Collegiate sensation and Alas Pilipinas standout Angel Canino called for continued support and unity as Philippine volleyball enters a new chapter heading into the 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
The De La Salle University star was among the players named to the Alas Pilipinas Women pool released by the Philippine Olympic Committee, which is currently overseeing the national team program following the FIVB suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation due to governance concerns.
Angel Canino Thankful to Represent PH Again
Angel Canino joins a star-studded 22-player pool led by Jia De Guzman, Alyssa Solomon, Bella Belen, Dawn Catindig, Justine Jazareno, Jennifer Nierva, Eya Laure, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Vanie Gandler, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, Niña Ytang, Pangs Panaga, Erika Santos, Arah Panique, Mars Alba, Gel Cayuna, Shaira Jardio, Dell Palomata, and Shaina Nitura.
“Of course, I’m very grateful. And sobrang blessed ako na paglabas ng lineup, I was part of it,” Canino said in an interview.
“But of course, we’re still in the process of it. So hopefully, lahat ng mga mangyari when it comes to the Asian Games, hopefully, mag-align bawat isa. And hopefully, mas maging supportive tayo sa bawat isa,” she added.
The Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4 in Japan, with the Philippines looking to continue building on its recent international gains.
Canino is no stranger to carrying the flag, having been part of Alas Pilipinas’ breakthrough runs over the past two years.
The UAAP Season 85 Rookie-MVP was named Best Opposite Spiker during the country’s historic bronze-medal campaign in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup before earning Best Outside Spiker honors in both the 2025 AVC Nations Cup and the 2025 SEA V.League.
Alas Exposure a Boon for Angel Canino
Despite her national team commitments, Canino is also set to return to La Salle for UAAP Season 89 alongside Provido as the Lady Spikers aim to defend their women’s volleyball crown.
For longtime La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus, their continued exposure to Alas Pilipinas will only help them grow as players.
“Para sa akin, yung Asian Games, malaking bagay yun. Once every four years lang yun. So sabi ko sa kanila, gusto ko yun para sa inyo para mas ma-build yung confidence niyo,” De Jesus said.
With the national team entering a period of transition, Angel Canino hopes the focus remains on supporting the athletes and advancing Philippine volleyball.
