Philippines women's volleyball at SEA Games 2025: Turning the tide after two decades?

02/12/2025 14:51:00 PANDATV

The Philippines women’s volleyball team has gone two decades without winning at the SEA Games. However, their runner-up position at the 2025 AVC Nations Cup might be the positive push they need to break this streak.

Since earning the bronze medal as hosts in the 2005 SEA Games, the Philippines have not returned to the podium in women’s volleyball. Notably, they have finished fourth in the last four Southeast Asian Games in a row.

New momentum from the historic silver medal

A week of competition at the 2025 AVC Nations Cup has shown an undeniable truth: the Philippines have truly risen to become one of the region’s strong teams. Despite losing 0-3 (15-25, 17-25, 14-25) to Vietnam in the final, the silver medal is regarded as a golden achievement. It is not only the highest placement for the Philippines in this tournament but also a statement that they are closer than ever to the elite level in Southeast Asia.

Two VTV channels will broadcast live the football match between U22 Vietnam and U22 Laos at SEA Games 2025.

Vietnam’s head coach, Nguyen Tuan Kiet, also gave special praise: "The Philippines team played a very impressive match. They will definitely be strong contenders at this year’s SEA Games." This compliment from the region’s strongest rival highlights the great momentum the Philippines currently have.

It is important to remember that the Philippines entered the final in poor condition after a five-set semifinal against Chinese Taipei. Nonetheless, their resilient fighting spirit and clear progress have made the region view them differently. Team captain Jia De Guzman, named best setter for the second consecutive year, admitted the silver medal means more than just a title: "We didn’t expect to reach the final. This achievement shows that the Philippines’ long-term training program is on the right path."

Key players like Angel Canino (1.80m) and Bella Belen (1.73m), though not very tall, impressed with their jumping ability, fighting spirit, and ability to create breakthroughs. Even Vietnam’s coach remarked they "stand out despite not being very tall," showing that the Philippines have overcome height disadvantages through skill and tactical growth.

Determined to change their fate and challenges ahead of SEA Games 2025

Despite their strong rise, the Philippines still have a major task: ending a 20-year medal drought at the SEA Games. This responsibility falls on head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, the mastermind behind the revival of Philippine women’s volleyball.

The silver medal at the AVC Nations Cup 2025 could be the catalyst for the Philippines to aim for a SEA Games medal after two decades of missing out.

"My stance has always been clear: the national team must include only the best athletes," De Brito stated in The Manila Times. "This is not a place for favoritism or easy choices. Only the best get to wear the national jersey." This statement reflects the Brazilian coach’s strict philosophy and sets the expectation for the strongest possible squad forSEA Games 2025..

Of course, their journey is not smooth. Unlike the men’s team, which is training thoroughly in Taipei, the women’s team faces many challenges as several players compete domestically, preventing full training sessions. "We train every day, sometimes with just two, sometimes six players," De Brito shared about their current situation. "This is how we are preparing for the SEA Games right now. It’s very different from the men’s team, which has better conditions. But this is the reality the girls face."

Despite limited conditions, Coach De Brito still sees huge potential after the continental silver medal: "We always hope for a medal. The girls are even more motivated after recent results against teams that will definitely participate in the SEA Games." This desire and progress are why he believes the Philippines are ready to set the highest goals.

Areas for improvement

Although star player Jaja Santiago, who changed nationality to Japan, cannot be called up, the Philippines currently have a young, ambitious generation supported by experienced leaders like De Guzman.

However, to become true championship contenders, they need to address some major issues. First, team cohesion is lacking due to fragmented training schedules, preventing the squad from maintaining the necessary synergy for top-level competition. Second, being exhausted after the match against Chinese Taipei and then losing 0-3 to Vietnam shows the Philippines still struggle with sustaining high-intensity play continuously. Tactically, they need more attacking options beyond the standout performances of hitters like Canino and Belen. If they overcome these challenges, the Philippines have shown they can create a historic breakthrough.

If they solve their preparation difficulties, the Philippines are fully capable of becoming the most notable story atSEA Games 2025, and may even write new chapters in the history of their women’s volleyball.

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