Alas Pilipinas Women closed 2025 with a mix of breakthroughs and hard lessons that the program will carry on for years to come.
2025 was a year that truly tested—and clarified—the direction of Alas Pilipinas Women.
It was a year that delivered historic breakthroughs on the continental stage, steady results in Southeast Asia, and a difficult finish at the Southeast Asian Games.
Taken together, the highs and lows of the year offered a clearer picture of where Philippine women’s volleyball stands—and what it still needs to become.
A continental breakthrough at the AVC Nations Cup
The year’s biggest milestone came in June at the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup.
Against some of Asia’s strongest programs, Alas Women produced one of the most important results in team history, finishing with a silver medal.
It marked the first-ever Finals appearance by a Philippine volleyball team in an AVC tournament, a breakthrough that went beyond the podium.
Team captain Jia de Guzman described the result as validation—not just of effort, but of direction. The silver medal showed that growth was no longer theoretical. It was visible, measurable, and earned against elite competition.
[ALSO READ: Jia De Guzman happy to see results reflect Alas Pilipinas' growth with AVC Nations Cup silver]
The run provided momentum and belief, but it also raised expectations heading into the rest of the year.
Consistency in the SEA V.League
Buoyed by their AVC showing, Alas Women carried that form into the SEA V.League, where they delivered back-to-back bronze medals across both legs of the 2025 season.
The tournament also highlighted the growing influence of the program’s younger core. UAAP standouts Angel Canino, Bella Belen, and Shaina Nitura all made meaningful contributions, translating collegiate success into international impact.
On defense, Justine Jazareno proved to be a key addition, giving the team stability in reception and floor defense.
[ALSO READ: Jorge De Brito acknowledges ‘higher expectations’ for Alas Pilipinas in SEA V.League]
The results were steady, proving to be another sign that the program was learning how to compete consistently in the region.
The hardest lessons at the SEA Games
The year’s most challenging stretch, however, came at the SEA Games 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.
For the first time in two decades, the Philippines entered the women’s indoor volleyball competition with realistic hopes of ending a 20-year medal drought.
Alas Women navigated group play, reached the semifinals, and faced familiar regional rivals with confidence.
But losses to Vietnam in the semifinals and Indonesia in the bronze medal match left the team just outside the podium... for the fifth straight SEA Games.
The disappointment was evident—but so was the perspective.
Veterans Jia De Guzman and Eya Laure emphasized that the group fought with what it had, pointing out that this is still a young program in just its second year together.
[ALSO READ: Jia De Guzman stresses need for long-term Alas program after latest SEA Games setback]
Preparation time has often been limited, and continuity remains a work in progress.
And while the SEA Games did not deliver the ending the national team had long wanted, it clarified what still needs to be built.
What 2025 revealed
As a year-ender, 2025 stands as both a checkpoint and a reality check for Alas Women.
The silver medal at the AVC Nations Cup proved the team can compete with Asia’s best. The SEA V.League bronzes showed regional consistency. The SEA Games, meanwhile, exposed the gaps that only longer preparation and sustained togetherness can close.
The results did not follow a straight upward line, but the direction was clear.
2025 did not complete the story of Alas Women. It defined the stage they are now on—and the work that still lies ahead.
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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.