Last year, bronze was the pinnacle. This year, it might just be the beginning.
Alas Pilipinas Women have shattered expectations once more, punching their ticket to the AVC Women’s Nations Cup Final with a thrilling five-set victory over Chinese Taipei on Saturday night.
Now, with defending champion Vietnam standing between them and history, captain Jia De Guzman promised one thing: the Philippines will be all in.
“Last year, our best brought us to bronze, and this time, it’s going to bring us to higher heights,” De Guzman declared after the 25-17, 25-21, 18-25, 15-25, 15-12 win in the semifinals.
“So tomorrow, we’re just going to bring our best again and no matter what, para lang talaga sa bayan.”
It was a match that mirrored the Filipinas’ growth — starting with composure, surviving turbulence, and finishing with grit.
Alas came out firing, looking poised for a straight-sets sweep after dominating the first two sets. But Chinese Taipei, refusing to go quietly, stormed back to claim the third and fourth while forcing a tense, win-or-go-home fifth set.
“From our win yesterday against Kazakhstan, the moment we went to the dugout, we knew that today was also going to be a hard game. But we’re very grateful that we surpassed that test of character,” said De Guzman, an eight-time PVL Best Setter whose calm command was crucial throughout the pressure-packed duel.
Anchored by De Guzman’s leadership and lifted by the explosive finishes of Eya Laure and Bella Belen, the Philippines clawed back in the deciding set. Belen herself delivered the final blow that capped the nation’s first finals appearance on the continental stage in over 60 years.
“Being up two sets, losing two sets, then coming back in the fifth set. That’s really hard to do against a team like Chinese Taipei. You also have to give credit to the other team for adjusting so well and giving us a good fight,” De Guzman added.
“I’m just really proud of everyone in this team. We just want to give our best every game.”
Belen, the top overall pick in the recent PVL Draft and a former three-time UAAP MVP, was electric in the victory, posting a triple-double of 15 points, 16 excellent digs, and 19 excellent receptions.
“I’m very happy because we really wanted to win this game. Not just for us, but for the Philippines. No words can explain how much we wanted this game,” said the Capital1 rookie.
Now, with less than 24 hours before the gold medal match, the Filipinas are shifting focus to Vietnam — the reigning champion, the home team, and perhaps their greatest test yet.
“We’re gonna prepare for tomorrow because we know it’s gonna be harder for us because it’s in Vietnam. I will start preparing tonight. I will watch their game and I will scout. I will do my best tomorrow and I will just think what can I do for the team in order to beat Vietnam,” said Belen.
