With a month to go before Strong Group Athletics defends its title in the 45th William Jones Cup, another Strong Group‑backed squad—Strong Group Pilipinas—is set to represent the Philippines in Taiwan.
The Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles will join forces under the Strong Group Pilipinas banner for the Taichung Bank 2026 Formosa Women’s Volleyball Invitational Tournament, which will be held from July 30 to August 2.
The tournament will give both PVL clubs an early international test as they continue their preparations for the 2026 PVL season against quality teams from across Asia.
Who Will Comprise Strong Group Pilipinas?
Bannering the squad from Farm Fresh are reigning PVL MVP Trisha Tubu, Roselyn Doria‑Aquino, Maicah Larroza, Ces Molina, Louie Romero, and Jonna Perdido.
Joining them from ZUS Coffee are Chinnie Arroyo, AC Miner, Clo Mondoñedo, Riza Nogales, Alyssa Eroa, and Zamantha Nolasco.
Farm Fresh head coach Koji Tsuzurabara will call the shots for Strong Group Pilipinas, with ZUS Coffee mentor Jerry Yee serving as one of his assistants alongside Kungfu Reyes and Shaq Delos Santos.
For Tsuzurabara, the Formosa Invitational offers the ideal opportunity to prepare both teams for the grind of the upcoming PVL season.
“This tournament gives us exactly the challenge we’re looking for before the PVL season. We’ll be facing quality teams from different countries with different playing styles, and that’s an opportunity for both Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee to grow,” Tsuzurabara said. “The level of competition will push our players to improve, build chemistry, and gain the experience that will benefit them once the PVL season begins.”
Strong Group Pilipinas to Face Quality Competition
Strong Group Pilipinas is set to face club teams and national selection squads from Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and Hong Kong in one of the region’s premier preseason tournaments.
Yee said representing the country while bringing together players from two PVL clubs makes the experience even more meaningful.
“It’s an honor for our players and coaching staff to wear the Strong Group colors and represent the Philippines. We hope to make our country proud with the way we compete,” Yee said. “At the same time, bringing together players from Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee is a great opportunity to build relationships, learn from one another, and create a strong team culture that will benefit both clubs when we return to the PVL.”
The Formosa Invitational marks the first international tournament for the combined Farm Fresh‑ZUS Coffee squad as Strong Group Pilipinas looks to build momentum ahead of the new PVL season.
