The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), in partnership with Cignal TV, announced that Alas Pilipinas will be the new monicker to be used by the national volleyball teams across all divisions and disciplines moving forward.
Launching the new brand and logo on Wednesday, the PNVF is looking at this as a brand-new start for the flourishing sport which has enjoyed an ascent in popularity in the country for the better part of the past decade.
And fans need not to wait long to voice out their support for Alas, with two major tournaments upcoming namely the 2024 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Challenge Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila from May 22 to 29 and the 2024 Asian Men’s Volleyball Challenge Cup in Bahrain from June 2 to 9.
“We’re delighted to kickstart this new chapter for Philippine volleyball by unveiling Alas Pilipinas, our new names for the national teams both in indoor and beach and for both men and women. We’re humbled with the outpouring support that volleyball has garnered over the past few years and we believe that it’s high time for us to rally on one singular name for our national teams,” said PNVF president Ramon Suzara.
PNVF will also enjoy expansive support from the MVP Group led by Cignal, Mwell, Smart, and Meralco as sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan promised that these entities will be behind the federation every step of the way.
“We’re proud partners of the PNVF in this noble endeavor and just like how we supported other sports, we have high hopes that we can further grow Philippine volleyball and push it to further heights,” said MediaQuest and Cignal TV president and CEO Jane J. Basas.
Cignal has promised to provide comprehensive coverage of the volleyball events through the various MediaQuest platforms, primarily on Cignal TV platforms including Free-to-Air and Pay TV, and on OTT thru Pilipinas Live and social media through One Sports, One News, and News5.
The lineups for both the Alas Pilipinas Men’s and Women’s teams were also bared during the press conference.
Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo banner the men’s team together with two-time UAAP MVP Josh Ybanez and two-time UAAP Best Setter Joshua Retamar.
Also part of the roster, which will be coached by Sergio Veloso, are Nico Almendras, Joseph Bello, JP Bugaoan, Mark Calado, Chao Diao, Jade Disquitado, Menard Guerrero, Lloyd Josafat, Noel Kampton, Vince Lorenzo, Kim Malabunga, Leo Ordiales, Louie Ramirez, Peng Taguibolos, Jau Umandal, Sherwin Umandal, and Adrian Villados.
Meanwhile, former Premier Volleyball League (PVL) MVP Sisi Rondina and eight-time PVL Best Setter Jia de Guzman spearhead the women’s squad alongside UAAP MVPs Bella Belen and Angel Canino.
Joining them in the Jorge Souza de Brito-mentored lineup are Julia Coronel, Casiey Dongallo, Thea Gagate, Vanie Gandler, Eya Laure, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Jen Nierva, Faith Nisperos, Cherry Nunag, Dell Palomata, and Fifi Sharma.
All of these culminate in the coverage of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship next year where Alas Pilipinas will joust with 31 other top volleyball nations as the Philippines hosts the world championship for men’s volleyball for the first time.
