![Alas Pilipinas men vs Thailand AVC Challenge Cup](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2024/06/alas-pilipinas-men-vs-thailand-avc-challenge-cup-scaled.jpeg)
FILE–Alas Pilipinas during a game in the AVC Challenge Cup in Bahrain.–AVC PHOTO
It’s Alas Pilipinas men’s squad’s turn to showcase its talent when the country hosts the 2024 SEA V.League first leg starting August 16 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Philippines, led by longtime star Bryan Bagunas, kicks off its campaign against Vietnam at 6 p.m., after the 3 p.m. clash between reigning champion Indonesia and Thailand.
Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, who led his country’s women’s team in the 1992 Barcelona and 2000 Sydney Olympics, is making his debut for Alas.
READ: Alas Pilipinas men hope to show early progress under new coach
Alas Pilipinas is scheduled to battle Indonesia on Saturday at 6 p.m. before closing out its first leg against Thailand on Sunday.
Marck Espejo had to sit out due to his ongoing rehab for a nagging injur but Bagunas is teaming up with a young but talented teammates in UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez, Vince Lorenzo, Jadev Disquitado, Kim Malabunga, Noel Kampton, EJ Casaña, Owa Retamar, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, Gerard Diao, Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez, and Buds Buddin.
The final rankings will be based on the standings after a single-round robin, where Alas seek to improve a pair of fourth-place finishes in the inaugural edition last year held in Indonesia and Laguna.
The second leg will be in Indonesia.