The Philippines men’s volleyball team, determined to go all-out for the gold after a historic run in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, will leave Sunday for its Qatar training camp.
John Vic De Guzman leads the Doha-bound squad, which also includes Mark Alfafara, Nico Almendras, JP Bugaoan, Kim Dayandante, Joeven Dela Vega, Rex Intal, Lloyd Josafat, Jack Kalingking and Jessie Lopez.
Also joining the Qatar camp are Kim Malabunga, Ysay Marasigan, Ish Polvorosa, Josh Retamar, Francis Saura, Manuel Sumanguid and Jao Umandal.
The training camp, which will last until April 5, is made possible through Qatar Volleyball Association.
“It may be a short one but it is very huge for us and we always think of positive result for the SEA Games,” said De Guzman during Tuesday’s virtual send-off.
Prior to its Qatar sojourn, the national team, which has a mix of veterans and rising stars, have underwent bubble training in Enderun gym in Taguig City.
“We are honored and thankful for this opportunity to train overseas. We will gain a lot of learnings that we will bring when we compete in the SEA Games. We hope we can make our country proud,” said national coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Joining Alinsunurin in the coaching staff are assistant coaches were Ariel dela Cruz, Raymond Franza and Jeffrey Malabanan.
The Philippines’ most recent international stint was in the Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Rachasima last October, where the Rebisco-backed squad placed ninth.
“Rebisco has been and will always be firmly committed to the sport and to the improvement of all our teams. We love the sport with a passion,” Noric Ng, Business Unit Head of Rebisco, said.