The Philippines will host the men's SEA V Cup at Candon City Arena this week, featuring a slew of World Championship veterans spearheading the Alas Pilipinas team.
The team, mentored by Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, will be led by energetic players Josh Ybañez, Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez, and Vince Lorenzo, who were part of the historic team that saw action in the Worlds the country hosted a year ago.
The Nationals took in Jude Garcia, a Southeast Asian Games beach volley bronze winner, to help fill the huge void left by the explosive duo of Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, who will be absent from the competition.
Completing the Alas roster are Jian Salarzon, Axel Van Book, JJ Macam, Al-Bukharie Sali, Rodge Alejos, Trevor Valera, Lirick Mendoza, Josh Magalaman, Greg Ancheta, Adrian Villados, and Vennie Ceballos.
The Filipinos are seeking a medal finish this time after missing out on a podium finish in the last two legs of this annual event in Ilocos Sur city and Jakarta, Indonesia.
The team's best effort came two years ago when it snared a couple of bronzes in Manila and Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Candon City Mayor Eric D. Singson expressed confidence in staging international sporting events, saying hosting this prestigious championship is a significant milestone for the city.
The Philippines will take a break on Thursday before returning to the floor on Friday to face Indonesia, the second leg titlist last year.
