MANILA, Philippines — Dawn Macandili-Catindig and Jia De Guzman, the only players remaining from the Philippine women’s volleyball team that competed at the 2018 Asian Games, urged their younger Alas Pilipinas teammates to embrace the experience as they return to the Games in Aichi-Nagoya next week.
Catindig and De Guzman made their Asian Games debuts in Indonesia eight years ago. They now lead a squad featuring 11 first-time Asian Games players.
“I think the difference is that back then, we were the young ones,” Catindig said in Filipino. “Now, we’re the ones helping the younger players and figuring out how we can help them prepare mentally, especially when we’re up against bigger teams.”
The team includes Eya Laure, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Niña Ytang, Angel Canino, Dell Palomata, Erika Santos, Mars Alba, Thea Gagate, Amie Provido and Justine Jazareno.
Catindig encouraged her younger teammates to value the experience regardless of the result.
“We just want them to embrace the experience. Win or lose, the experience is really what we hold on to,” she said.
Alas Pilipinas enters the Asian Games with confidence after winning a historic silver medal in the second leg of the SEA V Cup last month under Japanese coach Taka Minowa.
Catindig said Minowa has focused on strengthening the team’s basic skills, particularly serve-receive and defense, as the squad prepares for international competition.
“He’s pretty much the same approach, especially when it comes to playing internationally,” Catindig said.
The Philippines will face defending champion China and Kazakhstan in Pool B. China seeks its third consecutive Asian Games title.
Catindig said the Philippines can draw confidence from its previous victory over Kazakhstan at the 2025 AVC Women’s Cup, where Alas finished runner-up.
“We’ve beaten Kazakhstan before, so I think it’s possible for us to do it again,” Catindig said.
She added that the team will study its opponents and rely on its strengths when facing stronger teams.