hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), kicks off Wednesday, bringing top teams from across Asia to the Philippines.

Progella and Pagara, representing Alas Pilipinas, seek to redeem themselves on familiar ground. Last year, they made their debut here in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge. Since then, their international experience has significantly grown, with a highlight being their impressive top-eight finish at the FIVB Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures in China.

With support from sponsors such as Ayala Land, Rebisco, and the Philippine Sports Commission, the tournament promises fierce competition. Filipino fans can look forward to thrilling matches, including appearances by five other Philippine pairs. Notably, Gen Eslapor and Kly Orillaneda from the Philippine Air Force are in the running for a podium spot. The pair advanced to the Round of 16 in the Nuvali Beach Pro Tour in April and performed well in China in September, adding to their momentum.

The lineup also includes the Philippine Army’s Alexa Polidario and Coast Guard’s Jenny Gaviola, as well as Lerry John Francisco, a new face in the international arena. Francisco, who stands at 6’1″, is making his debut with partner Rancel Varga, a seasoned player with impressive credentials, including two MVP titles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

The competition is intense, with 35 teams in the men’s division, including the Philippines’ own James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla. They aim to build on their success from the SEA Games in Cambodia, where they won bronze.

International teams from Iran, Australia, and New Zealand add to the competitive atmosphere. Iran’s Abbas Pourasgari and Alireza Aghajanighasab, who claimed victory in the AVC Beach Tour Nuvali Open in April, are among the top contenders.

As the Philippines’ best beach volleyball athletes take on Asia’s elite, fans are eager to see if the home advantage will propel them to victory on their home turf.