Santiago: After a grueling 32-hour trip, Alas Pilipinas has arrived in Santiago, Chile for the FIVB Volleyball Girls' U17 World Championship. Philippine Ambassador to Chile Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat treated the squad to a hearty lunch and offered words of encouragement on Tuesday ahead of the tournament set from August 6 to 16.
According to Philippines News Agency, Caera Celis, Jhaynna Love Bulandres, Irish May Mahinay, and the rest of the Philippine team soaked in the warmth of the gesture as Vinzon-Balatbat, recalling her own student-athlete daughter, voiced confidence that these young ladies will grow into strong women. "It's wonderful how sports is part of your life as young women. Sports help develop your character. It instills discipline in you. It instills grit in you. It helps you deal with setbacks in life because you know life is not all about wins. You also have to learn to have the grace to face defeat," Vinzon-Balatbat said in a news release Wednesday.
The squad includes Megan Yesha Hernandez, Xyz Ellen Rayco, Sharina Rhyza Lleses, Princess Khaira Manzano, Frances Dianne Ramos, Resty Jane Olaguir, Jello Andrea Mauricio, Nadeth Faye Herbon, Cristina Madela Gale, Jhenica Sadia, and Taj Arkhea Teves. Vinzon-Balatbat expressed her commitment to support the team, stating, "These experiences are absolutely valuable in forming who you will be in the future. We will be there to cheer you on. I know your opponent is strong, but so was David's."
After the marathon journey from Manila, the team gets to rest and recover before getting a feel of the venue on Wednesday ahead of the competition. The Philippines will face world No. 1 and defending champion China in the opener on Thursday at Liceo Mixto San Felipe, followed by matches against Mexico, Peru, Tunisia, and Venezuela in Pool B.
The 24-team tournament will take place across three venues, with Pool A and Pool C matches set in Santiago and Pool D in Los Andes. Host Chile leads Pool A featuring Czechia, Egypt, Thailand, Turkiye, and USA. World No. 2 Japan heads Pool C, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Spain, and Poland, while third-ranked Italy was drawn to play in Pool D with Korea, Algeria, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.
