The time Alas Pilipinas spent together as one group may have been short, but it was fruitful, to say the least.
The team gave the country its first-ever podium finish in any continental-level national team competition in women’s volleyball.
Among the bonds formed was the sub-unit “ASEA,” composed of Angel Canino, Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, and Arah Panique.
This group captivated the hearts of fans with their quirky TikTok dance moves during their time together at the AVC Challenge Cup for Women.
Each member of the quartet has at least one viral dance video on their accounts, with Canino posting their take on “Kiat Jud Day,” Laure sharing their “Pantropiko” version, Panique publishing their “Tell Ur Girlfriend” dance, and Rondina posting their “Mrs. Officer” take.
@imthebatgirl18 here we go again ASEA @AngelCanino @eyalaure @imsisirondina ♬ Tell Ur Girlfriend – Lay Bankz
Off-court bonding like this made the team more solid on the Taraflex as Alas Pilipinas played their way to the bronze medal after beating Australia in the battle for third place on Wednesday.
@imsisirondina ASEA squad ayee @paniquearah @eyalaure @AngelCanino ♬ original sound – Phoebe
All four had their moments on the court, with Canino running away with the Best Opposite Spiker award.
Laure and Rondina had huge games as regular starters, while Panique unleashed her prowess off the bench in the semifinals against Kazakhstan.
For the De La Salle University ace, having this group was a huge help for her and Panique, the youngest on the team at 20 and 19 years old, respectively.
“Paunti-unti naging buo kasi sila Ate Sisi at Ate Eya talaga yung ano tapos kaming dalawang pinakabata naging close na din. Kulit-kulitan lang lagi and happy ako kasi they’re there as my ates to guide me,” said Canino.
“I’m happy yung mga younger kami ni Arah na nandyan sila sa kulitan nandyan sila sa seryoso I’m very happy na they’re there for us,” continued the UAAP Season 85 rookie MVP.
Laure loved being close with Canino and Panique, despite them being part of the teams that dealt her heartbreak during her collegiate days at the University of Santo Tomas.
Panique, who stands at 6 feet, was a rookie for National University this Season 86.
“Syempre, unexpected friendship, kasi mga nakalaban namin sila sa UST, additional lang talaga na marami kaming natututunan sa kanila, kasi sila yung nananalo sa UAAP,” said the Chery Tiggo star.
“Exchanging lang kami ng experience at energy na good vibes lang talaga. Cherish bawat moment and sabay-sabay kaming lalaban para sa Pilipinas.”
They will continue to fight for flag and country, as the PNVF announced on Thursday morning that they intend to keep the bronze-winning team moving forward.
Moreover, they await the arrival of Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Casiey Dongallo, all collegiate standouts.
The national volleyball federation also hinted that this continuity is expected up until next year, as president Tats Suzara said, “Next year in the SEA Games, I believe we’ll have a very strong fighting chance.”
The 33rd Southeast Asian Games will be held in Thailand in late 2025.
