Alas Pilipinas women eye SEA games breakthrough after historic AVC Silver

Fresh off their historic silver medal finish at the AVC Women’s Nations Cup in Hanoi, Alas Pilipinas is setting its sights on an even bigger prize: a long-awaited breakthrough at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. The Philippine women’s national volleyball team, invigorated by their recent success, is determined to build on their gains and finally return to the podium at the region’s premier multi-sport event.

The silver medal in Vietnam marked the Philippines’ best-ever finish in an Asian-level tournament in 64 years, a testament to the significant strides the team has made under the guidance of head coach Jorge Souza de Brito and the leadership of team captain Jia De Guzman. This achievement, coupled with a bronze in last year’s AVC Challenge Cup, signals a clear upward trajectory for Philippine volleyball.

However, the SEA Games presents a different, albeit familiar, challenge. While the Philippines was once a dominant force in Southeast Asian volleyball, winning six gold medals in the past, their last podium finish at the biennial meet dates back to a bronze in 2005. Thailand and Vietnam have emerged as perennial powerhouses, making it a formidable task to break into the top tier.

Despite the stiff competition, Alas Pilipinas is approaching the upcoming 33rd SEA Games in Thailand later this year with renewed confidence and a clear vision. “We’re working hard, and every day we keep on improving from any learning experience in every competition,” stated Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who emphasized that the SEA Games is a “main target” for the Alas Women this year.

(1/3) HERstory has been made!

The Alas Pilipinas women’s national volleyball team won the silver medal at the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup on Saturday.

This marks the Philippines’ first-ever silver medal in the 64-year history of the AVC. pic.twitter.com/cVrynNdLTH

— 8List.ph (@8ListPH) June 16, 2025

Team captain Jia De Guzman, lauded as the Best Setter in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup, echoed this sentiment. She believes that the Philippines can indeed reach the level of rivals like Vietnam and Thailand if they remain committed to their current program. “We just have to stick to the program, because if we do, I have no doubt that one day, we will reach that level also. Hindi naman porke nauuna sila, hindi na sila mahahabol (Just because they’re ahead, it doesn’t mean we can’t catch up),” De Guzman asserted, highlighting the growing recognition from regional competitors that the Philippines is becoming a significant threat.

Coach De Brito is laying the groundwork for sustained success, focusing on squad depth and tactical flexibility. While acknowledging the importance of keeping the current core of 25 players who contributed to the Hanoi silver, he also stresses the need to continually integrate new talent and provide them with international exposure. This long-term vision aims to create a resilient system that can adapt to the evolving volleyball landscape, ensuring the team’s competitiveness year after year.

Before the SEA Games, Alas Pilipinas has a packed schedule that will further hone their skills and chemistry. They are set to compete in the VTV International Women’s Volleyball Cup in Vietnam later this month (June 28 to July 5) and the two-leg Southeast Asian (SEA) V.League in August (Week 1 in the Philippines, Week 2 in Indonesia). These tournaments will provide crucial opportunities to refine their strategies and test their mettle against regional rivals, all while building momentum for the much-anticipated SEA Games.

The recent silver medal is more than just a historical achievement; it’s a powerful catalyst for the Alas Pilipinas women. It has ignited a belief within the team and among Filipino fans that a return to the SEA Games podium, and perhaps even higher, is now within reach. With a blend of seasoned veterans and exciting young talent, coupled with a commitment to continuous growth, Alas Pilipinas is poised to make its mark and aim for that elusive SEA Games breakthrough.

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