Jorge de Brito will stay as the Alas Pilipinas women’s head coach until December next year, Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Tats Suzara announced on Friday, June 7, in South Korea. 

The Brazilian mentor will be at the touchline for the women’s side until its campaign in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. 

“After careful thoughts, consideration and consultation with the PNVF board, I would like to officially announce that we would like to retain Coach Jorge until the a SEA Games 2025,” said Suzara after Alas Pilipinas played Powerful Daegu of South Korea in the “Serve, Spike Unite” friendly match between the two teams in Daegu City.

Following the national team’s historic bronze medal conquest in the recently concluded AVC Challenge Cup for Women, the Jia De Guzman-captained squad flew to South Korea for an exhibition match. 

It marked the country’s best finish in an AVC-sanctioned tournament, male or female, in its 63-year history in the federation.

At the time, de Brito’s future was up in the air as his contract was initially set to expire later this month and eventually replaced by an FIVB-appointed Italian coach. 

However, Alas Pilipinas’ undefeated run in the preliminary campaign that led to a semifinal appearance was enough reason for the local governing body to continue seeking de Brito’s services, not to mention the clamor around him during the weeklong tournament. 

The 1992 Olympic gold medalist was equally on board to extend his stay in the Philippines and continue to work his wonders in the country’s volleyball program.

Alas Pilipinas was poised and put up a good fight after dragging the Powerful Daegu in a thrilling five-set match, 26-24, 23-25, 23-25, 25-16, 15-8, to show it was more than just a visiting side. 

The match served as an exhibition game to mark the 75^th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea and the 126^th Philippine Independence Day celebration with officials from the Korean government and its volleyball federation.

The friendly was part of Alas Pilipinas’ preparations for the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Challenger Cup, which the country is also hosting from July 4 to 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.