Announcements are now being made on who will be the players participating in the 32nd SEA Games this coming May 2023. First off will be the team captains of the Women’s and Men’s Volleyball Teams namely Alyssa Valdez (women’s team) and Marck Espejo (men’s team). The venue for the next SEA Games will be at Phnom Penh, Cambodia this coming May 2023.
Players considered for Women’s Philippine Team (Volleyball)
Valdez who is currently recuperating from a right knee injury — will be joined by her Creamline teammates Jia De Guzman, Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Ced Domingo, and Kyla Atienza in the 17-player pool for the women’s division.
The other players who are considered are PLDT’s Mika Reyes, Dell Palomata, Jules Samonte, and Kath Arado. They were also invited to the training pool as well as Mylene Paat of Chery Tiggo, Petro Gazz’s MJ Phillips, Cignal’s Gel Cayuna, and the Choco Mucho pair of Kat Tolentino and Cherry Nunag.
Invites were also sent to the following players to be part of the training pool: Lia Pelaga and Riza Nogales of the University of the East.
Invites sent for Men’s Philippine Team (Volleyball)
On the other side — over at the men’s team, Espejo will be the team captain. His colleague, Bryan Bagunas will be part of the team and is just finishing up games in Taiwan where he is currently playing for the Win Streak volleyball club. Bagunas is one of the stronger players on the national team and has had valuable experience to contribute.
Invites were promptly sent to former national team players and requested another tour of duty for the coming 32nd SEA games. They are Jau Umandal hailing from Cotabato, JP Bugaoan part of the Cignal Team, Manuel Sumanguid III also part of Cignal, Kim Malabunga from Imus, Ish Polvorosa also hailing from Imus, and Kim Dayandante from Cotabato.
Included as well and have been sent invites to participate in the coming SEA games were Vince Mangulabnan, Chumason Njigha also from Cignal, Jade Disquitado hailing from Iloilo, and Vince Lorenzo coming from Cotabato.
Well-known college players were also sent feelers to be part of the national team. They are players Michael Buddin, Jann Sumagui, Joseph Bello, Leo Ordiales. Star players Rwenzmel Taguibolos of National University, La Salle’s Noel Kampton, and Jay Dela Noche of the University of Sto. Tomas will complete the group.
Currently, Brazilian head coach Jorge Souza de Brito will once again call the shots for the women’s team while interim head coach Odjie Mamon, who replaced Dante Alinsunurin, will take over the men’s side.
All’s good with the Philippine National Volleyball Team for both Men’s and Women’s categories. Wishing all the best to our athletes, too. Would you like us to feature more details on the teams participating in the SEA Games? Just let us know in the comment section below. We always look forward to hearing from you guys!
