Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons headline a veteran-stacked Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball roster determined to finally break through against regional powerhouses in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
Alas Pilipinas are going all-in for a breakthrough podium finish in beach volleyball as veterans Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons lead the women’s squad bound for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok this December.
In the delegation list sent by the Philippine Olympic Committee to the media, Alas Pilipinas beach will field a seasoned, battle-tested lineup across the men’s and women’s divisions for the SEA Games sand courts.
Rondina and Pons continue their beach campaign alongside Dij Rodriguez, Sunnie Villapando, and Gen Eslapor, giving Alas Women depth, familiarity, and world-level experience.
Rondina, a former FIVB World Tour podium finisher, and Pons, a two-time SEA Games bronze medalist, will again serve as the program’s cornerstone pairing.
The SiPons duo reunite for the event since their bronze finish in 2021.
On the men’s side, Alas Pilipinas features a gritty lineup bannered by Ran Abdilla, James Buytrago, Ronniel Rosales, Rancel Vargas, and Edwin Tolentino—fixtures of the national beach program who have consistently reached continental and regional playoffs.
Noticeably missing is Jude Garcia, who made his return to the Criss Cross King Crunchers and led his squad to the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational title.
Nonetheless, Alas Pilipinas’ mission on the sand courts remains daunting.
Thailand has captured eight SEA Games women's beach volleyball gold medals since the event was introduced in 2003, while Indonesia has ruled the men’s division with eight golds of their own.
The Philippines, meanwhile, owns six bronzes—three from the men's side (2005, 2007, 2019) and three from the women’s (2005, 2007, 2021).
But with momentum on their side, Alas Pilipinas believe this could be the year they break into the gold-medal conversation—or at the very least return to the SEA Games podium.
The beach events are set to begin December 18. The games will be livestreamed on Pilipinas Live.
[ALSO READ: SEA Games: PNVF chief believes Alas teams have 'good chance' to get medals]
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.