MANILA, Philippines – Following their unprecedented silver-medal win at the AVC Women’s Nations Cup, Alas Pilipinas continues to keep their sights firmly set on breaking the nation’s two-decade-long Southeast Asian Games medal drought when they compete in Thailand this December.
For the first time in 64 years, Alas reached the AVC finals but was swept by the three-time defending champions from Vietnam with scores of 25-15, 25-17, and 25-14 in Hanoi on Saturday.
READ: Jia De Guzman enjoys Alas Pilipinas's progress following AVC achievement
However, the horizon holds endless possibilities for Alas as they aim for further development and expansion with the support of their Brazilian mentor, Coach Jorge Souza De Brito, alongside team leader Jia De Guzman steering them forward.
De Brito will keep working to optimize Alas' preparation for the 33rd SEA Games as they aim to secure the Philippines' first medal since winning the bronze in 2005 in Bacolod with coach Ramil De Jesus.
"Absolutely, we're committed to this fight, yet facing these leading teams—[Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia]—is going to be challenging. Naturally, we'll compete with great pride, as our recent successes have raised everyone's expectations. However, it won’t be easy. We’ll make sure to get ready for this challenge," stated De Brito at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum held on Tuesday in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex’s conference hall.
De Guzman, who secured her consecutive second title at the Nations Cup for Best Setter, thinks that more formidable challenges lie ahead as they aim to achieve even higher goals following their breakthrough bronze medal win in the AVC last year.
"There's immense pressure to generate better outcomes, particularly as we're achieving milestones never reached before. Other squads are also gearing up thoroughly for this contest. Additionally, both Vietnam and Indonesia are stepping up their game through overseas training camps," stated De Guzman.
READ: 'Strong Contender' Alas Pilipinas Receives High Praise From Vietnamese Coach
We're working hard to maintain humility within our team even as we achieve success. The top priority is to believe in the process, have faith in the coach's methods, trust one another, and consistently show up every day with the aim of improving.
De Guzman acknowledged that there is a significant difference between the Philippines and major regional players like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
However, through acquiring global experience and visibility, Alas is gradually yet steadily closing the gap.
We simply need to adhere to our plan since doing so ensures me that eventually, we'll achieve the same level too. Even though they might currently lead over us, this does not imply we can't catch up," stated De Guzman. "The recognition of the Philippines' growth signifies their awareness; thus, taking advantage of this situation shows that we're beginning to pose as a challenge.
Unfortunately, who climbed 10 places to reach world No. 46, is poised for another international assignment, heading back to Vietnam for the VTV Cup in the coming weeks prior to the SEA V.League scheduled for August.