Alas Pilipinas Women took another step forward in their Southeast Asian Games buildup, securing bronze medals in both legs of the 2025 SEA V.League to close out the national team window this year.
The Nationals defeated Indonesia in both legs to claim the bronze, matching their finish from last year’s edition and adding another layer to the foundation of a long-term program aimed at making the Philippines a consistent force in Southeast Asian volleyball.
“We’re happy not only because of the podium finishes but also because our main goal is to build something long-term,” said Alas team captain Jia De Guzman during the promotional campaign for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship at the LRT-2 Recto station on Tuesday.
“These are all building blocks to what we want to do as a team, and clear naman yung direction sa aming players and sa coaches kung ano gusto namin ma-achieve.”
De Guzman acknowledged that progress may be coming in small steps, but emphasized that the back-to-back podium finishes are proof that the system of Brazilian head coach Jorge Souza de Brito is delivering results. She noted that these achievements reflect a steady upward trajectory for the program.
That rise was already evident before the SEA V.League, as Alas clinched a historic silver medal in the AVC Nations Cup and finished fourth in the VTV Cup — performances that underscored the strides the team has made over the past two years.
(C) SAVA
“The small steps ng progress of building a system and getting more people to come in the team and buy into the system, it shows din that things are working. Sana magtuloy-tuloy lang talaga,” she added.
De Guzman reiterated the team’s full commitment to the long-term vision laid out by the coaching staff, while also expressing gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support and genuine concern throughout the team’s buildup. She stressed that the players have complete trust in the system and in the direction they are working toward.
“We’re happy that a lot of people and fans are very invested in the sport, especially the national team, because we’re bringing pride to the country and doing our best to show up and build something long-term,” said De Guzman.
“But at the same time, everyone who came into this team knew what we were signing up for. We knew that to stay in the team, we have to believe in the system and everyone is working toward the same direction,” she continued.
“We’re very happy that everyone is doing what they can to contribute to what we’re building now. We’re grateful that a lot of people are talking about it, and at the same time, the truth is we just trust the system and the coaches. We’re here to show up every day.”
