As the countdown begins for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, Alas Pilipinas finds itself at a critical crossroads—armed with potential, driven by hunger, and unbothered by pressure.
For head coach Jorge Souza De Brito, that pressure isn’t a problem—it’s fuel.
“We know expectations are rising. That’s a good thing,” said De Brito. “It means we’re doing something right.”
Coming off a silver-medal finish in the AVC Challenge Cup and a solid showing in Vietnam’s VTV Cup, the national women’s volleyball team is facing perhaps its most talent-laden era in two decades. Yet the true challenge lies ahead: transforming a promising generation into history-makers by ending the country’s 20-year medal drought in the SEA Games.
Before that dream can be realized in December, the team must first brave the Southeast Asia (SEA) V.League, starting August 1 in Thailand. The tournament will pit them against volleyball giants Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia—teams that have traditionally dominated the region.
Dual-lineup dilemma or advantage?
A good kind of chaos is unfolding for De Brito, who now faces the enviable task of choosing between two competitive rosters. On one hand, there’s the tested core led by Jia De Guzman, Eya Laure, Angel Canino, and Dawn Macandili-Catindig—names that brought the country to a rare AVC final. On the other, there’s a hungry wave of upstarts like UAAP Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura and reinforcements Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips, who are awaiting clearance to officially suit up for the flag.
Despite the mix of veterans and newcomers, De Brito is confident that both groups share one thing: an unwavering commitment to the flag.
“This group surprises me every day. Rain or shine, they show up. Even with some players juggling PVL weekend games, they give their all,” he said. “That kind of mindset—that’s what makes us dangerous.”
Preparation over perfection
At the Philsports Arena, the grind doesn’t stop. Amid bad weather and tight schedules, Alas Pilipinas is deep in training. The focus isn’t just on skills but also on mentality, consistency, and learning to handle big moments under pressure.
“We want to grow fast, but consistency takes time,” De Brito admitted. “We’re not rushing perfection. We’re committed to progress.”
The SEA V.League campaign will be brutal. The Filipinas open their stint against host and defending champion Thailand on August 1, face Vietnam the next day, and then close the first leg against Indonesia on August 3. The second leg shifts to Vietnam from August 8 to 10.
Still, De Brito insists it’s not just about wins and losses—it’s about becoming battle-ready for the SEA Games in December.
“We’re building something bigger than just a team. We’re building belief.”
Beyond the SEA V.League
After the two-legged V.League, the Filipinas will get another valuable test—a friendly against World No. 11 Dominican Republic, a powerhouse from the global volleyball stage. It’s a rare opportunity that could accelerate their development and test how close they are to the international standard.
Alas Pilipinas is no longer just a team hoping to compete—they’re now a team expected to contend. And for the players, coaches, and the entire volleyball community, that pressure feels more like a privilege.
Because for the first time in a long time, Philippine volleyball isn’t just playing catch-up—it’s threatening to break through.