Alas Pilipinas is set to return to the Asian Games, with both the men's and women's national teams securing spots in the Aichi-Nagoya volleyball tournament.
Alas Women made the cut based on the team's International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) ranking among Asian teams -- No. 10 --while the men's team is ranked No. 15. The women's team returns to the Asiad after missing the previous edition in Hangzhou, while the men's side looks to build on its campaign from 2023.
After last-minute roster adjustments, changes in coaching duties, and the continued reshaping of both national team pools, the Philippine delegation heads to Japan with two squads looking to make their mark against Asia's best.
Alas Women: Fresh roster, daunting challenge
The Philippines returns to the Asian Games women's volleyball competition for the first time since 2018, with Alas Pilipinas taking one of its most promising pools in recent years to the continental stage.
Alas Women missed the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games after the Philippine National Volleyball Federation failed to secure sufficient player commitments before the roster deadline. Now back in the Asiad, the women's national team looks to carry the momentum from its historic silver-medal finish in SEA V Cup Leg 2 in Thailand, bouncing back after finishing Leg 1 winless in Vietnam. The podium finish marked the Philippines' best result in the regional tournament, surpassing its previous haul of six bronze medals.
The road to the knockout stages at the Asiad will be anything but easy, however; the Philippines was drawn into Pool B alongside China, the reigning Asian Games champion, and Kazakhstan. Alas Pilipinas faces China on the opening day of competition, with that perennial regional powerhouse having won nine of the 11 Asian Games titles, but the Philippines defeated Kazakhstan in straight sets at the 2025 AVC Women's Cup.
Alas enters the competition with a significantly different setup to that tournament, however, after the FIVB suspended the national federation in May, due to serious governance concerns and multiple alleged violations of the international federation's code of ethics
Taka Minowa officially took the coaching reins in July, after being appointed by the Philippine Olympic Committee, which took charge of assembling the country's Asian Games volleyball delegation after the national federation's suspension. The former Akari Chargers head coach in the Premier Volleyball League, and a former Japan national team coach, will have a mix of seasoned veterans and proven young stars at his disposal.
Jia De Guzman, the lone holdover from the Philippines' 2018 Asian Games squad, will captain a largely young group of first-time Asian Games players.
The veteran setter is backed up by Mars Alba, another experienced playmaker who gives Alas a steady option in orchestrating the offense.
At the net, Thea Gagate, Dell Palomata, Amie Provido, and Niña Ytang will anchor the middle, bringing size, quick attacks, and blocking presence.
On the wings, Bella Belen, Angel Canino, Eya Laure, and Shaina Nitura give Alas a potent group of outside hitters, combining power, attacking range, floor coverage, and the ability to score in and out of system.
Alyssa Solomon is the team's lone natural opposite, giving Alas a powerful option on the right side, while Justine Jazareno is the squad's only libero and will shoulder the bulk of the team's defensive responsibilities.
Ytang and Nitura were last-minute replacements for Erika Santos and Dawn Catindig, respectively.
Alas Men eye deeper run after world championship debut
The 20th Asian Games presents a different kind of challenge for Alas Pilipinas Men.
After making history with a 19th-place finish in their first men's world championship appearance in 2025, the Philippines turns its attention to the continental stage.
The world championship campaign gave Alas a significant boost, as the Philippines secured its first win on that global stage, defeating Egypt in four sets, and went within two points of upsetting defending Asian Games champion Iran before falling in a five-set thriller.
But the Aichi-Nagoya Games will ask a different question: Can Alas turn that promising breakthrough into a deeper run in the Asiad?
The Philippines was drawn into Pool D alongside South Korea, China, and Chinese Taipei, putting Alas in a group loaded with teams that regularly compete at the top level of Asian volleyball.
A quarterfinal berth would mark progress from the team's 13th-place finish at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, in 2023. The Philippines won one of its three group matches in China, beating Afghanistan in straight sets, before falling to Indonesia and Japan.
Alas enters the Asiad under Angiolino Frigoni, who has served as Alas Men's head coach since 2024, while established national names such as Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo are expected to provide on-court leadership and scoring alongside Michaelo Buddin and Jude Garcia.
Adrian Villados and Greg Ancheta will facilitate the offense -- distributing the ball and keeping Alas' attack fast and unpredictable.
Lirick Mendoza and Leo Ordiales will provide firepower from opposite, giving the Philippines' additional scoring options on the right side while contributing to the team's blocking presence.
Lloyd Josafat, Joshua Magalaman, and Rwenzmel Taguibolos will anchor the middle, tasked with closing gaps at the net, disrupting opponents' quick attacks, and creating scoring opportunities through blocks and quick hits.
Josh Ybañez will serve as the team's lone libero, taking charge of the back row and providing stability in serve reception and floor defense.
For Alas Men, the path is clear: Survive Pool D, break through the quarterfinal barrier, and see just how far the squad can progress.
Alas Pilipinas Women's team at the Asian Games:
The Philippines has been drawn in Pool B and will face China and Kazakhstan.
Fixtures
Sept. 16: Philippines vs China
Sept. 17: Philippines vs Kazakhstan
Tournament progression:
Sept. 20: Quarterfinals
Sept. 21: Semifinals
Sept. 22: Finals
Alas Pilipinas Men's team at the Asian Games:
The Philippines has been drawn in Pool D and will face China, Chinese Taipei, and South Korea
Fixtures
Sept. 27: Philippines vs. South Korea
Sept. 28: Philippines vs. China
Sept. 29. Philippines vs. Chinese Taipei
Tournament progression:
Oct. 1: Quarterfinals
Oct. 2: Semifinals
Oct. 3: Finals