THE Philippine national teams continue to have a busy 2024 international competition lineup, with Alas Pilipinas Men now in the spotlight after landing in Italy to begin their two-week training camp.
Almost a month after winning back-to-back bronze medals in the SEA V. League, the Philippine men’s volleyball team is back and preparing for one the world’s biggest volleyball tournament.
In preparation for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship and to improve team connection, Alas Pilipinas is set to meet several Italian “second level” teams at the training camp.
The preparation
According to a Facebook post from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the men’s volleyball team will face Italian volleyball squads once training camp begins.
Alas Pilipinas head coach Angiolino Frigoni disclosed this to the media during Saturday’s drawing of lots at Solaire Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City.
“We play some matches there, not with the best team, because the best team, they are already in the competition, but the team for the second level in Italy, they are even good for us,” said Frigoni said
The Philippines, which will host the world event for the first time in history, was automatically assigned to Pool A, alongside world No. 15 Iran, African Championship winner Egypt, and 11-time African champion Tunisia.
Frigoni believes that the outcome of the draw might have been much more difficult for the home team: “I can say that for us, all teams are pretty difficult, but those two are not as difficult as Italy, Poland, and the others.”
Nothing but gratitude
Josh Ybañez, a fan favorite from the UST Golden Spikers, is looking forward to the training camp and intends to use it to prepare for the international championship next year.
“Feel ko sobrang privileged namin kasi nga makakapunta kami Europe and we’ll be able to play against sa mga player doon sa Italy and alam naman namin kung gaano sila ka-high ‘yung level ng volleyball doon,” he said.
Meanwhile, Frigoni is urging all Filipino volleyball fans to back the Philippines over whichever team they face. Citing the observation of more Filipinos cheering for the opponent in their show match against Japan.
“What I hope is that Filipinos will start to be a little bit different. Cheer for Filipinos, please. Because when we played against Japan (Osaka Bluteon), they cheered more for Japan than for the Philippines,” said Frigoni.
The volleyball coach is likewise reducing his expectations for the team. He merely expects them to fight with pride against everyone and not give up so quickly.
