Alas Pilipinas is gearing up to chase gold at the beach volleyball competitions of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.

Speaking during the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge at Nuvali Sands Court by Ayala Land in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara emphasized the team’s ambitions.

Gold is the goal

“Gold is what we’re aiming for in Thailand,” Suzara said. “We have plenty of bronze medals, and we know it is difficult, but we believe it’s possible. I hope our athletes can translate what they learned here in Nuvali into a SEA Games gold medal.”

Historically, Thailand and Indonesia dominate SEA Games beach volleyball, claiming eight golds each in the women’s and men’s categories. The Philippines has collected six bronze medals—three in each gender—since the sport became a medal event in 2003.

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Teams and preparations

Alas Pilipinas head coach, Brazilian Joao “Kioday” Luciano Simao Barbosa, revealed the SEA Games pairs: Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, Dij Rodriguez and Sunny Villapando for the women, and James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla, Ronniel Rosales and Rancel Vergara for the men.

Each nation can field two pairs in the competition, which begins with the opening ceremony on December 9. Beach volleyball matches are scheduled from December 12 to 19 at the Huamark Sports Complex in Bangkok.

“We’re working hard to fight for gold,” Kioday said. “All the opponents are strong, but we have a few months to prepare. Step by step, we’re going to reach that goal.”