The Philippine National Women’s Volleyball Team—Alas Pilipinas—has received both good and bad news as it prepares for the upcoming 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup in Candon, Ilocos Sur, scheduled for June 6 to 14.
The Good News: Alas Pilipinas Coaching Staff Gets a Boost
The good news is that newly appointed head coach Tai Bundit will have premier tacticians from across the country joining his staff: Sherwin Meneses of the Creamline Cool Smashers, Shaq Delos Santos of the disbanded Cignal Super Spikers, Benson Bocboc of the Farm Fresh Foxies, JP Yude of Adamson University, and Geuel Asia and Krung Arbasto of the Criss Cross King Crunchers.
The Bad News: Talent Pool Shrinks as Stars Beg Off
The bad news, however, is that several star players named to the Alas Pilipinas pool have opted out of the training camp. These include Kim Kianna Dy and Alleiah Malaluan of the PLDT High Speed Hitters, Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos of Cignal, and Shaina Nitura of the Adamson Lady Falcons.
If it is any consolation, reports indicate that these players are only skipping this specific tournament, and they may still suit up for Alas Pilipinas in future international competitions.
The remaining members of the player pool are:
- Jia De Guzman
- Mars Alba
- Tin Ubaldo
- Jen Nierva
- Justin Jazareno
- Shaira Jardio
- Fifi Sharma
- Jean Asis
- Maddie Madayag
- Riza Nogozales
- Amie Provido
- Jaz Ellarina
- Niña Ytang
- Zam Nolasco
- Bella Belen
- Eya Laure
- Angel Canino
- Sam Cantada
- Vanessa Sarie
- Alyssa Solomon
- Arah Panique
- Shevana Laput
With 12 players from the collegiate ranks and 10 from the PVL, the national team has a strong mix of youth and professional talent, with several already experienced in international play. With only 14 roster slots available, Bundit and his staff will face tough decisions in finalizing the lineup.
Tight Preparation Schedule for Alas Pilipinas
The team’s preparation schedule is demanding. Training begins May 8 and runs until May 23, followed by travel to Candon for the final phase from May 24 to June 5.
After the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup, Alas Pilipinas will take a four-day break before resuming training from June 18 to July 9. Alas Pilipinas will then head to Chinese Taipei for a 10-day camp in preparation for the SEA V.League. The first leg of the SEA V.League will be held July 31 to August 2 in Vietnam, followed by the second leg in Thailand from August 7 to 9.
These training and tournament dates may see the return of Gandler, Santos, Nitura, Dy, and Malaluan to the player pool.
A New Era Begins for Alas Pilipinas
With new coaches and fresh faces in the player pool—and likely in the final lineup—Alas Pilipinas has entered a new era of Philippine volleyball.
Fans must understand that losses will be part of this transition. While core players remain, a new system is being implemented, and expectations should be tempered.
Whether the team goes on a winning streak or faces setbacks in the coming months, this new chapter for Alas Pilipinas promises to keep fans engaged more than ever before.
