New era for Alas Pilipinas as fresh faces lead SEA Games mission

The Philippines is heading into the 33rd Southeast Asian Games with a women’s volleyball roster that reflects both a generational shift and a renewed federation direction. 

A blend of UAAP superstars and seasoned pros forms the 14-player squad listed in the Philippine Olympic Committee’s delegation as of Thursday—marking the first official lineup released since the leadership change within the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

At the heart of the team is a core of young talents who have dominated the UAAP landscape. Reigning Season 87 MVP Bella Belen, her teammate and Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura, standout scorer Angel Canino, rising middle Amie Provido, and power opposite Alyssa Solomon represent the new wave expected to redefine the country’s international competitiveness.

They will be guided by veterans who have carried the national colors in multiple campaigns: setter Jia De Guzman, libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig, middle blocker Maddie Madayag, and the towering Dell Palomata.

Completing the PO C-listed squad are Vanie Gandler, Justine Jazareno, Eya Laure, Alleiah Malaluan, and Mars Alba—a group that adds firepower, stability, and depth across all positions.

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ALAS PILIPINAS WOMEN AT THE 33RD SEA GAMES

Here is your long-awaited Alas Pilipinas Women final 14 roster looking to end a two-decade medal drought in the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand.#AlasPilipinas #SEAGames2025 @spinph pic.twitter.com/nkcwPiDz9M

— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) December 4, 2025

But the roster also reflects the difficult decisions brought about by the SEA Games eligibility process and the federation’s overhaul. Notably missing is three-time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle, fresh off a Reinforced Conference MVP season in Petro Gazz’s championship run. Though she was reportedly included in the original pool submitted to organizers, her name was not among the final 14—something incoming PNVF president Tony Boy Liao acknowledged as part of the committee’s review process.

The absence of several figures who once formed the spine of the national pool is also striking. Former La Salle middle blockers Fifi Sharma and Thea Gagate, as well as Capital1’s rising opposite Leila Cruz, were not included. Promising FEU winger Cla Loresco, despite significant exposure earlier in the year, also missed out.

Former NU standouts Lams Lamina and Jen Nierva, once staples in the team’s rotation, are likewise out. From the initial 20-player pool, experienced names such as Kat Tolentino, MJ Phillips, and Thang Ponce were among those who fell short of the final cut—underscoring the depth and competitiveness of the selection process.

Under head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, Alas Pilipinas is attempting to break a two-decade podium drought. The Philippines last won a medal—a bronze—in 2005, while Thailand has dominated the event, capturing gold in the last 14 editions.

The road will be daunting. Placed in Group A, the Philippines opens its campaign against powerhouse Thailand on December 11, followed by a crucial matchup versus Singapore on December 12. A top-two finish is required to advance to the semifinals, where a contender from Group B—composed of Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar—awaits.

With a younger identity, renewed leadership, and a determined mix of talent, the national team hopes that this version of Alas Pilipinas will finally end years of near misses and usher in a new era of competitiveness in Southeast Asian volleyball.

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