Alas Pilipinas head coach Taka Minowa believes the team’s historic silver-medal finish in the 2026 SEA Women’s V Cup was built on years of work from players, coaches, and clubs across Philippine volleyball.
Following the tournament, Minowa took to Facebook to recognize the wider volleyball community behind the national team’s breakthrough performance, stressing that the achievement went beyond the players and coaches who were part of the campaign.
“I believe this moment is not only about the players who are with us in the national team pool,” Minowa said after his first tournament at the helm of Alas Pilipinas.
“It is the result of the hard work of so many players, coaches, and clubs who have continued to develop and make Philippine volleyball more competitive over the years.”
Minowa, who previously coached the Nxled Chameleons and Akari Chargers in the PVL, was appointed head coach of Alas Pilipinas in June as the national team began preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
A Ground-Up Approach Benefits Alas Pilipinas
For the Japanese coach, the national team’s progress is tied to the development of the sport at every level, from grassroots programs and schools to collegiate competitions, local clubs, and professional teams.
“From grassroots to school, collegiate, local clubs, and professional teams, every player and every coach has contributed something to Philippine volleyball,” said Minowa.
He also highlighted the foundation laid by previous generations of Filipino players, while recognizing those currently part of the national team pool who may not have seen action during the SEA V Cup.
“The players who are representing the country today are standing on the foundation that so many people have built before them,” Minowa said.
“And even the players who are currently in the pool but may not be on the court today have also worked hard and contributed to this journey.”
Rising From Winless to Second Place
Alas Pilipinas capped its second-leg campaign with a historic silver medal after defeating Indonesia, 25-13, 23-25, 25-19, 33-31, in a thrilling finish at Chiang Mai Stadium last Sunday.
The result marked a dramatic turnaround for the Filipinas, who went winless in the opening leg before bouncing back with victories over Vietnam and Indonesia in Thailand.
For Minowa, however, the silver medal belongs to everyone who has contributed to the national team’s journey.
“I hope everyone can be proud of the players and coaches who gave their time, effort, and heart to this team,” Minowa said.
“This achievement is the result of everyone’s hard work, and I’m very grateful to be part of this journey with all of you.”
