THE Alas Pilipinas men take centerstage as the Philippines hosts the first leg of the 2024 Southeast Asia (SEA) V.League men’s tournament starting Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Out to sustain the Alas Pilipinas women’s back-to-back bronze medal finishes, the men’s confidence is in an all-time high as they open their campaign in the three-day leg opposite Vietnam at 6 p.m.

Reigning champion Indonesia and Thailand clash in the 3 p.m. curtain raiser.

But more than the mission of at least replicating the Filipina spikers’ breakthrough, Alas is determined to gift new head coach, Italian Angiolino Frigoni, a rousing debut.

Frigoni, 70, comes on board with vast experience highlighted by stints with the powerhouse Italy women’s team in the 1992 Barcelona and 2000 Sydney Olympics.

He was formally appointed by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), led by president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, last month upon the recommendation of the International Volleyball Federation, or FIVB.

Joining his staff are Dante Alinsunurin, Matteo Antonucci, Odjie Mamon, trainer Dexter Clamor, physiotherapist Yuichi Akaba and team manager Jerome Guhit.

The SEA V. League is part of the country’s year-long build-up for the historic solo hosting of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship in September next year.

The national team is aiming to fire it off in style with a strong showing against their regional rivals led by ace hitter Bryan Bagunas as another standout, Marck Espejo, sits out for now.

UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez, Vince Patrick Lorenzo, Jade Lex Disquitado, Kim Malabunga, Noel Kampton, Gabriel Casaña, Ave Joshua Retamar, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, Jenngerard Diao, Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez and Michaelo Buddin complete the squad.

After Vietnam, Alas takes on Indonesia at 6 p.m. on Saturday before wrapping up campaign against Thailand also at 6 p.m. Sunday.

With a world-class coach on board, Alas is hopeful to improve on the pair of fourth-place finishes in the inaugural edition last year held in Indonesia and the Philippines.

The second leg this year will be in Indonesia on a still-to-be-announced date and venue.