Alas Pilipinas Men are scheduled to take on powerhouse Japan in a tune-up match next month, as revealed by PNVF president Tats Suzara during the unveiling of the national teams’ new moniker and logo at the TV5 Media Center last Wednesday.
The fourth-ranked squad in the world will face the World Championship-bound Philippines in an exhibition match on June 15 at the Philsports Arena.
“We have a friendly match with Japan on June 15 at the Philsports (Arena). The Philippine men’s team and Japan,” said Suzara.
Japan will fly to the country to compete in the Manila leg of the Volleyball Nations League, which runs from June 18 to 23 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
(C) Cignal TV
The Philippines, on the other hand, will first compete in the 2024 AVC Cup for Men in Isa Town, Bahrain from June 2 to 9 before taking on the Japan national team.
Two years ago, the women’s national team – led by Tots Carlos and Mylene Paat – also faced Japan in the PNVF International Challenge, where they lost all four sets.
This match will be a significant boost for Alas Pilipinas Men as they kick off their preparations for the country’s hosting of the FIVB World Championship next year.
The PNVF recently announced its 21-man pool for the world tilt, headlined by superstars Bryan Bagunas of Cignal and Marck Espejo of Criss Cross.
Spikers’ Turf stars Jau Umandal (Cignal), Mark Calado (Cignal), Lloyd Josafat (Cignal), Vince Lorenzo (Cignal), and Kim Malabunga (Criss Cross) are also part of the pool.
Two-time UAAP MVP Josh Ybanes and two-time UAAP Best Setter Owa Retamar lead the collegiate standouts in the group.
Nico Almendras (NU), Joseph Bello (NU), Chao Diao (NU), Jade Disquitado (NU), Leo Ordiales (NU), Rwenzmel Taguibolos (NU), Menard Guerrero (La Salle), Noel Kampton (La Salle), Sherwin Umandal (UST), Louie Ramirez (Perpetual), and Adrian Villados (Arellano) round out the pool.
