Angel Canino sees potential in youth for Philippines women’s volleyball at SEA Games 2025

The Philippines heads into the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, with a women’s volleyball roster that signals both a generational shift and a renewed direction for the national program.

A mix of rising UAAP stars and seasoned standouts forms the 14-player lineup listed in the Philippine Olympic Committee’s delegation as of Thursday. Leading the youthful core is Angel Canino, set for her SEA Games debut alongside fellow newcomers Shaina Nitura, Amie Provido, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Justine Jazareno, Mars Alba, Vanie Gandler, and Alleiah Malaluan.

Canino, one of the UAAP’s brightest talents, believes the team’s youth will be an asset rather than a concern.

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“Well, mas bata ngayon ‘yung mga players sa SEA Games, pero siguro it’s an advantage rin for us kasi galing kami sa paglalaro with pride,” she said in a media interaction.

While relatively young, the group has gained valuable experience from a series of international tournaments over the past two years—exposure that has sharpened their skills and highlighted areas for improvement.

Shaina Nitura and Angel Canino prep for sea games after malaman na back up opposite nanaman sila: pic.twitter.com/lhDosx0Kt6

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“Malaking tulong ‘yung mga naging tournaments namin kasi nakita rin namin ‘yung mga lapses na pagbalik ng training, aayusin na lang at i-improve na lang—‘yung mga nakita naming mali namin,” Canino added.

The Philippines has endured two decades without a podium finish in women’s volleyball at the SEA Games, last medaling in 2005. Determined to help end the drought, Canino emphasized that the squad’s youth does not diminish its hunger, pride, or belief in representing the country at the highest level.

“For SEA Games, siyempre excited ako, willing to commit talaga, and ready to accept the challenge. ‘Yung tiwala ng bawat isa, tapos ‘yung will to win, ‘yung heart na meron ang bawat isa, hindi matutumbasan ng kahit ano.

“So I think this is another level of pride kasi siyempre dala-dala namin lahat ng mga kababayan namin—buong Pilipinas. So kahit mas bata ‘yung mga maglalaro sa SEA Games, ma-e-expect niyo na magpu-push talaga sila nang todo-todo, at itatry talaga namin ‘yung best namin to perform and showcase kung ano ‘yung kaya namin para sa mga Pilipino. Kaya rin namin kinuha ‘tong responsibility na ‘to para ipakita na may kaya rin kami as Filipinos,” she concluded.

The road to a medal, however, will be challenging. The Philippines is slotted in Group A and opens its campaign against regional powerhouse Thailand on December 11, followed by a must-win match against Singapore on December 12. Only the top two teams in the group will advance to the semifinals, where a contender from Group B—Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, or Myanmar—awaits.

Armed with a younger identity, renewed leadership, and a determined blend of talent, the new-look Alas Pilipinas hopes to finally break years of near misses and usher in a new era of competitiveness in Southeast Asian volleyball.

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