A series of overseas training camps await Alas Pilipinas following their participation in the AVC Champions League this May, as they continue their buildup for the FIVB Men’s World Championship.
After competing in the Asian club tournament — scheduled from May 11 to 18 in Hirakata and Kyoto, Japan — the national team is set to hold training camps in Japan, the United States, and Europe.
Alas, competing under the banner of the Cignal HD Spikers, will resume its preparations for the world tournament in the AVC Champions League, where they are grouped in Pool B alongside powerhouse clubs Osaka Bluteon (Japan) and Shanghai Bright (China).
According to PNVF president Tats Suzara, national team head coach Angiolino Frigoni decided not to recruit foreign guest players — even though teams are allowed up to three — to focus entirely on the development of the national squad for the World Championship.
“I heard from Coach [Angiolino] Frigoni na hindi tayo kukuha ng import even if you’re allowed to get three imports. Ang thinking niya, let the national team be as it is,” said Suzara during the PNVF-MVP Group partnership announcement on Monday.
Following their AVC Champions League campaign, Alas will immediately set up camp in Japan before flying to New York for a series of exhibition matches.
The team will then conclude their overseas training in Europe before returning to the Philippines in July to complete the final phase of their preparation for the World Championship, which the country will host from September 12 to 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“After that [AVC Champions League], they will have a training camp in Japan. Then, they go to New York, to the U.S. for exhibition matches, and then go to Europe. Babalik na sila dito by July na. It’s good that they’re out there training,” Suzara said.
Suzara acknowledged the tough challenge ahead for Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB World Championship, where they are grouped in Pool A alongside Iran, Egypt, and Tunisia.
Still, he remains hopeful that the intensive overseas training will give the team valuable experience as they gear up for battle.
“Tunisia is not an easy team, also. They were African champions. Egypt also, and Iran, world-class ‘yung Iran. I’m hoping. Masaya na ko kapag maka-one set tayo sa mga kalaban but who knows, we might have a chance,” said Suzara.
“Sa AVC [Women’s] Champions League, PLDT yung nag-five sets, Petro Gazz nag-five sets. It will show the leverage of our skills if we improved or not.”
#WATCH: PNVF President Tats Suzara shares updates on Brooke Van Sickle’s and MJ Phillips’ federation transfers, plus updates on the Philippines’ hosting of the #MWCH2025! 🇵🇭🏐
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times #Sambansa pic.twitter.com/Jh64oMQs7X
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 28, 2025
