Alas Pilipinas Pools Announced Ahead of 2026 Asian Games
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has unveiled the preliminary player pools and coaching staff for the Alas Pilipinas men’s and women’s volleyball teams as preparations begin for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The announcement provides the clearest picture yet of the athletes expected to lead the country’s campaign in one of Asia’s most competitive multi-sport events.
Preparations carry added importance because the POC has assumed responsibility for the national volleyball program following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF). Despite the administrative changes, the country’s focus remains on assembling the strongest possible lineups before the Asian Games begin from September 19 to October 4.
Image from: Tiebreaker Times
Experienced Coaching Staff Returns for Asian Games Campaign
The Philippine Olympic Committee retained both national team coaching staffs to maintain continuity throughout the Asian Games preparation period. BusinessMirror reported that Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni will continue leading the men’s national team, while Japanese tactician Takayuki Minowa remains in charge of the women’s program.
Both appointments officially begin on July 1 and continue through October 15, covering training camps, the tournament itself, and post-competition responsibilities. Keeping the same coaches allows players to build upon established systems instead of adapting to new tactical philosophies during limited preparation time.
Coaching Continuity Supports Team Development
Retaining the same coaching staffs provides several important advantages ahead of one of Asia’s toughest volleyball competitions.
- Established offensive and defensive systems remain in place.
- Players continue working within familiar tactical structures.
- Preparation time focuses on execution instead of rebuilding systems.
- Team chemistry continues developing before final roster selection.
Maintaining continuity often becomes a competitive advantage because international tournaments provide limited opportunities to install completely new systems.
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Jia De Guzman and Bryan Bagunas Lead Veteran Core
Veteran setter Jia De Guzman once again headlines the women’s preliminary player pool after years of serving as the team’s primary floor leader during major international competitions. On the men’s side, Bryan Bagunas returns as the program’s cornerstone after building an impressive overseas career while remaining one of the country’s most accomplished scorers.
Their leadership extends well beyond statistics because both veterans have consistently guided younger teammates through high-pressure international matches across Asia. Experience against elite opponents becomes increasingly valuable as the Philippines prepares to face many of the continent’s highest-ranked volleyball nations.
Preliminary Player Pools
Women’s Pool
- Jia De Guzman
- Justine Jazareno
- Jennifer Nierva
- Dawn Catindig
- Mhicaela Belen
- Eya Laure
- Angel Canino
- Thea Gagate
- Fifi Sharma
- Vanessa Gandler
- Alleiah Malaluan
- Amie Provido
- Nina Ytang
- Janette Panaga
- Erika Santos
- Arah Panique
- Marionne Alba
- Angelica Cayuna
- Shaira Jardio
- Dell Palomata
- Shaina Nitura
- Alyssa Solomon
The women’s pool blends established national team veterans with emerging collegiate standouts, providing coaches with multiple lineup combinations before the final roster deadline.
Men’s Pool
- Bryan Bagunas
- Marck Espejo
- Lloyd Josafat
- Jude Garcia
- Michaelo Buddin
- Leo Ordiales
- Al Bukharie Sali
- Rwenzmel Taguibolos
- Owa Retamar
- Josh Ybañez
- Adrian Villados
- Vince Lorenzo
- Kristofer Alejos
- Trevor Torio
Several members of the men’s pool also represented the Philippines during the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, adding valuable international experience ahead of another major continental competition.
POC Coordinates with the Premier Volleyball League
Preparing the women’s national team requires close coordination between the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Premier Volleyball League because many athletes remain under professional club contracts. Finding the right balance between league commitments and national team preparations will become one of the most important tasks before the Asian Games.
Allowing players sufficient training time while respecting club obligations remains essential to maintaining strong relationships between the national program and professional organizations. Successful collaboration could also help maximize player availability without unnecessarily disrupting the domestic volleyball calendar.
League Cooperation Supports National Team Preparation
The POC has already initiated discussions with Premier Volleyball League officials regarding the availability of national team players. Maintaining open communication between both organizations helps minimize scheduling conflicts while allowing athletes to prepare adequately for one of Asia’s premier sporting events.
Administrative Changes Create a Unique Preparation Period
Preparations for the 2026 Asian Games differ significantly from previous international cycles because the Philippine Olympic Committee currently oversees the national volleyball program. The arrangement follows the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, placing athlete selection, coaching appointments, logistics, and international coordination under the POC.
Despite those administrative changes, national team preparations have continued without interruption as coaches and athletes remain focused on the upcoming continental competition. Maintaining organizational stability has become an important priority while governance matters continue through the appropriate channels.
POC Oversees National Team Operations
The Philippine Olympic Committee currently manages several responsibilities traditionally handled by the national volleyball federation.
- Athlete selection and roster management.
- Coaching appointments and staff administration.
- Training camp and logistical coordination.
- International communication with tournament organizers.
The temporary arrangement helps ensure the Philippines remains fully represented while administrative issues continue to be addressed.
Veteran Leadership Strengthens Asian Games Campaign
Asian volleyball remains among the strongest regional competitions in the world because several participating nations consistently compete at the Olympic Games and FIVB World Championships. Facing established powers such as Japan, China, Iran, and South Korea requires both technical quality and extensive international experience.
Keeping experienced players together provides the coaching staff with a valuable foundation while integrating younger athletes into established systems before final roster selections. The official submission deadline on July 1 also places added importance on every remaining training session leading into the tournament.
Experience Provides Competitive Stability
Several returning veterans have already competed together during recent international tournaments, giving the coaching staffs greater flexibility when evaluating possible lineups. That familiarity can improve communication, defensive organization, and offensive timing against many of Asia’s highest-ranked volleyball programs.
Analytical Breakdown: Stability Builds Stronger National Teams
Continuity could become one of the Philippines’ biggest advantages heading into the Asian Games. Retaining the same coaching staffs allows players to build on established systems instead of adapting to new philosophies during a limited preparation period. In international volleyball, familiarity with rotations, communication, and tactical responsibilities often improves consistency under pressure.
The preliminary player pools also reflect a balanced approach to roster construction. Experienced leaders such as Jia De Guzman and Bryan Bagunas provide stability, while younger standouts add athleticism and long-term potential. If preparations remain uninterrupted, the coaching staff will have a stronger foundation for developing lineups capable of competing against Asia’s established volleyball powers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will coach Alas Pilipinas during the 2026 Asian Games?
Angiolino Frigoni will coach the men’s national team, while Takayuki Minowa will lead the women’s national team.
Who leads the Alas Pilipinas women’s preliminary player pool?
Veteran setter Jia De Guzman headlines the women’s pool alongside several experienced national team players and top collegiate standouts.
Who leads the Alas Pilipinas men’s preliminary player pool?
Bryan Bagunas leads the men’s pool together with Marck Espejo, Owa Retamar, Josh Ybañez, Michaelo Buddin, and other national team veterans.
Why is the Philippine Olympic Committee managing the national volleyball teams?
The POC assumed responsibility following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation to ensure uninterrupted Asian Games preparations.
When will the 2026 Asian Games take place?
The 20th Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 through October 4, 2026.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from ALL-STAR.
