Angel Canino embraces leadership role as young Alas Pilipinas aims to end SEA Games medal drought

Angel Canino is set to make her Southeast Asian Games debut not just as one of the Philippines’ brightest young stars, but as a leader of one of the most youthful national volleyball squads the country has fielded in recent years.

Despite having eight players born in 2000 or later, Alas Pilipinas Women enters the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand as the second-oldest team in the seven-nation tournament, with an average age of 25.1. Only powerhouse and 14-time defending champion Thailand is older at 27.6.

Trailing the Philippines in age are Vietnam (25), Myanmar (23.3), Indonesia (21.5), Singapore (20.9), and Malaysia (20.5).

Yet for Canino, the relative youth of the roster—headlined by fellow 2004-born standouts Shaina Nitura and Amie Provido—is not a liability but a strength.

“Mas bata ngayon ‘yung mga players sa SEA Games, pero siguro, it’s an advantage din for us kasi galing kami halos lahat [sa schools] na naglalaro with pride,” she said. “This is another level of pride kasi siyempre dala-dala namin lahat ng mga kababayan namin, buong Pilipinas.”

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ANGEL’S FLIGHT

Alas Pilipinas Women’s Angel Canino is ready to lead a new breed of younger national team stars with newfound confidence ahead of the 33rd SEA Games. #AlasPilipinas #SEAGames2025 @spinph pic.twitter.com/CPgb04rEAB

— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) December 6, 2025

For the 22-year-old superstar, the anticipation of experiencing her first SEA Games remains overwhelming.

“Hindi ko pa talaga siya masyadong naiisip kung ano ba talaga pagdating namin ng Thailand, kung ano ba talaga ang mangyayari sa’min,” Canino said.

“But first SEA Games, siyempre excited ako, willing to commit and ready to accept the challenge.”

With the team hoping to end a women’s indoor volleyball medal drought that has lasted more than two decades, doubts have surfaced regarding their limited training time and youthful composition. 

But Canino believes their hunger compensates for any shortcomings.

“Preparation-wise, nandun ulit kami sa two days bago makumpleto bago mag-competition,” she admitted.

“Kahit mga bata siguro mga maglalaro sa SEA Games, ma-eexpect n’yo na mag-push talaga sila nang todo-todo at ita-try talaga namin ‘yung best namin to perform.”

For her, the heart of the mission is simple: wear the flag with intent.

“Kaya rin naman namin kinuha itong responsibility na ‘to para ipakita na may kaya rin kami as Filipinos.”

With a youthful core and a clear emotional anchor in Canino, Alas Pilipinas heads into Thailand with belief that this year—finally—could be the year the drought breaks.

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