Alas Pilipinas during the SEA V-League.–SAVA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — More than their consistent podium finishes in the SEA V-League, Jia De Guzman and Dawn Macandili-Catindig relished the growth of the young Alas Pilipinas team months before the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
De Guzman, who has been the captain of the Alas program since last year, is thrilled to see the progress of the roster, led by up-and-coming national stars Angel Canino, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Eya Laure.
READ: Alas’ Justine Jazareno is SEA V-League leg 2 Best Libero
Dawn Catindig and Jia De Guzman on their #SEAVLeague bronze medals. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/QpTR2xcw92
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 12, 2025
“We’re happy because not just of the podium finishes but also because our main goal is to build something long-term, so these are all building blocks of what we want to do as a team,” De Guzman told reporters in Filipino during a promotional event for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
“The direction is clear for both us players and the coaches. We know what we want to achieve. We’re taking small steps in building a system and getting more people to buy into it. And with our recent wins, you can see that it’s working. We just hope this continues.”
Catindig, a long-time national team libero, said having as much exposure as possible is what this promising program needs.
“For the younger players, this is a really important time for them to gain experience and be exposed to this level of competition. These are the kinds of games they need to play in so they can carry that experience into future tournaments. It also helps them bring what they’ve learned back to their universities or club teams, and eventually, to future national team stints,” said Catindig in Filipino.
Catindig is proud of the team’s continuous improvement with four consecutive bronze medals in the SEA V-League and surpassing their third-place finish last year in the Nations Cup with a historic first Asian final appearance against powerhouse Vietnam last June.
READ: Alas claims another bronze but loses Alyssa Solomon to injury
Alas coach Jorge De Brito on their #SEAVLeague2025 stint @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Fye6D5UL1t
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 12, 2025
“We’re proud of the team because our progress has become more consistent. That’s really what we’re working hard for, to reach an even higher podium finish,” she said.
De Guzman believes the key to Alas’ rise is that the players are working on the same page with one goal in mind, which is to put Philippine volleyball to greater heights.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
“Now, it shows that young ones, experienced ones, we’re all comfortable playing with each other and that’s because since the start of the season, and even last year, coach did everything they could and are encouraging us to be able to play and perform who are inside the court,” De Guzman said.
“At the end of the day, we’re all playing in the same system, we’re all trusting in the same system, so it should be easier for us to work together, no matter who’s subbed in. It just shows that whoever gets on the court, the rest of us fully support them. We’re grateful that things are going our way, and we hope the support continues.”
Coach Jorge Souza De Brito said Alas remains hungry for more improvement and success as they eye to end a 20-year medal drought in the SEA Games.
