Alas Pilipinas will bring its act overseas within the next two months as the world championship-bound men’s team gears up for the AVC Men’s Nations Cup in Bahrain from June 17 to 24. Drawn into Pool B, the Philippines will go up against tough competition in Qatar, Vietnam, Australia, and Kazakhstan.

Pool A in the same tournament includes host Bahrain, Indonesia, and Thailand, while Pool C consists of South Korea, Vietnam, and New Zealand. This international tournament is a key preparation for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, which the Philippines will host from September 12 to 28.

Before flying out, the Alas Men will participate in the PNVF Alas Pilipinas Invitationals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum from June 10 to 12. The event, staged by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, will sharpen the team’s form and chemistry ahead of the AVC battle in Bahrain.

The draw for all AVC competitions was finalized during the AVC Board of Administration Meeting hosted by AVC and PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. Suzara expressed pride in the rising stature of Asian volleyball and emphasized the goal of delivering high-quality competitions across the continent.

The women’s team will also carry the Philippine flag in international waters, starting with the AVC Women’s Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam from June 7 to 14. The younger Alas Women are grouped in Pool B with Iran, Indonesia, Mongolia, and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Pool A features Vietnam, Australia, Chinese-Taipei, and Hong Kong. These matchups will be vital for building momentum ahead of future international appearances and strengthening the squad’s global competitiveness.

Another major milestone awaits the U16 squad as the Philippines sends a younger women’s team to the AVC Women’s Under-16 Championship in Amman, Jordan from July 20 to 27. The team joins Pool B with Japan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, facing elite youth programs from powerhouse countries.

Pool A in the U16 tournament includes Jordan, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, and Hong Kong, while Pool C features China, Qatar, South Korea, and Kazakhstan. Pool D includes Chinese-Taipei, Thailand, Australia, and India, completing the tournament’s competitive layout.

The Philippines will not participate in the AVC Men’s U16 Championship scheduled in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand from July 12 to 19. However, the country’s hosting of the AVC Board of Administration Meeting marked a historic first, highlighting the Philippines’ growing leadership in the Asian volleyball landscape.

Suzara, who became AVC president in August 2024, reiterated the organization’s commitment to promoting volleyball under the guidance of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). As FIVB executive vice president, he also aims to elevate the sport’s popularity and competitiveness throughout the region.

The meeting was attended by top officials including former AVC president Rita Subowo, secretary-general Hugh Graham, and other regional executives. PNVF vice president Ricky Palou and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal joined them in reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a stronghold of Asian volleyball.