Continuity remains the priority for Alas Men.
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has retained Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni as head coach of the national men’s volleyball team for the 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, keeping together much of the core that represented the Philippines in recent international competitions.
POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino announced on Friday that Frigoni will continue to lead the program, with his appointment taking effect on July 1 and running through October 15.
Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo Banner Alas Men
The Alas Men pool is largely composed of players who suited up for the Philippines in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, which the country hosted, and at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok.
Leading the squad are veteran stars Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, alongside Lloyd Josafat, Jude Garcia, Michaelo Buddin, Leo Ordiales, Al Bukharie Sali, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Joshua Retamar, Josh Ybañez, Adrian Villados, Vince Lorenzo, Kris Alejos, and Trevor Torio.
POC in Charge as PNVF Remains Suspended
The appointments come as the POC continues to oversee the country’s national volleyball program following the FIVB’s suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNFV).
Serving as caretaker of Philippine volleyball, the POC is responsible for preparing and managing the national teams for major international competitions, including the Asian Games, Southeast Asian Games, and the Olympic cycle.
The Philippines has already secured qualification for the men’s indoor volleyball tournament of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which will be held from September 19 to October 4 in Japan.
