Alas Pilipinas is ready to pick up where it left off.

The Philippines opens its campaign in the Southeast Asian Volleyball Cup (SEA V Cup) against Cambodia at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, kicking off Group B play as elite volleyball returns to the Candon City Arena. The tournament, which carries FIVB world ranking points, brings together the region’s top six nations for a week of high-stakes action, and Alas Pilipinas enters with its core group fresh off a breakout run at the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.

Familiar Faces Lead the Philippines’ Charge

The spotlight will be on Josh Ybanez, the charismatic playmaker who became a fan favorite during the Philippines’ historic showing at the 2025 World Championship. He’s joined by fellow tournament veterans Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez and Vince Lorenzo, giving Alas Pilipinas a battle-tested core heading into the SEA V Cup.

The squad, coached by Italian tactician Angiolino Frigoni, also welcomes Jude Garcia into the fold. Garcia previously helped the Philippine beach volleyball team capture bronze at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia — fitting, given the Philippines’ Group B opener comes against that very nation.

Following Wednesday’s match against Cambodia, Alas Pilipinas faces a stiffer test on Friday against Indonesia, champion of the 2025 SEA V League’s second leg. How the Philippines fares in these two matches will go a long way toward determining its path to the semifinals.

The top two teams from each pool will advance to Saturday’s semifinal round, with medal matches set for Sunday.

Candon City Cements Itself as a Volleyball Hub

Wednesday’s action also features a loaded undercard. Thailand, the reigning champion of last year’s first leg — also held in Candon City — opens the tournament at 2 p.m. against Vietnam. Newcomer Myanmar will make its SEA V Cup debut Thursday against Thailand.

This year’s tournament marks the fourth staging of the SEA V Cup and the second consecutive year Candon City has hosted the event, further establishing the city as a rising hub for international volleyball in the Philippines.

The competition is hosted by Candon City Mayor Eric Singson, with support from the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Asian Volleyball Confederation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara praised the city’s continued investment in the sport.

“My heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Eric Singson and the Local Organizing Committee for their outstanding efforts in staging this event,” Suzara said. “Following the successful hosting of the AVC Volleyball Women’s Cup, Candon City has once again demonstrated its capability and passion for delivering world-class international volleyball competitions.”

Singson, a longtime advocate for bringing top-tier sports closer to local fans, pointed to the broader impact the tournament has on the region.

“Hosting this prestigious championship for the second consecutive year is another significant milestone for Candon City and reflects the confidence entrusted to us in staging international sporting events,” Singson said. “It also provides Candon City the opportunity to represent the Philippines by sharing the warmth of Filipino hospitality while advancing sports tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural exchange and community development.”