Jia De Guzman returns to national team duty, Bagunas leads Alas Men for 20th Asian Games
Veteran standouts Jia De Guzman and Bryan Bagunas headline the Alas Pilipinas Women’s and Men’s volleyball pool unveiled by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan scheduled from September 19 to October 4.
The announcement comes as the POC takes over the country’s national volleyball program following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) by the FIVB.
Alas Women blend veterans and emerging talents
The Alas Women’s squad will once again be led by veteran setter Jia De Guzman, returning to international duty after missing the AVC Women’s Cup in Candon earlier this month.
Japanese coach Taka Minowa has been appointed as head coach of the Alas Women’s team. Minowa, who previously handled the Akari Chargers and Nxled Chameleons in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), also coached the Alas Women’s in 2024 and most recently served as an assistant coach for Japan’s Aisin Tealmare Hekinan.
The women’s lineup features a mix of veterans and rising stars. Completing the pool are Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Dawn Catindig, Bella Belen, Angel Canino, Eya Laure, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Vanie Gandler, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, Niña Ytang, Pangs Panaga, Erika Santos, Arah Panique, Mars Alba, Gel Cayuna, Shaira Jardio, Dell Palomata, Shaina Nitura, and Alyssa Solomon.
Nitura is included in the list despite still recovering from an ankle injury that continues to sideline her from full training.
Alas Men retain experienced core for Asian Games
On the men’s side, veteran standouts Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo headline the national team as they gear up for their second consecutive Asian Games appearance following their stint in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Much of the squad has remained intact from the Alas Pilipinas team that competed in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, which the Philippines hosted in September last year.
Joining Bagunas and Espejo in the initial pool are Lloyd Josafat, Jude Garcia, Buds Buddin, Leo Ordiales, Al Bukharie Sali, Peng Taguibolos, Owa Retamar, Josh Ybañez, Adrian Villados, Vince Lorenzo, Kristofer Rodge Alejos, and Trevor Valera.
The Alas Men squad will be guided by Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, as they aim to continue their upward trajectory following their bronze-medal finish at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games last year in Thailand.
Like Minowa, Frigoni’s appointment will officially take effect on July 1 and remain valid until October 15.
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