Alas Pilipinas Invitational Unites Asia Through Volleyball and Pinoy Teamwork

Alas Pilipinas celebrates against Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi during their match in the 2025 Alas Pilipinas Invitationals, June 10, 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum. Handout/PNVF

Held from June 10 to 12 in Quezon City, the Alas Pilipinas Invitational showcases talent and camaraderie among teams from Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

🏐 Alas Pilipinas Invitationals 2025

📅 When & Where

• Dates: June 10–12, 2025

• Venue: Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City

• Organized by: Philippine National Volleyball Federation as a tune-up tournament before the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship to be hosted in the Philippines later this year 

👥 Participating Teams

Four teams are competing:

1. Alas Pilipinas Men’s National Team – led by coach Angiolino Frigoni and captain Bryan Bagunas 

2. Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi – 2024 Indonesian Proliga champions 

3. Hyundai Capital Skywalkers – reigning champions of the Korea V-League 

4. Thailand Men’s National Team – strong regional rivals 

   
   

🏁 Tournament Kickoff & Early Results

• Opening Match (June 10):

  • Alas Pilipinas defeated Jakarta Bhayangkara in a thrilling 4-set match—highlighted by a breakout performance from Louie Ramirez 

  • Next Match:

    • They faced Thailand and are preparing for a pivotal clash against New Zealand later—intended as essential test matches for refining strategies. source: ABS-CBN

🧠 Strategy & Preparation

• Exposure to International Play:

  • Hyundai coach Fabio Storti noted his team’s strategic call-up to gain exposure and experience before the World Championship—signaling the competitive quality of the tournament.

• Team Selection & National Lineup:

  • The PNVF released a 16-man roster blending seasoned pros (like Marck Espejo and Joshua Retamar) and standout collegiate talents (such as Josh Ybañez, Ken Batas, and Peng Taguibolos) 

    
    

• 🌟 Why It Matters

  1. Competitive Tune-Up:

     • Playing champion teams from Indonesia, Korea, and Thailand gives the PH team invaluable match exposure ahead of global competition.

  2. Home-Court Pride & Fan Energy:

     • Smart Araneta Coliseum—capacity 14,000+—hosts passionate Filipino fans, igniting national pride and support 

  3. Blending Experience & Youth:

     • The squad mixes veterans and promising rookies, reflecting the depth of Philippine volleyball and building for a sustainable future.

  4. Regional Sports Diplomacy:

     • Inviting top Asian teams fosters goodwill, collaboration, and elevates the Philippines as a volleyball-hosting hub.

       
       

✅ How You Can Be Part of It

• Catch the action live: Tickets (starting at ₱100) are available via TicketNet for match times at 4 PM and 7:30 PM daily 

  
  

• Support on social media: Cheer using hashtags like #AlasPilipinas, #VolleyballPH, and #TeamPH—and engage with live updates from Volleyball Philippines pages.

  
  

• Join volleyball communities: Follow post-match content, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories—creates great connection and energy.

The Alas Pilipinas Invitationals is more than just a series of games—it’s a symbol of national pride, strategic preparation for the world stage, and evidence of the Philippines’ growing status in international volleyball. The energy, teamwork, and unity on display speaks volumes about the unity behind our flag's Ace.

Sources: ABS-CBN News, One Sports Ph, GMA Network