Spirits high even as Alas girls miss days of Saints and Souls

Alas Pilipinas' U16 players and staff certainly look better than if they wore Halloween costumes. —ALAS PILIPINAS FACEBOOK

AMMAN, Jordan—The Philippines pauses every Nov. 1, as families gather at cemeteries to honor their departed loved ones.

But the Alas Pilipinas under-16 team, the country’s youngest national volleyball players, had to sacrifice the tradition for the 2nd AVC Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship at Princess Sumaya Hall here.

And as if being apart from their families wasn’t challenging enough, the girls jump straight into the fire as they battle defending champion Japan on All Saints’ Day.

“Of course, knowing our culture, we’re very family-oriented. So what we’re trying to instill in the players is the value of playing not just for the country, but also for their families—to make them proud, even if they’re far from home,” Alas U16 team manager Karl Chan told the Inquirer on Saturday.

Team captain Xyz Rayco from Saint Michael College of Caraga and her 11 teammates also eschewed Halloween costumes for the national kit and have been preparing to compete against the top Asian teams here, even if it means missing out on lighting candles with their relatives to remember departed kin.

“I face all the sacrifices and challenges because I want to grow and make the country proud. It’s hard to be away from my family this Undas, but their love and prayers give me strength. And I know how proud they are of how far I’ve come,” Rayco, a 14-year-old opposite spiker, told the Inquirer in Filipino.

Chan hopes that the team’s sacrifice will give encouragement to other young players from different places that “they have the chance to represent the country someday.”

“At the same time, we remind them that they also have a family here in volleyball, the one that’s united and working together toward a common goal, which is to perform well in the AVC Under-16 Championships,” Chan added. “We’re really looking forward to seeing them become more cohesive, even within this short period they’re together.”

Alas U16 coach Edwin Leyva has faith in Rayco that she will step up big time in this tournament.

“She’s a very all-around player. She knows how to set, receive, and serve well, aside from being a very good spiker. Very intelligent spiker, actually,” Leyva told the Inquirer.

Opposite spiker Merish Beltran from Gracel Christian College Foundation Taguig and outside hitters Kristel Mirasol from Rafael B. Lacson Memorial High School in Talisay, Nadeth Herbon from Leyte National High School, Princess Sajulga from Kibawe Bukidnon, and Kim Peralta of University of Santo Tomas will also compete with the top Asian youth teams.

Completing the national youth team are setters Resty Jane Olaguir (GCCF) and Mischa Ysabel Ambrocio (UST). Libero Frances Ramos (SMCC), and middle blockers Cristina Gale from Sagay, Negros Occidental, Jhenica Sadia (GCCF), and Megan Hernandez (Canossa Lipa).

Leyva encouraged his wards not to get intimidated by top-notch Asian programs like Japan and Iran, which the team will face on Sunday.

“The first thing I told them was to humanize the opponent. They’re people too, they make mistakes just like we do. If we perform well, we’ll bring out an even better game,” he said. “I just want them to enjoy and play their usual game. And most importantly, be proud that they are the first-ever batch of Under-16 players representing the Philippines. Hopefully, this will open doors for them to play in more international tournaments in the future.”