Alas Pilipinas set for men's SEA V. League debut

c/o PNVF

Alas Pilipinas is set to officially make its local debut in men's volleyball with the upcoming SEA V. League later this week.

Under its new head coach Angiolino Frigoni, they will face off this Friday against Vietnam at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with matches against Indonesia on Saturday and Thailand this Sunday.

Frigoni was named to the post back in June, with the FIVB providing the recommendation. The 70-year-old served as the mentor to Italy's women's national team when it made its Olympic appearances in 1992 and 2000.

Backstopping him are assistants Dante Alinsunurin, Matteo Antonucci, and Odjie Mamon, alongside trainer Dexter Clamor, and physiotherapist Yuichi Akaba. Jerome Guhit acts as the team manager.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) expects a quality performance from Alas Pilipinas in the first leg of this competition, which will help the side prepare for its impending debut at the FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championships next year.

NSA President Ramon "Tats" Suzara says, "Playing against quality teams in Southeast Asia is a great test for our Philippine men’s team with new men’s coach Angiolino Frigoni. We are excited to see our team compete."

Called up to be the first team under Frigoni's leadership are Bryan Bagunas, Josh Ybañez, Vince Patrick Lorenzo, Jade Lex Disquitado, Kim Malabunga, Noel Kampton, Gabriel Casaña, Ave Joshua Retamar, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, Jenngerard Diao, Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez and Michaelo Buddin.

All the Philippines matches will take place at 6pm, with the first game of the double-header scheduled at 3pm. Tickets are available at the gate or through TicketMax.

Alas Pilipinas will then head to Indonesia for the SEA V. League's second leg, with the details still to be determined.