Seventeen of the 22 players in the Alas Pilipinas Women’s pool have already logged their third day of grueling training in preparation for the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games — but five notable names, including injury-hit stars, have yet to report for duty as the countdown to September intensifies.

Organized under the supervision of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), the pool — coached by Japanese tactician Takayuki Minowa — is alternating sessions between Gameville in Mandaluyong City and MPire Center in Quezon City, Monday through Friday from 12 noon to 3 p.m., before eventually relocating to the Philippine Sports Commission’s PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Injuries, Absences Test Alas Pilipinas’ Depth

Still absent from training are Akari’s Fifi Sharma, NXLED’s Gel Cayuna, De La Salle standouts Angel Canino and Amie Provido, and PLDT’s Alleiah Jan Malaluan, who is nursing a knee injury. Adamson University’s Shaina Marie Nitura is also on the sidelines, recovering from surgery.

Despite the absences, the majority of the pool has answered the call. Leading the active roster are Creamline’s Jia de Guzman and Jennifer Nierva, PLDT’s Del Palomata, Zus Coffee’s Thea Gagate, and Akari’s Marionne Alba and Justine Jazareno, alongside Capital1’s Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos.

Also training in full force are ChocoMucho’s Dawn Catindig and Eya Laure, SGA’s Nina Ytang and Alyssa Solomon, and National University’s Arah Panique, Shaira Jardio, Celine Marsh and Vange Alinsug.

Busy Stretch Ahead With SEA V Cup, Asian Games Looming

The Alas Women will kick off their campaign at the Sixth Southeast Asia (SEA) V Cup, with Week 1 in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, from July 1 to August 2, followed by Week 2 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from August 7 to 9.

Meanwhile, the Alas Pilipinas Men are already in action, competing in the Men’s SEA V Cup in Candon City from July 15 to 19 at Candon City Arena.

The training buildup comes even as the national federation remains under suspension by the FIVB, with the POC stepping in as caretaker. The FIVB has stressed the federation’s adherence to the current National Team Season — Women’s from May 4 to October 4 and Men’s from May 18 to October 18 — as well as the League Season, running from October 5 to May 2, 2027, for women and October 19 to May 16, 2027, for men.

All eyes now turn to the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, set for September 19 to October 4, where a healthy and battle-tested Alas Pilipinas squad hopes to make its mark.