Alas Pilipinas Volleyball Team Receives Honors and Cash Prizes
Philippine Sports Commissioner Bong Coo (left) and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go (center) lead the handing of cash incentives to the Alas Pilipinas women's volleyball team at the PSC conference hall inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila on Wednesday (June 26, 2024). The team bagged the bronze medal in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup which the country hosted in May. (PNA photo by Jean Malanum)
In a moment of pride for the nation, the Alas Pilipinas women’s volleyball team secured the bronze medal at the Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup. Their impressive victory over Australia, with a scoreline of 25-23, 25-15, 25-7, resonated with fans and sports enthusiasts alike.
Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, recognizing their outstanding performance, generously awarded PHP200,000 to each player and coach. The ceremony took place at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) conference hall within the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila, where Philippine Sports Commissioner Bong Coo, executive director Paolo Tatad, and Philippine National Volleyball Federation secretary general Don Caringal joined Senator Go in presenting the checks to the 14 players and nine coaching staff members.
This celebration of talent, teamwork, and dedication underscores the importance of sportsmanship and national pride. Congratulations to Alas Pilipinas!
The team also received pairs of shoes and watches.
“Itong financial support from PSC… ay para makatulong sa kanila. Pero ang importante dito ay ang drive to win. At stake dito ang ating flag, ang ating bayan. Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila na (This financial support from PSC... is to help them. But the important thing here is the drive to win. At stake here is our flag, our country. I always tell them to) give your best," Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, said.
“Karangalan po 'yun para sa ating bayan kaya dapat po ma-increase po ang suporta at incentives mula sa gobyerno para sa ating atleta. Maliit na halaga 'yan kumpara sa kanilang hirap at sa karangalan na dala dala nila habang-buhay para sa ating bayan (That is an honor for our country so the support and incentives from the government for our athletes should be increased. That is a small amount compared to their hard work and the honor they carry for life for our people)," he added.
Last week, Go distributed PHP500,000 each to the athletes going to the Paris Olympics in July.
“Alam ko hindi rin kayo ang pinakamalaking team pero 'yung puso ninyo, 'yung pusong Pinoy nyo, ay lumalaban at 'yung masarap po diyan ay yung pinagpaguran at pinagpawisan ninyo ang inyong laban (I know you are not the biggest team but your heart, your Filipino heart is fighting, and the good thing about that is that you worked hard and sweat in your fight)," Go said. “I am proud of Alas Pilipinas and I will continue to support Philippine sports, especially those in the grassroots."
Alas Pilipinas is composed of Anne Anjel Canino, Julia Cyrille Coronel, Julia Melissa De Guzman-Morado, Arrah Ella Panique, Thea Allison Gagate, Vanessa Gandler, Ejiya Laure, Dawn Nicole Macandili-Catindig, Jennifer Nierva, Faith Janine Shirley Nisperos, Cherry Rose Nunag, Dell Palomata, Cherry Anne Rondina and Mereophe Sharma.
The members of the coaching staff are Jorge Edson De Brito, Ronwald Kris Dimaculangan, Eduardo Ortega, Grace Gomez, Joyce Antoniette Palad, Justin Santos, Norman Montalvo, Hollie Reyes and Angelica Bautista.
Alas Pilipinas is preparing for the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Challenger Cup which will be held at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, also within the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, next week.