MANILA — Armed with a youthful core groomed through two years of international exposure, the revamped Alas Pilipinas Women’s squad is looking to finally break the country’s 20-year medal drought when volleyball action in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games begins next week in Bangkok, Thailand.
The team features nine SEA Games debutantes — a generational shift that outside hitter Angel Canino believes could be the program’s turning point rather than a liability.
“Well, mas bata ngayon ‘yung mga players sa SEA Games, pero siguro it’s an advantage rin for us kasi galing kami sa paglalaro with pride,” said the 22-year-old Negrense standout, one of the leaders of the new-look roster.
Despite their age, most of the players have logged significant minutes on the international stage through various AVC and invitational tournaments — battles that have sharpened their maturity and revealed areas for improvement.
“Malaking tulong ‘yung mga naging tournaments namin kasi nakita rin namin ‘yung mga lapses na pagbalik ng training, aayusin na lang at i-improve na lang — ‘yung mga nakita naming mali namin,” added Canino, who anchors a group that includes Shaina Nitura, Amie Provido, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Justine Jazareno, Mars Alba, Vanie Gandler, and Alleiah Malaluan.
The Philippines opens its SEA Games campaign against defending champion Thailand on December 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Indoor Stadium Huamark before facing Singapore the next day.
Canino said the team understands the magnitude of the challenge but embraces the opportunity to chase the country’s first women’s volleyball podium finish since 2005.
“For SEA Games, siyempre excited ako, willing to commit talaga, and ready to accept the challenge,” she said. “Yung tiwala ng bawat isa, tapos ‘yung will to win, ‘yung heart na meron ang bawat isa, hindi matutumbasan ng kahit ano.”
For her, carrying the Philippine flag at this stage brings a heightened sense of purpose.
“So I think this is another level of pride kasi siyempre dala-dala namin lahat ng mga kababayan namin — buong Pilipinas. So kahit mas bata ‘yung mga maglalaro sa SEA Games, ma-e-expect niyo na magpu-push talaga sila nang todo-todo, at ita-try talaga namin ‘yung best namin to perform and showcase kung ano ‘yung kaya namin para sa mga Pilipino,” she said.
“Kaya rin namin kinuha ‘tong responsibility na ‘to para ipakita na may kaya rin kami as Filipinos.”/PN
