The Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball team arrived in Taiwan at noon Sunday, November 16, to start a two-week training camp ahead of the Thailand 33rd Southeast Asian Games.

Meanwhile, the Alas Pilipinas women’s squad has yet to assemble fully, with only a handful of players training ahead of the tournament.

Men’s team focuses on cohesion and match readiness

The men’s squad, fresh from making history in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, will engage in six friendly matches against top Taiwanese teams to sharpen their skills and teamwork.

Marck Espejo emphasized the importance of the camp: “We need to train together since we came from a long break. It’s essential for us to rebuild chemistry and focus on the SEA Games.”

The women’s team, on the other hand, has only team captain Jia de Guzman, Eya Laure, Vanessa Gandler, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, and Jen Nierva attending sessions under coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito in Mandaluyong.

Key players and veteran leadership

Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni leads the men’s roster, which includes Owa Retamar, Leo Ordiales, Josh Ybañez, Kim Malabunga, Peng Taguibolos, Louie Ramirez, Lloyd Josafat, Buds Buddin, Vince Lorenzo, Eco Adajar, and Jade Disquitado.

PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara highlighted the inclusion of University of Santo Tomas standouts Al-Bukarie Sali and JJ Macam, along with Lucca Mamone.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity,” said Sali. “I’ve dreamed of being part of Alas, and now I finally have the chance to contribute. The intensity of this training is amazing and very helpful for my growth.”

Team captain Bryan Bagunas remains in Japan with Osaka Bluteon in the ongoing SV.League. Bagunas has a special connection to Taiwan, where he won MVP honors in the Top Volleyball League and led WinStreak to consecutive championships in 2023 and 2023–24.

The Philippines last reached the SEA Games podium in 2019 with a silver medal finish, led by Bagunas, Espejo, Malabunga, and Retamar. Since then, the team has placed fifth in Hanoi and Phnom Penh, while historically the country has two silver medals—including 1977—and five bronze finishes.