Alas Women Get Interim Coach as Men’s Program Changes

Angiolino Frigoni will temporarily lead Alas Pilipinas Women, while Dante Alinsunurin returns as head coach of the men’s program. The coaching changes accompany broader PNVF reforms involving national-team leadership, athlete funding, administration, and preparations for future international competitions.

PNVF Reshuffles Alas Pilipinas Coaching Staff

Kiko Demigillo of One Sports covered the changes announced by PNVF Executive Director Miguel Carlos Pacifico Suarez involving both programs. Frigoni shifts from Alas Men to the women’s national team temporarily, while Alinsunurin returns to handle the men’s squad.

Alinsunurin replaces Frigoni seven years after previously guiding the Philippine men’s national team during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. The current NU Bulldogs and Choco Mucho coach led the Philippines to silver during that memorable tournament on home soil.

Image from: ABS-CBN

Alinsunurin Returns After 2019 SEA Games Silver

Alinsunurin’s previous national-team tenure included the Philippines’ silver-medal finish during the 2019 SEA Games men’s volleyball competition. He now returns after coaching extensively in collegiate and professional volleyball through his positions with NU and Choco Mucho.

Frigoni Takes Interim Control of Alas Women

Frigoni moves across the national-team structure after handling Alas Men during the Philippines’ recent cycle of international volleyball competitions. His new assignment remains interim as the federation manages another coaching transition involving the country’s senior women’s national program.

PNVF President Frank Lao said former Alas Women coach Taka Minowa plans to relocate to the United States. Minowa will become a League One Volleyball volunteer assistant, where his wife Jaja, now Sachi Minowa, will compete.

Minowa Set for Move to United States

Minowa’s planned relocation creates the vacancy Frigoni will temporarily fill as Alas Women prepares for its next international cycle. The former Alas Women coach will continue his career in League One Volleyball after moving to the United States.

2029 World Championship Shapes Women’s Program

The Philippines is scheduled to host the 2029 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship, providing Alas Women with a defined international target. Frigoni’s interim appointment therefore arrives while PNVF continues shaping the national program ahead of another major home tournament.

The hosting assignment places the women’s national program on a longer preparation timeline extending across several international volleyball seasons. PNVF can use those competitions to evaluate the program before the Philippines welcomes the world’s leading national teams in 2029.

Alas Women Receive Long-Term International Target

Hosting the 2029 World Championship gives Alas Women a clearly defined destination beyond its immediate international competition schedule. The tournament also follows the Philippines’ growing involvement in staging major international volleyball events before home supporters.

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PNVF Changes Funding and National Team Management

Lao also intends to provide his financial assistance directly to national-team players, addressing delays involving the release of athlete allowances. Suarez described the funding change as part of the federation president’s wider effort to reform PNVF’s national-team operations.

“Our president, Mr. Frank Lao, is delivering on his commitment to drive reforms within the federation,” Suarez said.

“He wants to eliminate delays in the issuance of allowances, which is why he is disbursing his financial support directly to our national athletes.”

Ma. Carlota Celda replaces Ronwald Kris Dimaculangan as Alas Men’s team manager, while Jaime Ascalon succeeds Hollie Reyes with Alas Women. Former Cignal Super Spikers team manager Juanito Gregorio also joins PNVF as deputy executive director, assisting Suarez with federation administration.

League Officials Join National Team Commission

Lao will chair the National Team Commission alongside Bo Perasol, Victor Calvo, Sherwin Malonzo, and Ian Laurel as league representatives. Their respective affiliations cover the UAAP, NCAA, PVL, and Shakey’s Super League across major Philippine volleyball development environments.

“These executives bring not only high-level capability, work ethic, and wisdom, but also an unwavering commitment to driving Philippine volleyball to greater heights,” Suarez said.

“We are confident that we have the right people, the right vision, and the right strategy to build a national sports federation fully capable of bringing glory to the country on the international stage.”

Beach Volleyball Program Remains Intact

PNVF will retain its existing beach volleyball structure following the Philippines’ medal-winning campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Khylem Progella and Sofiah Pagara highlighted that campaign by capturing bronze in the women’s beach volleyball competition for the Philippines.

Rebisco will serve as chief sponsor as the national beach teams continue under the federation’s existing program structure. The decision contrasts with the indoor programs, where PNVF introduced coaching, management, funding, and administrative changes across both senior teams.

Asian Games Bronze Highlights Beach Volleyball Program

Progella and Pagara entered their Asian Games semifinal unbeaten before eventually securing a historic bronze medal for Philippine beach volleyball. PNVF will preserve the program following that continental result while Rebisco supports the national beach teams as chief sponsor.

Analytical Breakdown: Long-Term Planning Holds the Key

Alinsunurin’s familiarity with Filipino players should accelerate Alas Men’s transition while preserving valuable continuity across another demanding international cycle. Frigoni’s immediate challenge involves establishing clear tactical foundations while identifying combinations capable of developing toward the 2029 World Championship. PNVF’s broader reforms will matter most if improved funding, administration, and league coordination translate into consistent national-team preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new coach of Alas Pilipinas Women?

Angiolino Frigoni will handle Alas Pilipinas Women temporarily following former coach Taka Minowa’s planned relocation to the United States.

Who is coaching Alas Pilipinas Men?

Dante Alinsunurin returns as Alas Men’s head coach seven years after guiding the Philippines to 2019 SEA Games silver.

Why is Taka Minowa leaving Alas Women?

PNVF President Frank Lao said Minowa plans to relocate and become a volunteer assistant coach in League One Volleyball.

When will the Philippines host the Women’s World Championship?

The Philippines is scheduled to host the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship in 2029 as a major international event.

Will PNVF change its beach volleyball program?

PNVF will retain its beach volleyball structure following Khylem Progella and Sofiah Pagara’s bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Games.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from espnph on Instagram.